Repair 7

How to Replace the Muffler in a Buick Park Avenue

The muffler on your Buick Park Avenue reduces the loud noise produced by exhaust system pressure during engine operation. Along with this noise, the exhaust system carries fumes, water and acids produced during engine combustion. This poisonous combination of exhaust by-products eventually corrodes the exhaust pipes and muffler after a period of service. If your muffler has already developed a leak, toxic gases may find their way into the passenger compartment and put the lives of any one on board in danger. Replace the rusted muffler as soon as possible.

Instructions

Remove the Muffler

1

Raise the rear of your Park Avenue using a floor jack and safely support it on 2 jack stands.

2

Place the floor jack underneath the muffler for support.

3

Put on your goggles to keep rust and dirt off your eyes. Cut the exhaust pipe as close as you can to the muffler, right before the welded joint. Use a hacksaw or exhaust pipe cutter.

4

Unfasten the exhaust-hanger nut from its bracket using a wrench or ratchet, ratchet extension and six-point socket to prevent rounding off the nut. If the nut is rusted and seems stuck, spray the nut and stud thread with penetrating oil. Wait a few minutes before attempting to remove the nut.

5

Lift the muffler from underneath the vehicle.

6

Apply a coat of automotive grease to the tail-pipe hanger rod and slide the rubber hanger off the rod.

Install the New Muffler

7

Set the new muffler in place by fitting the muffler neck over the exhaust pipe. Support the muffler using the floor jack.

8

Install the new U-clamp over the exhaust pipe and muffler neck joint. Do not tighten the clamp yet.

9

Apply a coat of automotive grease to the tail-pipe hanger rod and the inner diameter of the rubber hanger. Then slide the rubber hanger over the hanger rod.

10

Screw the muffler-hanger nut to the exhaust hanger bracket and tighten the nut using the ratchet, ratchet extension and six-point socket.

11

Align the muffler to the vehicle and tighten the U-clamp using the ratchet, ratchet extension and six-point socket.

12

Lower the vehicle.