Exhaust Removal Help
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area
1999 ML320
Exhaust Removal Help
I'm at the point to remove the right side catalytic exhaust and wanted to know the best way to do this. I've already removed the Transmission support bracket and Torsion bar. Do I have to remove the exhaust manifold or rear muffler/resonator to slip the CAT exhaust pipe off? I need to remove the pipe in its original state in order to get the core back, but I don't think I have enough room to push the exhaust pipe forward towards the front to get the slip fit pipe off the muffler before the upper pipe end hits the manifold...doesn't seem like I can get the clearance to pass underneath the manifold end. I was told I shouldn't remove the muffler since I'm only taking the right side exhaust out only due to bad catalytic converter, but it seems like the best choice or removing the exhaust manifold. Any help and suggestions is much appreciated. Thanks. 1999 ML320.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
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From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
No, you do not have to remove the exhaust manifold, you just have to remove the exhaust pipe from the manifold.
Warning. those bolts holding the exhaust pipes are 20 yrs. old and will need heat to remove them.
Warning. those bolts holding the exhaust pipes are 20 yrs. old and will need heat to remove them.
Last edited by Maj. Dundee; Dec 27, 2020 at 06:27 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area
1999 ML320
Thanks for the pdf’s but I’m looking for the best method to get the exhaust removed as I’ve detached the CAT from the manifold flange, but the other end is still in the muffler. So looking the correct or best way to get the long exhaust off the muffler so that I can remove it as I don’t seem to think the exhaust can move forward towards the front of the car to get the exhaust free from the muffler. So I’m thinking that the muffler needs to be removed in order to remove the CAT exhaust pipe. Let me know if this makes sense or not. Appreciate the help.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area
1999 ML320
Just an update that I was able to remove the catalytic converter (manifold to muffler piping), by basically loosening both exhaust sides on the muffler and then the full CAT pipe came off easily. It was a bit difficult to put both exhaust pipes back onto the muffler but was doable.
