Exhaust Pipe - Rear Section

This procedure covers removal and installation of the rear exhaust section on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, from the mid-pipe flange to the rear tailpipe outlet.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear exhaust section assembly × 1 — 18310-6A0-A00 or aftermarket equivalent
• Exhaust flange gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rubber exhaust hangers (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure exhaust system is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
3. Raise vehicle using floor jack and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Spray all exhaust flange bolts and hanger bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and inspect rear exhaust section
   Position yourself under the vehicle and identify the rear exhaust section. It connects to the mid-pipe at a flanged joint approximately under the rear seats, and is supported by two rubber hangers before the muffler and tailpipe. Inspect the connection points and hangers for corrosion or damage.
2. 2

   Remove heat shield (if equipped)
   If a heat shield is present over the rear exhaust section, remove the mounting bolts using a 10mm socket. There are typically 2-3 bolts securing the shield. Set the heat shield aside for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect oxygen sensor connector (if applicable)
   If the rear oxygen sensor is mounted on the section being removed, locate the electrical connector on the body harness. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the O2 sensor wiring. Do not pull on the wire itself. If reusing the sensor, you may leave it installed in the pipe for now.
4. 4

   Support the rear exhaust section
   Position a floor jack or have an assistant support the weight of the rear exhaust section to prevent it from dropping when the hangers and flange are disconnected. The section weighs approximately 15-20 lbs.
5. 5

   Remove exhaust flange bolts
   Locate the flanged connection between the mid-pipe and rear section (typically a 2-bolt flange). Using a 14mm socket, remove both flange bolts while supporting the rear section. If bolts are severely corroded, apply additional penetrating oil and use a breaker bar. Keep the old gasket for reference but replace with new.
   Torque spec

   Exhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove rear exhaust hangers
   Locate the two rubber exhaust hangers that support the rear section. Use a pry bar or large flathead screwdriver to carefully separate the metal hooks from the rubber hangers. Work the exhaust section side-to-side while prying to ease removal. Inspect rubber hangers for cracking or deterioration and replace if damaged.
   ⚠Rubber hangers are under tension. Control the exhaust section to prevent sudden movement when the final hanger is released.
7. 7

   Remove rear exhaust section
   With all mounting points disconnected, carefully lower and remove the rear exhaust section from under the vehicle. Maneuver it past any obstacles such as the rear subframe or fuel tank heat shields. If the oxygen sensor is still installed, carefully guide the sensor and wiring through as you remove the section.
8. 8

   Remove oxygen sensor from old pipe (if reusing)
   If reusing the oxygen sensor, remove it from the old exhaust section using a 22mm oxygen sensor socket. Turn counterclockwise to remove. Inspect the sensor threads and tip for damage. Clean the threads with a wire brush if necessary but avoid contact with the sensor element.
   ⚠Do not use conventional sockets on oxygen sensors as they can damage the wiring. Use a dedicated oxygen sensor socket with a wire pass-through slot.
   Torque spec

   O2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Clean flange mating surface
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the flange mating surface on the mid-pipe. Remove all old gasket material, carbon deposits, and corrosion. The surface must be flat and clean to ensure a proper seal with the new gasket.
10. 10

    Install oxygen sensor in new pipe (if applicable)
    If reusing the oxygen sensor or installing a new one, apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the threads only. Do not allow anti-seize to contact the sensor element. Thread the sensor into the new rear exhaust section by hand, then tighten to specification using the oxygen sensor socket.
    Torque spec

    O2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Position new rear exhaust section
    Carefully lift the new rear exhaust section into position under the vehicle. If the oxygen sensor is installed, route the wiring to avoid heat sources and moving components. Align the flange with the mid-pipe connection and insert the exhaust hooks into the rubber hangers. You may need an assistant or floor jack to support the weight during alignment.
12. 12

    Install new flange gasket and bolts
    Position the new exhaust flange gasket between the mid-pipe and rear section flanges. Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of the flange bolts. Insert both bolts and hand-tighten to ensure proper alignment. Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, tighten the flange bolts in a cross-pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Exhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Verify hanger engagement
    Ensure both rubber exhaust hangers are fully engaged with the metal hooks on the exhaust section. The hooks should be centered in the rubber mounts. Gently push and pull on the exhaust to verify secure mounting and check for proper clearance from the underbody, fuel tank, and suspension components.
14. 14

    Reconnect oxygen sensor (if applicable)
    Reconnect the oxygen sensor electrical connector to the body harness. Ensure the connector clicks into place and the release tab is fully engaged. Route the sensor wire to match the factory path, securing it away from heat and moving parts.
15. 15

    Reinstall heat shield
    If a heat shield was removed, position it back over the exhaust section and install the mounting bolts. Tighten to specification using a 10mm socket and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check all flange bolts are torqued to specification and exhaust hangers are fully seated
2. Verify oxygen sensor connector is securely fastened and wiring is properly routed
3. Ensure adequate clearance exists between exhaust and underbody components (minimum 1 inch at all points)

Verification

• Lower vehicle from jack stands and start engine while in a well-ventilated area
• Listen for exhaust leaks at the flange connection; a hissing sound indicates improper sealing or insufficient torque
• Visually inspect the flange joint for smoke or soot while engine is running
• Check that exhaust system hangs level and does not contact body panels or suspension components
• Take a short test drive and verify no rattling or abnormal exhaust noise occurs
• Re-check flange bolts for tightness after first 50 miles of driving

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