Exhaust

Exhaust Parts and Exhaust Sensors at Easy Life Markets

Easy Life Markets sells exhaust parts for cars, SUVs and pickups, and our current range focuses on the sensors that monitor the exhaust: oxygen (lambda) sensors and a diesel NOx sensor. The exhaust system as a whole runs from the engine to the tailpipe, so this page also covers manifolds, catalytic converters, pipes, resonators, mufflers and fittings, and how to choose each one.

If your check engine light points to an oxygen or NOx sensor, match the part number and position on the old sensor and you can order the replacement straight from the list below. For pipework and silencers, start with your make, model, year and engine, then check the pipe diameter and the flange or clamp type. This section sits inside our main auto parts store, and the current price and availability are shown on each product page.

How a Car Exhaust System Works

The exhaust takes hot gas out of the engine, cleans it, quietens it and releases it away from the cabin. On the way it passes through several parts, each with its own job. The exhaust system article on Wikipedia gives a good overview of the layout and terms.

In order, gas usually flows through the exhaust manifold, a downpipe or front pipe, one or more catalytic converters, a diesel particulate filter on many diesels, a middle pipe with a resonator, a rear muffler and the tailpipe. Sensors sit along the way to measure oxygen, temperature, pressure and, on diesels, nitrogen oxides. Gaskets, clamps and rubber hangers hold it all together.

Because the system is a chain, a fault in one part often shows up somewhere else. A leaking manifold gasket can upset an oxygen sensor reading. A failing sensor can make the engine run rich and overheat the catalytic converter. Fixing the cause first saves money on parts.

Exhaust Sensors in Our Current Range

Exhaust sensors are the most electronic of all exhaust parts, and the ones most likely to set a warning light. These are the ones we sell today.

Oxygen and Lambda Sensors

An oxygen sensor reads how much oxygen is left in the exhaust gas. The engine computer uses the front sensor to adjust the fuel mixture and the rear sensor to check the catalytic converter. We sell:

• The 03L906262P front lambda sensor, a five-wire sensor listed for a wide range of Audi models and many VW, Seat, Skoda and Porsche applications.
• The Wrangler oxygen sensor set of four, four-wire screw-in sensors listed for the Jeep Wrangler 4.0L, 3.8L and 3.6L.
• The Toyota Sienna front oxygen sensor listed for 2014 Sienna and Venza models, with a grey four-pin plug.
• The SsangYong front oxygen sensor, a single sensor with its lead and plug attached.

NOx Sensors for Diesel Exhausts

Modern diesels use NOx sensors to measure nitrogen oxides around the aftertreatment system. The reading tells the engine computer how well the system is cleaning the gas. Our 68210084AA NOx sensor comes with its probe, cable and control module, as in the product photos.

All of these also appear in our car sensors section, alongside ABS, camshaft and crankshaft sensors.

Other Exhaust Parts and What They Do

We will add more exhaust parts over time. Here is what each main part does, so you know what to look for when you shop.

Exhaust Manifolds and Headers

The manifold bolts to the cylinder head and collects gas from each cylinder into one outlet. Cast iron manifolds can crack with heat cycles. Tubular headers do the same job with separate pipes and are common on performance builds. Always fit new manifold gaskets and studs if the old ones are worn.

Catalytic Converters

A catalytic converter uses a coated ceramic or metal core to turn harmful gases into less harmful ones. It needs the engine to run correctly, because unburnt fuel and oil can overheat or clog it. Converters are made for specific engines and emissions levels, so buy by vehicle and engine, and check the rules where you drive.

Diesel Particulate Filters

A diesel particulate filter traps soot and burns it off at high temperature during regeneration. Short trips can stop it cleaning itself and lead to a blocked filter warning. Pressure and temperature sensors around the filter tell the engine computer when it needs to regenerate.

Pipes, Resonators and Mufflers

Pipes connect the system. Resonators cancel certain sound frequencies and reduce drone. Mufflers, also called silencers, use chambers or perforated tubes and packing to reduce noise. Rust is the main enemy, especially at the rear where water collects inside the system.

Gaskets, Clamps and Hangers

These small parts cause many exhaust problems. A blown gasket leaks gas and noise. A seized clamp makes a repair harder. A split rubber hanger lets the system knock against the body. Replace them whenever you replace a main section.

Exhaust Parts Compared

How to Choose Exhaust Parts

Exhaust parts are either matched to one vehicle or chosen by size. Sensors, manifolds and converters belong to the first group. Pipes, clamps and universal silencers usually belong to the second.

1. Start with the fault. A code reader tells you which sensor circuit has a problem. A noise or smell tells you where to look underneath.
2. Note your vehicle details. Make, model, year, engine size and engine code. Diesel and petrol versions of the same car use very different exhaust parts.
3. Read the part number. Sensors, manifolds and converters usually carry a number. Compare it with the numbers on our product page.
4. Check the position. For oxygen sensors, note bank 1 or bank 2, and upstream or downstream. For NOx sensors, note whether it sits before or after the aftertreatment system.
5. Measure pipe parts. Measure the outside diameter of the pipe, the length of the section and the position of the inlet and outlet.
6. Check the joint type. Note whether sections join with flanges and gaskets, slip joints with clamps, or band clamps.

If you are not sure about a number, contact us with a photo of the old part and your vehicle details before you order.

Specifications to Check on Exhaust Sensors

• Wire count. One and two-wire sensors are unheated or simple types. Three and four-wire sensors are usually heated. Five-wire sensors are often wideband (air-fuel ratio) sensors. They are not interchangeable.
• Plug shape and colour. The connector must lock onto your harness.
• Lead length. Too short and it will not reach the connector. Too long and it can hang near hot or moving parts.
• Thread size. Most oxygen sensors share a common thread, but check the photo and listing.
• Position. Front and rear sensors on the same car are often different.
• Cross-reference numbers. Our listings show the numbers the supplier gives, which helps you match without a branded part number.

How to Measure Exhaust Pipe and Fittings

For pipe sections, clamps and universal silencers, size matters more than the vehicle model. Measure carefully before you buy.

Pipe Diameter

Measure the outside diameter of the pipe with calipers, or wrap a strip of paper around it, mark the overlap and divide that length by 3.14. Exhaust pipes are often sold by outside diameter, while silencer inlets may be listed by inside diameter so the pipe can slide in. Check which one a listing gives.

Section Length and Offsets

Measure the length of the old section between joints, and note any bends and where the inlet and outlet sit. A silencer with a centre inlet will not drop into a space made for an offset one without extra work.

Flanges and Studs

Count the bolt holes on each flange and measure the distance between them, centre to centre. Note whether the flange is round, oval or triangular, and whether the gasket is flat or a ring type. Photos of the old part help a lot here.

Other Sensors Along the Exhaust

Besides oxygen and NOx sensors, many vehicles carry other sensors in the exhaust. Exhaust gas temperature sensors protect turbochargers, converters and particulate filters from overheating. Differential pressure sensors measure the pressure drop across a diesel particulate filter to judge how full it is. They connect with small pipes that can split or block, so check those pipes before you replace the sensor. These sensors follow the same buying rules: match the part number, the position and the plug.

Signs Your Exhaust Needs Attention

• A check engine or emissions warning light.
• A louder exhaust note, a blowing noise or a ticking sound from the engine bay.
• A smell of exhaust fumes inside the car. Treat this seriously, as exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide.
• Rattles or knocks from under the car, especially over bumps.
• Poor fuel economy or a loss of power.
• Visible rust holes, soot marks around joints, or a hanging pipe.

If you smell fumes in the cabin, open the windows and have the exhaust checked before you drive further than you need to.

Fitting and Safety Tips

• Let the system cool. Exhaust parts get extremely hot and stay hot for a long time after the engine stops.
• Support the vehicle safely. Use axle stands on firm ground. Never work under a car held only by a jack.
• Use penetrating oil. Soak sensor threads, studs and clamps well before you try to undo them.
• Use an oxygen sensor socket. It grips the hex and has a slot for the lead.
• Keep anti-seize off the sensor tip. Many new sensors come with coated threads. If not, apply a small amount to the threads only.
• Fit new gaskets and fixings. Reusing crushed gaskets and stretched studs often leads to leaks.
• Route sensor leads away from heat. Clip them where the old ones were clipped.
• Check for leaks after fitting. Run the engine and listen for blowing at each joint once everything is tight.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Exhaust Parts

• Replacing an oxygen sensor without fixing an exhaust leak or misfire that caused the reading.
• Buying the downstream sensor when the code points to the upstream one, or the wrong bank.
• Choosing a pipe or silencer by eye instead of measuring the diameter.
• Reusing old gaskets, nuts and hangers.
• Removing or bypassing emissions parts. This can break the law where you drive and will usually set warning lights.

Looking After Your Exhaust

Most exhaust wear comes from heat, water and engine faults. Fix misfires and oil burning quickly to protect sensors and the catalytic converter. On diesels, a longer drive at steady speed now and then helps the particulate filter clean itself. Have the system checked when the car is lifted for other work, as early rust and split hangers are easy to spot. Keep the engine in good order with regular service parts from our filters and engine parts sections.

Washing the underside of the car after driving on salted or muddy roads slows rust on pipes and silencers. If you drive mostly short distances, water from combustion stays inside the rear silencer and rusts it from the inside out. A longer run every week or two lets the whole system get hot enough to dry out. Avoid parking over long dry grass straight after a drive, as the catalytic converter runs very hot.

Who Our Exhaust Parts Suit

Our exhaust parts are listed for:

• Home mechanics with a sensor fault code and a scanner.
• Owners of Audi, VW, Jeep, Toyota and SsangYong vehicles covered by our current sensors.
• Diesel owners dealing with NOx and emissions warnings.
• Workshops that prefer to buy exhaust parts by part number.

Our current range is small and centred on sensors. We plan to add more exhaust parts, so check back if you need pipework or silencers.

Related Sections

Exhaust faults are often linked to other systems. Browse car sensors for the full sensor range, fuel system parts for mixture problems, ignition coils for misfire repairs, cooling for engine temperature problems, gaskets for engine sealing, and wiring harnesses if a sensor lead or loom is damaged. Our tools and equipment section has useful items for exhaust work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exhaust parts do you sell right now?

Our current exhaust parts are oxygen (lambda) sensors and a diesel NOx sensor. We list them by part number and the vehicles the supplier names. More exhaust parts will be added over time.

How do I know which oxygen sensor I need?

Read the fault code to find the bank and position, then match the part number, wire count and plug on your old sensor to our listing.

Can a bad oxygen sensor damage the catalytic converter?

It can. A faulty sensor may let the engine run rich, and the extra fuel can overheat the converter. Replacing a failed sensor early helps protect it.

Is a NOx sensor the same as an oxygen sensor?

No. A NOx sensor measures nitrogen oxides and is used mainly on diesels with aftertreatment systems. An oxygen sensor measures oxygen for fuel control.

Can I fit exhaust sensors myself?

Many owners do, with an oxygen sensor socket, penetrating oil and a code reader. Seized sensors can be stubborn, so give the oil time to work.

Do I need to clear fault codes after fitting?

Yes. Clear the codes with a scanner and drive normally. Some readiness tests only finish after a few drive cycles.

What if the part does not fit my car?

Keep it unfitted and in its packaging, and read our return and refund policy. Order and delivery questions are covered on our FAQ and shipping policy pages.

Shop Exhaust Parts at Easy Life Markets

Easy Life Markets lists each exhaust sensor with its part numbers, wire count, plug and the vehicles the supplier names, so you can match it to your old part before you buy. Pick your sensor and order with confidence, then browse the rest of our auto parts store for the parts that go with it.