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Your vehicle’s exhaust hangers, clamps, and bends are incredibly important parts. Each has its own job, but all work towards the same goal: to ensure the exhaust system is structurally secure and performs optimally.
However, note that these components come in various types and materials, each with different benefits. Which is right for you depends on your vehicle’s requirements and driving conditions.
Choosing the right components is key, as they can affect your system's efficiency, noise, and durability. With performance systems, for instance, it's important to choose parts designed to handle higher temperatures and stress.
Thankfully, this guide covers everything you need to know to choose the best exhaust hanger, clamp, and bend options for your setup and optimize them for maximum performance and longevity.
Purpose of Exhaust Hangers, Clamps, and Bends
In this section, we’ll review the unique roles of exhaust hangers, clamps, and bends so you have a better idea of how everything fits together.
- Exhaust Hangers: These are used to securely hold your vehicle’s exhaust system in place so there’s no excessive movement, which can cause undercarriage damage. Exhaust hangers also help reduce vibrations and noise while out on the road, ensuring a smoother and quieter drive.
- Exhaust Clamps: A clamp, also known as an exhaust pipe clamp, serves as a secure connector between the different system parts, like the muffler and catalytic converter. They’re specifically designed to prevent leaks and maintain the exhaust's structure so that everything stays aligned and functions well.
- Exhaust Bends: As for bends, these help guide combustion gasses out of your engine and to the back of the car. They are designed to ensure a smooth flow, avoiding obstructions and maintaining consistent pipe width. Good bends help in efficient gas expulsion and better overall car performance.
The Difference Between Exhaust Hangers, Clamps and Bends
Now that you better understand the purpose of exhaust hangers, clamps, and bends, let’s review the different types and their characteristics.
Exhaust Hangers
Exhaust hangers come in various types, each suited to different vehicle needs. Rubber hangers are common for their vibration-dampening abilities, making your ride quieter and smoother. Polyurethane or stainless-steel hangers are sturdier, offering greater support and longevity, ideal for rougher roads or performance vehicles.
There are also hangers designed for specific car models and configurations, ensuring a perfect fit. Each type of hanger provides its own balance of support, flexibility, and durability, impacting how the exhaust system behaves under different driving conditions.
Exhaust Clamps
There are several exhaust pipe clamp options to choose from. U-bolt clamps are straightforward and budget-friendly, perfect for standard exhaust setups. V-band clamps offer a more robust seal and are easier to disassemble, making them ideal for performance-oriented cars or systems requiring frequent maintenance.
Band clamps, known for their flexibility, are great for achieving a tight seal without distorting the pipe, the perfect option for custom exhaust systems. Each clamp type has its unique benefits, whether it’s ease of installation, strength of seal, or adaptability to different exhaust configurations.
Exhaust Bends
How smoothly exhaust gas flows through the system directly affects vehicle performance. Thankfully, there are many bend types available to ensure an efficient route. Mandrel bends are popular for maintaining a consistent diameter throughout the bend, reducing backpressure, and enhancing flow efficiency, which is especially helpful for high-performance or tuned vehicles.
Crush bends, more economical but less efficient, are found in standard factory setups and are suited for regular driving conditions. The choice of bend type directly influences the exhaust flow, impacting everything from engine efficiency to the exhaust note, making it an important consideration for both everyday drivers and car enthusiasts.
8 Tips for How You Can Optimize Your Exhaust Hangers, Clamps, and Bends
- Regular Inspections: Conduct frequent inspections of your exhaust hangers, clamps, and bends. This helps in early identification and resolution of any wear, misalignment, or damage, ensuring the system remains in optimal condition.
- Correct Sizing: Ensure that the exhaust clamps are the correct size for your pipes. Incorrectly sized clamps can lead to ineffective sealing, potential leaks, or damage to the exhaust system.
- Material Selection: Choose materials based on your driving needs. For hangers, rubber provides vibration dampening, while polyurethane offers enhanced durability. In clamps and bends, stainless steel is preferable over mild steel for its strength and corrosion resistance, especially in high-stress conditions.
- Vibration Control: Utilize hangers and mounts that effectively reduce vibration and noise. This not only leads to a quieter ride but also reduces the risk of damage to the exhaust system.
- Heat Management: Consider using heat-resistant materials or heat shields near clamps and bends to protect against high temperatures, which can affect the integrity of these components.
- Alignment Checks: Regularly verify the alignment of the exhaust system. Proper alignment prevents undue stress on hangers and clamps, prolonging their lifespan and maintaining system integrity.
- Bend Efficiency: Opt for mandrel bends for enhanced flow efficiency and reduced backpressure, which is critical for maintaining engine performance. Evaluate the bend radius to ensure it meets your performance requirements.
- Upgrade and Replacement: Don't hesitate to upgrade to higher-quality components when necessary, especially for high-performance or heavily used vehicles. Regularly replacing worn-out parts can prevent more significant issues down the line.
JEGS: For All Your Automotive Needs
With your newfound knowledge of hangers, clamps, and bends, you should now be fully prepared to optimize your vehicle’s exhaust system. For all your automotive needs, consider JEGS, which offers a wide selection of performance car parts, including exhaust components.
Complete your order online and have your products sent straight to your garage door. Still have questions? Contact our team today.
