Ford Mustang Hangers, Clamps, and Flanges
No matter if youre a full-time mechanic or you just enjoy maintaining your own vehicle, a number of accessories are available to make the job easier. These include an assortment of Ford Mustang hangers, clamps, and flanges that will keep your exhaust system securely in place. Of these parts, clamps are the most versatile and can be used for many auto repair applications.
What are automotive hangers, clamps, and flanges?These terms are often lumped together in discussions of automotive exhaust systems, but there are differences in their makeup and uses.
- Hangers: Also called bushings, these rubber or steel parts provide a secure surface for attaching pipe clamps that hold the muffler and other exhaust system components in place.
- Pipe clamps: Sometimes called saddle clamps or U-bolts, these are flexible round or U-shaped fasteners used to provide stability and restrict mufflers and tailpipe movement while driving.
- Flanges: A round, non-flexible bolted fastener that offers even pressure over a 365-degree expanse, this protects the seam from debris or separation when joining two pieces of pipe together.
If youve ever hit a bump and pulled off your muffler or tailpipe, you know the value of having a heavy-duty exhaust hanger for reliable pipe support. They act as an anchor for clamps in parts that need to be removed and replaced without a hassle. Although they can be used in other areas, such as shocks and struts, theyre especially useful for securing exhaust pipes, mufflers, and other components that hang beneath vehicles.
What are pipe hangers and pipe clamps made from?Clamps are made from thin, flexible metal, usually steel, and range in size from 1 3/4 to 5 inches in diameter. A hanger is a 3- to 3 7/8-inch strap that is between 1 3/4 and 2 1/8 inches wide. They can be made from several materials, including
:- Steel
- Molded, heat-resistant rubber
- Cord-reinforced composite
These parts fall into the "out of sight, out of mind" category of car maintenance because you usually dont see or deal with them unless they become corroded and your muffler falls off. They should all be replaced if one fails or any time you install a new exhaust component like the muffler or tail pipe. To replace them, follow these steps:
- Use a wrench to loosen the bolt on the clamp connected to the muffler.
- Unbolt the hanger from the vehicle undercarriage.
- Turn the whole unit counterclockwise and pull it out.
- Follow these steps in reverse order to install the replacement.
This is usually the impetus for replacing the U-bolts and pipe hangers since its exposure to heat, road salt, and moisture makes it one of the more erodible parts. To put the new exhaust in place:
- Slip the short pipe into the strap.
- Attach the pipe clamp to the end of the muffler.
- Line the muffler up with the short pipe without tightening the fastener.
- Insert the accelerator pipes into the end of the muffler.
- Once everything is in place, tighten the fasteners.