Product Information

An exhaust clamp is typically made of aluminized or stainless steel and is used to secure sections of an exhaust system together, keeping the pipes tightly connected to prevent exhaust leaks. They are sized based on the diameter of the exhaust pipe and are specific to the size of the exhaust being used.

The most common style of exhaust clamps on European cars are band clamps, which provide a wide area of clamping force and are robust and resistant to failure due to corrosion or rust. In more performance-oriented or high-end settings, V-band clamps may be used. V-band exhaust clamps pull two rimmed flanges together and clamp down over the top, making a very strong and tidy connection that is both easy to service and perfectly even. Finally, U-bolt clamps are a simple style of exhaust clamp consisting of a U-shaped bolt with two threaded ends, a bracket with a radius of the exhaust pipe, and two nuts. This style is usually used in making repairs in an aftermarket setting but is not typically found on OE assemblies.

Exhaust clamps generally need to be replaced if they become too rusty to reinstall, which often affects the threaded portions the most. They may also need replacement if they are bent or damaged during repairs, or if the exhaust system has been modified with new or different style parts.

• Rust: The most common reason to replace an exhaust clamp is rust. They are directly exposed to road grime and salt, and are usually the first things on the vehicle to rust. Typically this means they have to be cut off rather than simply unscrewing, requiring a new clamp for installation
• External impact damage: Because they are on the bottom of the car, knocking them on something like a rock, curb, or trailer is possible, especially on lowered vehicles. Be careful when installing exhaust clamps that you don’t allow the hardware to dangle too far downwards, which increases the likelihood of damage.
• Twisting or metal fatigue: If the exhaust clamps aren’t torqued properly, you might fatigue them with the normal movement of the exhaust system, creating leaks or tears in the clamping area.

About Genuine VW Audi

The Volkswagen Group, also known as “VAG”, consists of Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, Ducati, MAN, Scania, SEAT, and Skoda. The original parts used by VAG to build your car are available as replacement parts under the “Genuine VAG” brand. Manufactured under the direction of VAG, expect excellent quality and a premium price since these parts are available exclusively through the VAG Dealership network.

You may not realize this, but the parts that make up your VAG are not necessarily manufactured by VAG. No cause for concern, as VAG designs the part, hires a manufacturer, and ensures its quality to you. In fact, many of these manufacturers have been making parts for VAG for decades. In our industry these manufacturers are called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers), and these are often brands you recognize, including Lemforder, ZF, Sachs, Bosch, Valeo, Zimmermann, Siemens VDO, Corteco, and more. Don’t be surprised to open that Genuine VAG parts box and find an OEM branded part inside, simply with the addition of a VAG logo.

Be sure to keep an eye out for OE tags on our product pages to quickly identify parts coming direct from OE manufacturers. That extra bit of insight could save you some serious money while shopping! Refer to our OE Academy for further information regarding the OE/OEM tags throughout the site.

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