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Jetta Cat-back exhaust Install Guide

Your Jetta

Pick your year to see what fits.

+3–10 whp (est.)
Hard$650–$1,1002–3 hrs
All Jetta mods

Why do it

Brings out the engine's sound.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Loosen the old exhaust

    • Soak and break the bolts.
    Watch this step (on a Mk4 1.8T) (6:52–9:02)

  2. Separate it

    • Pull the old sections apart.
    Watch this step (9:02–9:42)

  3. Fit the new exhaust

    • Hang it and tighten up.
    Watch this step (11:04–12:26)

  4. Remove the old exhaust

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (on a Mk5 Jetta 2.5L) (1:15–4:45)

  5. Install the new exhaust

    • Hang it.
    Watch this step (6:15–8:32)

  6. Finish

    • Line it up and tighten it.
    Watch this step (8:32–10:23)

  7. Remove the muffler

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (AWE on a Mk6 Jetta) (1:38–4:41)

  8. Remove the mid-pipe

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (4:41–7:29)

  9. Install the exhaust

    • Hang it.
    Watch this step (7:29–11:45)

  10. Adjust

    • Line it up.
    Watch this step (11:45–13:54)

  11. Remove the muffler

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (AWE on a Mk6 Jetta 1.8T) (1:38–4:41)

  12. Remove the mid-pipe

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (4:41–7:29)

  13. Install the exhaust

    • Hang it.
    Watch this step (7:29–11:45)

  14. Adjust

    • Line it up.
    Watch this step (11:45–13:54)

  15. Remove the muffler

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (AWE on a Mk6 Jetta) (1:38–4:41)

  16. Remove the mid-pipe

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (4:41–7:29)

  17. Install the exhaust

    • Hang it.
    Watch this step (7:29–11:45)

  18. Adjust

    • Line it up.
    Watch this step (11:45–13:54)

  19. Remove the stock exhaust

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (Borla on a Mk7 Jetta 1.4) (1:38–4:09)

  20. Install the new exhaust

    • Hang it.
    Watch this step (4:09–8:19)

  21. Pre-assemble

    • Put the exhaust together.
    Watch this step (IE on a Mk7 GLI) (1:28–4:07)

  22. Remove the stock exhaust

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (4:07–7:19)

  23. Fit the hangers

    • Fit them.
    Watch this step (7:19–9:21)

  24. Secure it

    • Fit the sections.
    Watch this step (9:21–12:33)

  25. Adjust

    • Tighten and align.
    Watch this step (12:33–16:21)

  26. Align the tips

    • Line up the tips.
    Watch this step (16:21–24:58)

  27. Remove the stock exhaust

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (iE on a Mk7 GLI) (4:07–7:19)

  28. Fit the hangers

    • Fit them.
    Watch this step (7:19–9:21)

  29. Secure it

    • Fit the sections.
    Watch this step (9:21–12:33)

  30. Adjust

    • Tighten and align.
    Watch this step (12:33–16:21)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

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