How to Clamp Exhaust Pipes Together? 3 Easy & Effective Ways

We know how important the role of exhaust pipes is to keep away toxic fumes from vehicles. However, this can be really risky and cause accidents if the exhaust pipes are not clamped together properly.

So, how to clamp exhaust pipes together? Well, you can use a U-bolt exhaust clamp for this. Besides, you may also consider a band sleeve clamp and v-band clamping. Using a flexible braided pipe could also be fine. Last but not least, welding is a good option as well.

Well, this answers the methods in brief. But to follow these, you need to go through the details that we have got here for you. Read along and get started now!

 How to Clamp Exhaust Pipes Together?

Clamping exhaust pipes in the right way is extremely important. But not everyone knows how to do it properly, which people think is a very hard job.

However, clamping exhaust pipes is easy if you know the drills. Here, we have got 4 simplest methods yet effective ones that you can follow.

 

Method 1: U-bolt Exhaust Clamp

This one is the easiest method considered by many people. Take a look below to follow this method.

Step 1: Align the Pipes

First, you need to have a flare of one pipe. Then you fit this pipe over the other gently so that none of these slips off.

Step 2: Fasten the Pipes

Now, you just have to fasten the pipes using the U-bolt exhaust clamp. To do this, slide the u-bolt clamp over the pipe. Then put in the base piece and tighten it with nuts.

When done, give the pipe a gentle pull to see if this fits in place until you get started.

Method 2: Band Sleeve Clamp

This method is best if you can straighten the pipes as much as you can. Take a look below to count on this method.

Step 1: Align the Pipes

First, you need to hold the pipes together to make them straight like an arrow. That means you need to make sure the pipes are in line.

Step 2: Put on the Band Sleeve Clamp

Now, put on the band sleeve clamp and tighten it with bolts as given with it. You can use a wrench to fasten the bolts and get done with the work.

Here is a video that contrasts the two approaches discussed above, which will undoubtedly aid in choosing the method to use;

Method 3: Flexible Braided Pipe

It is done using a flexible braided pipe and is quicker than the methods mentioned above.

Step 1: Get the Exhaust Pipes in Place

First, you have to hold the pipes in place to align them. You may also use a tripod to get support to keep the pipes straight.

 Step 2: Put on the Braided Pipe

Now, take the braided pipe and put it on the pipes to clamp up the exhaust pipes together.

Method 4: V-Band Clamping

Now you need to fasten the v-band clamping. Take the clamp and remove the nuts and bolts from the clamps to take off the inners. Then you have to put the clamps on the exhaust pipes, attach the bolt and fasten the nuts.

Is It A Good Decision to Exhaust Pipes By Welding Them?

Now that you come across the methods that we stated above, you may wonder whether welding the exhaust pipes is a good idea or not. Well, yes, welding exhaust pipes is a very common solution people use. However, it is not that easy and not readily available to do everywhere.

But note that welding exhaust pipes would be one of the most secure ways that you can count on. Now, if you wonder how to weld exhaust pipes, here you got to go.

Step 1: Choose the Weld Type and Clean the Pipes

First, you need to choose what type of welder you want to use. Typically, MIG welders are considered the best for this. Once you do it, you then choose the right wire.

After that, set up the welder to get started welding the pipes. Make sure the pipe has got no dust or debris in it or around it.

Step 2: Tack Weld the Pipe

Now, take a wire brush to clean the metal once again, just to ensure no dirt particles are there. As you do it, tack weld the pipe before the final welding.

To tack weld, you need an arc to produce low heat and weld the pipe temporarily before the final welding. This helps to keep the pipe in place.

Step 3: Weld the Pipe

This time, you can start welding the pipe. While doing it, try to keep your distance about 2 to 4 mm from the pipe.

Once you weld the pipe, turn off the power and let the pipe rest to cool down to get started.

What Happens If I Fail to Clamp Exhaust Pipes Properly?

Clamping the exhaust pipes is extremely crucial. Otherwise, you will have to experience several consequences. It’s common to wonder what happens if I can not clamp these exhaust pipes properly.

Well, here we have talked about the adverse consequences that you will face due to this.

Consequence 1: Poor Fuel Economy

Due to complications in the clamping of exhaust pipes, you will primarily notice poor fuel economy.

This happens as the exhaust pipes will not be able to pass out the fume and smoke properly. Due to this, the smoke particles will start getting clogged in the exhaust pipe.

Over time, the car will have to produce more pressure to let out the smoke and fume through the pipe. This will result in more consumption of fuel, leading to poor fuel economy.

Consequence 2: Engine Complications

Due to issues with the clamping of exhaust pipes, the exhaust pipe engine can not give off the harmful gas.

That means carbon monoxide and other harmful substances stay back in the cabin of the car. Due to this, the engine gets these harmful substances back in.

To be precise, the car engine captures the fumes and smoke for which the engine becomes heated over time.

As a result, the engine of the car starts having issues and complications as time goes by.

Consequence 3: Suffocation

If the exhaust pipes are not clamped properly, the remaining smoke and fume will stay back in the cabin.

Due to this, there will be an overflow of smoke that can reach out to the driver and passengers.

Now, this will asphyxiate the people inside the car and people around the car as well. Thus, people will start suffocating from this.

Note that car fumes adding up to the environment can also adversely affect the climate of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

As you have got your query clarified already, we have got here a few additional and relevant pieces of information about this concern.

Q: Is it important to get the right dimensions of exhaust pipes?

Yes, it is absolutely a necessity to get the right dimensions of exhaust pipes before you clamp them together. You need to buy the necessary supplies considering these dimensions. To get these, you can use a measuring tape.

Q: Is it a good decision to clamp exhaust pipes by myself or an expert?

Yes, clamping exhaust pipes together is fine to do by yourself. If you have prior knowledge or experience of this, it will be a piece of cake. However, if you are not confident enough to be an amateur, you may seek help.

Q: How long does it take to clamp exhaust pipes together?

The process of clamping exhaust pipes takes a few hours, depending on how experienced you are at doing this. However, clamping exhaust pipes and getting it done takes about a few days in general.

The Final Words

To conclude, now you know how to clamp exhaust pipes together! We believe you can do it by yourself without any complications. But, if you are not confident enough, taking professional help is always recommended.

Always keep your car exhaust pipe clean. Try to clean it at least once every month. This could increase the performance and even efficiency of your car. We wish you good luck and have a good time driving your car!