Rubber Muffler Donut Hangers

[zak]

It seems like every time I get my yearly oil change one of the rubber donuts needs to get replaced. The muffler is fitted correctly with no stress points or rattles.
I am sure the mechanic is using aftermarket donuts too. Are the MB OEM donuts better made? ( stupid question, right?)

I recall years back you could but the rubber donuts wire a metal wire inside that strengthened the donut.
Are they still available today does anyone know?

thanks,

jz

[66andBlue]

Even aftermarkets should last longer. Did you check whether the heat shield was installed and correctly?

[mrfatboy]

Which ones are breaking?  There are two sizes.

Exhaust donut size
-------------------
Large 1134920082 (center muffler)
Small  1074920082

[TJMart]

It's my understanding that the 107 donuts have the wire in the middle.

[zak]

Mostly the donuts holding the rear muffler are failing.
Although recently I had one of those larger mid point donuts break too.
Heat shields are intact.
Plus on my 107 I've had at least 4 failures over time of the rear ones.

I will just buy a set for each can from Classic Center to keep around for next break.
Plus a will keep those trusty wire hangars too!

jz 

[Benz Dr.]

That exhaust system is actually quite heavy and with the moving and bouncing of the car they get a good beating. Little wonder they break. Should last more than a year though.

[Tyler S]

I have had better luck with the center hanger donuts after installing the hanger bracket out of a 4.5 sedan. Because the sedan uses larger pipes, the bracket sits up higher and in line with the body hooks when installed on the 113. Before this, the donuts would chafe on the edge of the hooks and eventually wear through them. One other thing I noticed is the entire exhaust system grows at least 3/4 of an inch when hot. Make sure you have the pipe brackets installed correctly and not favoring the rear of the car.

[zak]

Thanks Dan and Tyler. I will check the hanger bracket when installing new donuts.
Today I ordered a set for by 250 sl and 280 sl 107 from classic center.
Tom Hansen swore theirs are the strongest!

jz

[Benz Dr.]

I know a guy with four kids who told me the drug store told him theirs were the strongest too. Not sure what he meant by that though..........

[Jack Jones]

I had some aftermarket donuts holding up my exhaust and every time I checked them, at least one was splitting and needed to be replaced. I ordered replacements from Mercedes and have not had any issues in over three years now. I never use aftermarket parts if original are available and this was one of the rare times I strayed. Not again!