An axle-back exhaust replaces the section of the exhaust behind the rear axle, normally the rear muffler and tailpipes. The catalytic converters, mid-pipe and anything further forward stay in place, so it is a straightforward way to change the sound and look of the rear of the car. This range sits within our Exhaust category and includes axle-back and rear section systems from Borla, Dinan and Spoon Sports for BMW, MINI, Subaru, Toyota, Mazda, Lexus, Hyundai, Honda, Mitsubishi and Jeep models.
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Choosing the Right Part
Rear sections are made for specific chassis, so start with your chassis code and model year. Examples in this range include BMW E36, E39, E46, E92, G20, G22, G42, G80/G82/G83 and G87, MINI R60, F55 and F56/F57, Subaru BRZ (ZC6) and Toyota 86 (ZN6), Subaru Forester (SK), Outback (BT), XV (GT) and Impreza (GK and GP), Mazda MX-5 (NB and ND), Mazda3 (BL and BP), Mazda CX-5 (KF), Lexus IS (XE30), GS350 (L10) and RC F (USC10), Hyundai Veloster (FS) and Palisade (LX2), Mitsubishi Lancer (CJ), Honda Jazz (GK5), and Jeep Wrangler (JK and JL) and Grand Cherokee SRT8 (WK2).
Before you order, check these details on the individual listing:
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Body style and variant: some systems are listed separately for sedan and hatch, 3-door and 5-door, or a standard bumper. Some exclude certain variants, such as the Veloster SR Turbo.
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Pipe diameter: sizes such as 2in, 2.25in and 2.5in are given in the product title where the manufacturer specifies them.
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Exit and tip layout: single, split rear, dual or quad exits, and tip shape (round, oval, rectangle or angle-cut). Check these against your rear bar cutouts. Some systems reuse the factory tips.
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Sound style: Borla offers sound-level options named Touring, S-Type and ATAK. Dinan offers free flow and valved axle-back designs.
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Tip finish: many systems come in black or polished tips.
Australian-delivered cars can have a different rear section from overseas versions, and some models changed the rear muffler partway through production. Match the flange type and tip layout to what is on your car now.
Installation & What You'll Need
Axle-backs usually connect to the factory or aftermarket mid-pipe at the existing flange, or with a supplied clamp. Where the factory system is a welded one-piece unit, some cutting may be needed. Seized factory bolts are a common holdup, so penetrating oil helps.
Consider replacing old gaskets, clamps and rubber hangers at the same time. Check tip clearance once the system has settled on its hangers. Valved systems may need extra parts or connections, so check the listing for what is included. Installation by a professional is recommended.
FAQ
Will an axle-back exhaust fit my exact model?
Fitment is tied to chassis code and often model year, body style and variant. Check the fitment details on each listing and match the flange and tip layout to your car.
Will an axle-back add power?
Usually very little, because the main restriction is generally further upstream. An axle-back is mainly a sound and appearance upgrade. If power is your goal, look at a downpipe or cat-back.
Do I need a tune after fitting one?
Generally no. An axle-back sits behind the cats and sensors and leaves the emissions equipment in place.
What is the difference between an axle-back and a cat-back?
An axle-back replaces only the rear section. A cat-back replaces everything from the catalytic converter rearward, including the mid-pipe.
Need help choosing? Contact our team at sales@chicaneaustralia.com.au.