How do I replace R53 left exhaust strap. I need to replace the upper portion of the bracket. Part # 18-20-7-546-979 . I'm not sure how to get to it, I hope I don't have to remove the exhaust. Can anyone give me a step by step or point me in the right direction?

 

Would think you could get to the nuts albeit it may not be easy. Jack the car up, place a stand to support the car and then lay on your back and take a look.

 

What year is your car?

You’ll need to at least lower the exhaust enough to get the old upper strap out and a new one in. There’s a bolt on each side holding the upper/lower straps together......if the strap itself is rusted (I’m assuming that’s why you are replacing), then surely the bolts are probably completely rusted/ceased. Spray them with penetrating oil a dat or two (or several times over several days) so they’ll break loose without breaking off.

This is probably how I would do it....this is for a 2005-06

1. Put car up on jack stands.
2. Use a floor jack to support mufflers at rear.
3. On each muffler, remove bolt holding lower strap to upper strap (one bolt per side per muffler)....remove lower strap on each side.
4. Lower exhaust using jack.
5. Replace upper strap on left side by removing outer rubber hanger from hook.....then slide strap assembly outward to remove from inner hanger. May be easier to remove the two nuts holding the inner hanger to the underside of the car and then remove from strap while off car. Be careful not to break off bolts as they may be rusty.....penetrating oil!
6. Replace left upper strap using reverse procedure.

If exhaust won’t lower down enough to do work, you’ll need to remove or at least loosen the bolts holding the exhaust center support so that the exhaust drops down further. This is about midway in the center of the car - 4 or 6 bolts (can’t remember).

Btw.....where are you located? I have these brackets in my garage....pulled the exhaust off my car a month or so ago to replace.

I’d also ask.....what kind of shape is the exhaust/mufflers in? If the strap assembly is presumably rusty, I’m assuming the exhaust may be also? Time to replace?

 

I followed your instructions and replaced today. I have small hands and arms so I was able to do it by removing the rear bumper and only removing the broken left mount. the way my exhaust was clanging was freaking me out so I just bought the parts at my dealership and took care of it today. Thanks again for the responses everyone.