New exhaust banging against tow bar

[ingmar]

I have fitted a new exhaust and backbox on my Volvo 940 estate, but the pipes were not perfect - shorter around the cat - and the backbox is riding too high, hitting the towbar bracket when I go over bumps.

The back box is held by a belt bracket attached to rubber connections, as per the photo.

Is there a way of getting this back box lower, either with a different belt bracket or longer rubber connections?

[griston64]

Have you tried reversing the band that goes round the silencer with the clips that go through the rubber hangers, as it look like the right hand one ( as you look at it ) is a little high. Is it a Volvo exhaust as I recently fitted one to mine and it was a perfect fit.

The other option would be to try another band as they do differ. I bought a ECP and it was rubbish

[Laird Scooby]

Two things jump out at me from your pics - first the back box is too far back and not quite the right angle but that could be down to the inboard rubber mount not being correct like the outboard one is.

Usually the procedure is to start at the back with all joints loose and get the back box in the right place/orientation then work your way to the front. Best to do this with the engine running so you can tighten the clamps up as they get warm and expand to prevent future leaks.

[Ian21401]

That back box is upside down. It appears to have what could be some sort of heat shield welded to one side of it. A previous genuine Volvo exhaust kit (not my latest one) came with a similar back box. I cut off that extra piece before fitting.
The other clue is that that the stub to which the tail pipe fits should be lower, which it will be if the box is the other up.
Are the hangers on the car’s sub frame opposite each other or are they offset. If they are offset a different securing band with offset hooks is required.

[griston64]

Well spotted Ian

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Ian21401

That back box is upside down. It appears to have what could be some sort of heat shield welded to one side of it. A previous genuine Volvo exhaust kit (not my latest one) came with a similar back box. I cut off that extra piece before fitting.
The other clue is that that the stub to which the tail pipe fits should be lower, which it will be if the box is the other up.
Are the hangers on the car’s sub frame opposite each other or are they offset. If they are offset a different securing band with offset hooks is required.

Dalmatian Ian - very well spotted!

I looked at those pics many times and knew there was something wrong but couldn't put my finger on it so well done for realising what it was!

I reckon if the OP fits the back box the correct way up his problems will be solved, assuming of course he has the correct strap as you point out.

[Ian21401]

I would probably not have noticed but I fitted a genuine Volvo exhaust to mine just two weeks ago. As has been said before, it fitted beautifully first time. My car has offset rear subframe hangers so I needed the appropriate rear box support band. There are two Volvo fitting kits available. The one with the offset hooks is VO31372148 and the one with diametrically opposed hooks is VO31372144.
Klarius also do a band with offset hooks, their part no. VOP39AK 430235.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Ian21401

I would probably not have noticed but I fitted a genuine Volvo exhaust to mine just two weeks ago. As has been said before, it fitted beautifully first time. My car has offset rear subframe hangers so I needed the appropriate rear box support band. There are two Volvo fitting kits available. The one with the offset hooks is VO31372148 and the one with diametrically opposed hooks is VO31372144.
Klarius also do a band with offset hooks, their part no. VOP39AK 430235.

Last time i fitted a standard back box was about 8 years ago, that's my excuse and i'm sticking to it!

Last back box i fitted to my current 760 was about 4 years ago and that was ever so slightly different to standard with stainless internals and polycarbonate case and twin tailpipes. Seems to suit the car better in many ways!