Do You Need New Exhaust Gaskets and Bolts When Replacing a Part?

Reviewed 2026-11-03. Checked against the sources listed below. This is general information, not a substitute for a mechanic's inspection.

Quick answer

Yes, fit new gaskets every time. RepairPal's advice on the front pipe is that gaskets should be replaced whenever the pipe is disconnected or removed. New nuts and bolts are also worth it, because old exhaust hardware has been through years of heat and rust. A leak at a reused gasket can bring back the same noise you were trying to fix.

Why old hardware causes trouble

Old part	What goes wrong
Flange gasket	Crushed to the old joint, so it may not seal again
Bolts and nuts	Rusted threads, so they can snap or will not tighten properly
Springs on spring-loaded flanges	Lose their tension after years of heat
Clamps	Stretched and rusted, so they do not hold evenly
Rubber hangers	Hardened or torn, letting the pipes move too much

Before you start the job

Check what comes in the box so you know what to buy.
Soak the old hardware with penetrating oil ahead of time, especially on cars from salted roads.
Have spare hardware ready in case a bolt snaps. Old exhaust bolts often do.
Work with the exhaust cold and support the car on proper stands, never a jack alone.

Fitting the new part

Clean the flange faces so the new gasket sits flat.
Fit everything loosely first, then line up the whole exhaust before you tighten anything.
Tighten flange nuts evenly, a little at a time on each side.
Do not reuse a gasket just because it looks fine.
Leave the heat shields on. Refit any you had to move.
Check for leaks with the engine running and listen for ticking at each joint you touched.

What comes with AFECO parts

Part	Type	Hardware in the box
AFECO 52560	Flex pipe	2 flange gaskets, 4 bolts, 4 nuts
AFECO 51360	Catalytic converter	2 bolts, 2 springs, 2 nuts, 1 donut gasket, 1 clamp
AFECO 472230	Flex pipe	Mounting hardware included
AFECO 21824	Muffler	Mounting hardware included
AFECO 54668	Muffler	Mounting hardware included
AFECO 54950	Flex pipe	Not included, buy gaskets, nuts and bolts
AFECO 51294/51295	Catalytic converter pair	Not included, buy gaskets, nuts and bolts