Exhaust Sleeve Clamp v. Weld

Subscribe
Aug 16, 2016 | 04:24 PM
  #1  
About 1-2 months ago, I cut out my secondary cat (replaced with straight pipe) and resonator (replaced with x-pipe). Last week I started noticing some odd exhaust noise. This morning it was really bad, so I took it back to the shop that did the work. They told me that the vibrations had loosened up one of the sleeve clamps. They tightened it back up, but then suggested that I bring it back for them to weld instead (at no cost). Told me the exact same issue happened recently with another C63 they worked on. This is a high-end shop with a good reputation, so I don't think they're doing shotty work, but it still seems odd that there would be a problem, given that it's my understanding that clamps are what are used on the factory exhaust. I would prefer not to weld, as it will make it harder to go back to stock, but obviously don't want to keep having this problem. Thoughts?
Reply 0
Aug 16, 2016 | 04:42 PM
  #2  
Pretty simple really.

Want to be able to go back easily? Don't weld.

Don't want to have to go in to a shop and have the bolts tightened everyone so often? Weld.

Just depends which you want more or less
Reply 0
Aug 16, 2016 | 04:45 PM
  #3  
clamp
Reply 0
Aug 16, 2016 | 07:10 PM
  #4  
You might have the clamps tightened and put two small, short tack welds 180º apart that can easily be knocked off for future disassembly. That's what I'd do anyway.
Reply 0
Aug 17, 2016 | 10:27 AM
  #5  
Maybe some lock washers would work? I don't know. I did mine with a sleeve clamp about 3 months ago and no issues so far. Are you ever going to take it off? Might as well weld it if they're offering it for free. I opted not to weld mine because I didn't want to drop the header and the sleeve was just so easy.
Reply 0
Aug 17, 2016 | 11:12 AM
  #6  
depeneds in the clamp sleeve some are poorly made the ones I use have yet to fail. Can you post a pic that will help
Reply 0
Aug 18, 2016 | 05:02 PM
  #7  
Use the clamps and have them tack weld as stated above. Best of both worlds.
Reply 0
Aug 18, 2016 | 10:15 PM
  #8  
You will have to go back to the shops to retighten the clamps after a few heat cycles. The clamps don't get loose once it has been retightened afterwards. My long tube clamps were retightened 3 times, and I have not had any issues. My headers have been on for almost 2 years.
Reply 0

MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

Explore
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Aug 19, 2016 | 03:39 AM
  #9  
I had the same issue.
Replaced the stretched clamps with new (OEM) clamps; All good.
Maybe have them checked after a couple of weeks.
Reply 0
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE