I have an exhaust leak where the Muffler connects to the tail pipe. You can see where exhaust leaks out turning the pipe black. I'm going to tackle this by first replacing the clamp. Anyone ever have this problem and wound up replacing the muffler and tail pipe.

Tail pipe and exhaust

tail pipe and exhaust clamp close up.

 

gosh, if you have a mom & pop muffler shop anywhere near by two $20's in their pocket might result in a nice, and better, fix. Kinda thinking that a new clamp, though a cheaper attempt, could be more frustrating and possibly fruitless effort.

Years ago I took a gamble on a $35 Thrush Welded muffler from Adavnced Auto. I read a lot of mixed things about that but I needed clearance so one way or another the factory pos had to go. I've had that muffler for years and it's been great for me.....but I have the 3.6L so my opinion is based on that engine. Muffler shop installed that for $40 for me and that included them bending a new pipe to go over the TB and making me a tip.

 

I thought about Muffler shops. Looking at the exhaust system it's mostly all clamps and a easy design until it splits to both sides of the engine. Now here's my better scenario of getting this fixed. By having a new clamp gives me a chance to remove the muffler and clean things up and try to figure out why it's leaking to begin with. That's why I'm asking if anyone has ever gone this route before.

 

I thought about Muffler shops. Looking at the exhaust system it's mostly all clamps and a easy design until it splits to both sides of the engine. Now here's my better scenario of getting this fixed. By having a new clamp gives me a chance to remove the muffler and clean things up and try to figure out why it's leaking to begin with. That's why I'm asking if anyone has ever gone this route before.

 

I removed mine myself. It was a real bitch. I couldn't believe how hard it was to separate right there on my '13, and it didn't look near like yours does. That is not to say yours will be hard or easy, but why I suggested the other. You very well may have a different experience.

 

I have two of these holding the Muffler up. And just looking at them I'm puzzled on how to unhook them. And two more supporting the exhaust pipe. A hook goes thru the top and bottom. Do you have these on your Jeep.

Rubber supports

 

well, removing the muffler from that pipe is bitch number 1, and removing muffler from those suckers is bitch number 2! They actually have some steel bits in em too if I recall. I believe I ended up cutting/mangling mine originally cuz I could not get it out as the muffler "hanger" had a big knob or "nipple" on the end of the post that passes through that. I recall trying dish soap and other lubes to no avail. I am 99.9% certain that I just bought another one as a replacement for the new muffler.

 

After seeing some videos on the subject got my curiosity and I started cleaning the area with a wire brush. The muffler/pipe is almost separated from corrosion. I put some of that high heat epoxy on the crack and I'm very surprised how strong that stuff is.
And on another note. Those rubber couplers, you should have tried baby powder as lubrication. I haven't tried it yet but getting ready to test my theory. I'll most like cut them off. They look pretty hard and solid.

 

Interesting. Never in a million years would my mind have thought of that as a lubricant.

 

I changed a stocker for a Dynamax dual outlet for better flow for the V8. I just sprayed Fluid Film on those rubber hangers and they slipped off. I never saw any inserts. Used Channel locks to ease them over the capturing knob. And the muffler I have leaks same place even now. Old muffler looked like yours and I just hit it with claw hammer and loosened it up. Whole muffler change took less than 30 minutes in my garage.