Exhaust Tip

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the exhaust tip on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, typically for cosmetic upgrades or tip replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Exhaust tip (aftermarket or OEM) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Exhaust flange gasket (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Allow exhaust system to cool completely (minimum 1 hour after operation)
4. Raise rear of vehicle using jack and support securely on jack stands at designated lift points
5. Verify exhaust system is cool to the touch before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate exhaust tip connection
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle. Locate the exhaust tip at the rear of the muffler assembly. The tip may be secured with clamp bolts or flange bolts depending on configuration. Inspect the connection type to determine removal method.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Spray all fasteners and the connection point between the exhaust tip and muffler outlet pipe with penetrating oil. Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes to ease removal. This is especially important on vehicles exposed to salt or moisture.
3. 3

   Remove exhaust tip fasteners
   If equipped with clamp-style connection: Remove the clamp bolts using appropriate socket (typically 10mm or 12mm). If equipped with flange bolts: Remove the flange bolts connecting the tip to the muffler outlet pipe. Support the exhaust tip with one hand while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Support the exhaust tip during removal to prevent damage to surrounding components or injury from falling parts.
4. 4

   Remove exhaust tip
   For slip-fit connection: Twist the exhaust tip slightly while pulling rearward to break the connection seal and slide the tip off the outlet pipe. For flanged connection: Carefully pull the tip straight back off the mounting studs once all fasteners are removed. Inspect the gasket if equipped and replace if damaged or deteriorated.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the muffler outlet pipe where the new tip will mount. Remove any rust, carbon deposits, or old gasket material. Ensure the surface is clean and smooth for proper seating of the new tip. Wipe clean with a rag.
6. 6

   Prepare new exhaust tip
   If the new tip uses a flange connection, apply anti-seize compound to the bolt threads. If using a slip-fit design, lightly coat the inside of the tip connection area with anti-seize to prevent future seizing. Install new gasket if the design uses a flanged connection.
7. 7

   Install new exhaust tip
   For slip-fit: Slide the new exhaust tip onto the muffler outlet pipe, ensuring proper depth and alignment. Rotate the tip to achieve desired rotational position before tightening. For flanged: Align the tip flange with the muffler outlet flange, ensuring gasket is properly positioned, and start all bolts hand-tight.
8. 8

   Secure exhaust tip
   For slip-fit with clamp: Position the clamp over the connection and tighten bolts evenly in a cross pattern to ensure uniform compression. For flanged connection: Torque the flange bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even gasket compression and proper seal.
   Torque spec

   Exhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Verify alignment and clearance
   Check that the exhaust tip is properly aligned and centered in the rear bumper cutout. Verify adequate clearance between the tip and bumper, rear valance, and any other surrounding components. Adjust position if necessary before final tightening. The tip should have at least 10mm clearance on all sides.

Reassembly

1. Double-check all fasteners are properly tightened to specification
2. Verify exhaust tip alignment and clearance from all surrounding components
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands safely

Verification

• Start the engine and check for exhaust leaks at the tip connection point (listen for hissing or feel for escaping gases)
• Verify no contact between exhaust tip and bumper or surrounding components
• Rev engine slightly and verify tip does not contact bumper during engine movement
• Visually inspect tip alignment and centering in bumper cutout from behind vehicle

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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