Exhaust Hangers

This procedure covers the inspection and replacement of exhaust system rubber hangers on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L, which support the exhaust system and isolate vibration from the vehicle body.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Exhaust rubber hanger (front) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust rubber hanger (center) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust rubber hanger (rear) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Nickel or copper-based

Preparation

1. Ensure the exhaust system is completely cold to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
4. Raise the vehicle using a floor jack at the manufacturer's recommended lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at the frame rails or designated support points
6. Visually inspect the entire exhaust system from underneath for damage, excessive rust, or misalignment

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and inspect all exhaust hangers
   From under the vehicle, identify all four exhaust hanger locations: one near the front flex pipe/catalytic converter area, one at the center resonator section, and two at the rear muffler assembly. Visually inspect each rubber hanger for tears, excessive wear, hardening, or separation from the metal hook. Note which hangers require replacement.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil if needed
   If any hanger has been in place for an extended period, spray penetrating oil on the metal hooks where they insert into the rubber grommets. Allow 5-10 minutes for penetration. This will ease removal and prevent tearing the rubber unnecessarily.
3. 3

   Support the exhaust system
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the exhaust section nearest to the hanger being replaced. Raise slightly to take tension off the hanger. Do not lift the exhaust more than 1-2 inches, as this may stress other connections.
4. 4

   Remove front exhaust hanger
   Using a pry bar or long screwdriver, carefully lever the metal hook out of the rubber grommet on the body-mounted bracket. Work the hook from side to side while pulling to separate it. If replacing, remove the hanger from the exhaust pipe hook in the same manner. The front hanger is located approximately 18 inches behind the catalytic converter.
5. 5

   Remove center exhaust hanger
   Reposition the jack to support the center section of the exhaust. Use the pry bar to separate the center hanger in the same manner as the front. This hanger is located near the midpoint of the vehicle under the passenger compartment floor area.
6. 6

   Remove rear exhaust hangers
   The muffler assembly uses two hangers near the rear of the vehicle. Support the muffler with the jack and remove both rear hangers using the pry bar technique. These hangers typically have more load and may be more difficult to remove. Work carefully to avoid damaging the exhaust pipe hooks.
7. 7

   Clean mounting points
   Use a wire brush to clean the body-mounted bracket slots and the exhaust pipe hooks where the new hangers will be installed. Remove any rust, dirt, or rubber debris. Ensure the metal hooks on the exhaust are not bent or damaged.
8. 8

   Install new rear hangers
   Starting at the rear, install new rubber hangers by first attaching them to the body-mounted brackets, then using the floor jack to position the exhaust pipe hooks into the hangers. Apply a small amount of soapy water or silicone spray to the hooks to ease installation. Ensure the hangers are fully seated on both the body bracket and exhaust hook.
9. 9

   Install center and front hangers
   Work forward, installing the center hanger and then the front hanger using the same technique. Use the jack to adjust exhaust position as needed to align the hooks with the new hangers. Verify each hanger is properly seated and not twisted.
10. 10

    Check exhaust alignment and clearance
    With all hangers installed, remove the jack support and allow the exhaust to hang freely. Visually verify the exhaust system has adequate clearance from the underbody, fuel tank, rear axle, and heat shields (minimum 1 inch clearance). Check that all pipes are level and properly aligned. Adjust hanger positions if necessary by repositioning the rubber grommets on the body brackets.
11. 11

    Verify all connections
    Inspect all exhaust flange connections to ensure they remain tight and properly sealed. If any flanges were disturbed during the hanger replacement, verify torque specifications are met. Check that heat shields are secure and not contacting the exhaust pipes.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly of major components is required for this procedure
2. Ensure all new hangers are fully seated on both mounting points before lowering the vehicle
3. Double-check that no tools or parts were left on top of the exhaust or suspension components

Verification

• Lower the vehicle and remove jack stands safely
• Start the engine and listen for any exhaust leaks, rattles, or unusual vibrations
• With the engine running, have an assistant apply slight pressure to the rear bumper to create body movement while you listen for exhaust contact with the underbody
• Perform a short test drive and listen for any exhaust-related noises, particularly over bumps
• After test drive, re-inspect hangers from underneath to ensure they remained properly seated and the exhaust maintains proper clearance

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