hypervish

Hey, guys so I was under the RX just inspecting random stuff like I normally do every few months. I need to replace my flex pipe soon, I'll likely want till after winter so that the salt doesn't ruin the new flex pipe too.

But, while under there I saw two rusted clamps that were on the exhaust. I don't know if they are necessary. They were both so rusted that they had come apart so I pulled them both off since I could hear them rattle whenever I turned my car on.

My question is do i need to buy replacement clamps like the one's show in the picture? If so, what is the part number? I don't think I need them as everything seems tight.

The pictures below show where the two clamps came off of on the exhaust.

hypervish

The pictures below show the two clamps that came off.

I didn't cut them off, they were already like that. Which is why I decided to just pull them since they weren't doing much just chilling on the exhaust. lol

SteveCraig

Look like cover clamps for the converter. It may continue to give you trouble over time, depending on how often it rattles around. It will eventually.

salimshah

Few simple rules to follow:

1. If you dont understand the purpose/function, then dont assume it is not needed.

2. If the manufacturer would do every thing possible to reduce cost. If a clamp is not needed, they would not install one.

Salim

hypervish

Ok, thanks for the help guys!

I can't find the clamp on this diagram: http://lexus.sewellparts.com/images/...000/171909.jpg

SteveCraig

OEM part will have it attached to the converter. After market piece may differ a bit. Exhaust can be an issue getting apart without breaking something else. The old piece will still retain quite a bit of value. Rare metals on the inside.
Changed one in my son's Civic last year. $150 at Carquest, different shape but fit was fine.
Local recycler gave me $95.00 cash for the old one.
Couple years back the converters were being cut off new cars just arrived at the port.
Battery operated recip. saw was netting 10-12 cars a night.
They all get caught...........eventually.

hypervish

If that piece comes with the OEM converter than I'll leave it as is. I don't plan on buying a new converter just to have clamps on the cover for it.

I may stick a bolt and nut through the empty hole seen in the first and second picture, and just call it a day. The cover itself seems like it's on there pretty tight, and doesn't seem like it's going anywhere.

carguy07

Just looks like the heat shield clamp. If it does not rattle, forget about it. If it rattles rig it. Maybe just put a bolt between the two pieces to hold it together.

hypervish

It doesn't rattle, so it should be fine.

But, yeah like you said, I will stick a bolt between them just in case.

Lexmex

Just stick a bolt in there. I saw that done constant times in Mexico and no issue for anyone.

hypervish

Thanks will do! Now to go through my box of bolts and find one that fits.