exhaust
Flex Pipe
for 2017 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10 · RWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.8 h
Tools
12
Steps
13
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Replacement of the exhaust flex pipe on a 2008 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10, requiring vehicle lift access and exhaust component removal.
Warnings
⚠️Allow exhaust system to cool completely before beginning work. Exhaust components can remain hot enough to cause severe burns for over an hour after engine shutdown.
⚠Exhaust fasteners are often corroded. Apply penetrating oil at least 30 minutes before removal to minimize breakage risk.
⚠Exhaust hangers are under tension. Use caution when removing to prevent injury from sudden release.
ℹ️The Viper exhaust system is side-exit configuration. Flex pipe location is between catalytic converters and side exhaust outlets.
Tools required
Wheel chocksEssential
13mm socketEssential
15mm socketEssential
Socket wrench with extensionEssential
Safety glassesEssential
Work glovesEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
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Parts
- Exhaust flex pipe assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Exhaust flange gasket set × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Exhaust flange nuts × 4 — Replace if corroded
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Chock rear wheels securely
- Allow exhaust system to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
- Raise vehicle on lift or securely support on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points
- Spray all exhaust flange fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 30 minutes minimum
Procedure
- 1Access the flex pipe assemblyPosition yourself under the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the flex pipe assembly in the exhaust system between the catalytic converters and the rear exhaust outlets. The flex pipe is typically positioned near the transmission tunnel area. Visually inspect the flex pipe for damage, cracks, or separation to confirm replacement necessity.
- 2Support the exhaust systemIdentify the exhaust hangers supporting the section containing the flex pipe. Note their positions for reassembly. Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the exhaust pipe just behind the flex pipe section to provide support during removal. Raise jack slightly to take weight off hangers but do not force upward.
- 3Disconnect upstream exhaust flangeLocate the upstream flange connection (closest to catalytic converters). Using the correct socket size and extension, remove the flange nuts connecting the flex pipe to the upstream exhaust section. Verify the exact bolt count per flange connection against factory documentation before proceeding. Remove nuts completely and retain hardware if in good condition. Separate the flange connection by hand or with gentle prying if necessary.
- 4Disconnect downstream exhaust flangeLocate the downstream flange connection (toward side-exit exhaust). Using the correct socket size and extension, remove the flange nuts connecting the flex pipe to the downstream exhaust section. Verify the exact nut count for this connection against factory documentation before proceeding. Once fasteners are removed, gently separate the flange connection.
- 5Release exhaust hangersIdentify the rubber exhaust hangers supporting the flex pipe section. Using an exhaust hanger removal tool or careful manual manipulation, work each rubber hanger off its mounting bracket. Typically 1-2 hangers support this section. Apply soapy water to hangers if needed to ease removal. Support exhaust pipe weight with the floor jack as hangers are released.
- 6Remove flex pipe assemblyWith all fasteners and hangers disconnected, carefully lower the floor jack to lower the flex pipe section. Maneuver the flex pipe assembly out from under the vehicle, taking care not to damage surrounding components or brake lines. Set aside the old flex pipe assembly.
- 7Clean flange surfacesUsing a wire brush, thoroughly clean both the upstream and downstream exhaust flange mating surfaces on the remaining exhaust system. Remove all old gasket material, carbon deposits, and corrosion to ensure proper sealing with new gaskets. Inspect flange faces for warping or damage.
- 8Prepare new flex pipe assemblyUnpack the new flex pipe assembly and verify it matches the original configuration. Install new exhaust flange gaskets onto the flanges of the new flex pipe assembly. Ensure gaskets are properly seated and aligned with bolt holes.
- 9Install new flex pipe assemblyPosition the floor jack under the new flex pipe assembly location. Maneuver the new flex pipe into position under the vehicle, aligning it with the upstream and downstream exhaust sections. Use the floor jack to raise the assembly to the approximate mounting height. Verify that exhaust hanger positions align with their mounting brackets.
- 10Connect exhaust hangersEngage the rubber exhaust hangers onto their mounting brackets. Work each hanger onto its bracket using manual manipulation or an exhaust hanger tool with soapy water if needed. Ensure hangers are fully seated and properly supporting the exhaust pipe. Adjust floor jack height as needed to facilitate hanger installation.
- 11Connect upstream flangeAlign the upstream flex pipe flange with the catalytic converter flange. Ensure the new gasket is in position. Thread the flange bolts through both flanges by hand. Install nuts and hand-tighten all fasteners. Do not fully torque at this stage to allow for alignment adjustments.
- 12Connect downstream flangeAlign the downstream flex pipe flange with the side-exit exhaust flange. Ensure the new gasket is in position. Thread the flange bolts through both flanges by hand. Install nuts and hand-tighten all fasteners. Verify the entire exhaust system from catalytic converters to outlets is properly aligned with adequate clearance from frame, body, and driveline components.
- 13Torque exhaust flange fastenersWorking in a cross-pattern, torque the upstream flange nuts to the factory-specified value using a torque wrench and the correct socket. Then torque the downstream flange nuts to the factory-specified value in a cross-pattern. Verify torque spec against Dodge service documentation before final tightening. Remove the floor jack support from under the exhaust system.
Reassembly
- Visually verify all exhaust connections are secure and properly gapped
- Confirm exhaust system has adequate clearance from all chassis components, brake lines, and fuel lines
- Verify exhaust hangers are fully engaged and supporting the system without strain
- Lower vehicle from lift or jack stands
Verification
- Start engine and allow to idle. Listen for exhaust leaks at both flange connections - a ticking or hissing sound indicates a leak requiring re-torquing or gasket replacement
- With engine running, visually inspect flange connections for escaping exhaust gases
- Perform a brief test drive and re-check all connections for leaks after the exhaust system has heated and cooled through one cycle
- Verify no contact between exhaust components and chassis during suspension travel by having an assistant rock the vehicle while observing clearances