Exhaust Pipe - Rear Section

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear exhaust pipe section from the mid-pipe to the rear muffler on 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 models.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear exhaust pipe assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust flange gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rubber exhaust hangers × 2 — Replace if torn or deteriorated

Preparation

1. Ensure exhaust system is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Place wheel chocks behind front wheels
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame lift points
5. Spray all exhaust flange bolts and hanger bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak
6. Inspect rear O2 sensor location if equipped with downstream sensor on this section

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear O2 sensor if applicable
   If the rear exhaust section has an oxygen sensor installed, disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Using a 22mm oxygen sensor socket or wrench, rotate counterclockwise to remove the sensor. Set aside in a safe location to prevent damage to the sensor tip.
2. 2

   Remove heat shield bolts if present
   If heat shields are attached to the rear exhaust section, remove the mounting bolts using a 10mm or 12mm socket. Set heat shields aside for reinstallation or transfer to new pipe.
   Torque spec

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

   Support rear exhaust section
   Position a jack stand or have an assistant support the weight of the rear exhaust pipe and muffler assembly to prevent it from dropping when hangers are disconnected. The assembly weighs approximately 25-35 pounds.
4. 4

   Disconnect exhaust hangers
   Locate the rubber exhaust hangers supporting the rear section (typically 2 hangers). Using a pry bar or exhaust hanger tool, carefully work the exhaust pipe loops out of the rubber hangers. Apply soapy water to lubricate if necessary. Inspect rubber hangers for cracking or deterioration and replace if needed.
5. 5

   Remove flange bolts at mid-pipe connection
   Locate the bolted flange connection between the mid-pipe and rear section (typically located under the rear seat area). Using a 14mm socket and extension, remove the two or three flange bolts connecting the pipes. If bolts are seized, apply additional penetrating oil and allow to soak, or carefully apply heat with a torch if safe to do so. Remove the old flange gasket.
6. 6

   Remove rear exhaust section
   With all fasteners removed and hangers disconnected, carefully lower and slide the rear exhaust pipe and muffler assembly rearward to clear the mid-pipe flange. Maneuver the assembly out from under the vehicle. Be cautious of sharp edges and protruding hangers.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect mounting points
   Use a wire brush to clean the mid-pipe flange surface, removing all old gasket material and corrosion. Inspect the flange for cracks or damage. Clean the rubber hanger mounting points on the chassis. Inspect threaded holes in heat shield mounting locations and chase threads if necessary.
8. 8

   Prepare new exhaust section
   If reusing the rear O2 sensor, apply a thin coating of anti-seize compound to the sensor threads only (avoid getting anti-seize on the sensor tip). Transfer heat shields from old pipe if not included with new assembly. Verify new pipe includes all necessary brackets and mounting loops.
9. 9

   Install rear exhaust section
   Position the new rear exhaust pipe assembly under the vehicle. Align the front flange with the mid-pipe connection point. Insert the exhaust pipe loops into the rubber hangers on the chassis. You may need to temporarily support the assembly with a jack stand while aligning.
10. 10

    Install new flange gasket and bolts
    Place a new flange gasket between the mid-pipe and rear pipe flanges. Apply anti-seize compound to the flange bolt threads. Insert flange bolts and hand-tighten. Ensure flange surfaces are seated evenly before final tightening. Torque flange bolts in a cross pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Exhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall heat shields
    If heat shields were removed, reposition them and install mounting bolts. Hand-tighten all bolts first, then torque to specification. Ensure heat shields do not contact the exhaust pipe directly and have proper clearance.
    Torque spec

    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install rear O2 sensor
    If removed, thread the rear oxygen sensor into the bung by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use the oxygen sensor socket to torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector and ensure the wire routing does not contact hot exhaust components or moving parts.
    Torque spec

    O2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Verify exhaust alignment and clearance
    Check that the entire exhaust system has proper clearance from the chassis, fuel tank, suspension components, and body panels. There should be at least 15-20mm clearance at all points. Adjust hanger positions if necessary to center the exhaust path.

Reassembly

1. Double-check all flange bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify exhaust hangers are fully seated in rubber mounts
3. Ensure O2 sensor wiring is properly routed and secured away from heat and moving parts
4. Confirm heat shields are secure and not rattling

Verification

• Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove wheel chocks
• Start engine and listen for exhaust leaks at the flange connection (hissing or ticking sounds indicate leak)
• Check for abnormal exhaust odors in cabin which would indicate leak near passenger compartment
• Rev engine to 2500 RPM and verify no rattling or contact between exhaust and chassis
• Visually inspect flange connection while engine is running for escaping exhaust gases
• Test drive vehicle and listen for any exhaust drone, rattles, or unusual sounds
• After test drive, recheck flange bolts for proper torque while exhaust is warm

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