Exhaust Rattling After Hitch Install on a 2002 Honda CR-V

Updated 06/18/2018 | Published 06/14/2018

Question:

We purchased the Curt trailer hitch receiver for our 2002 Honda CRV. It was easy to install and works great. The right hand bracket bolts are just barely above the muffler heat shield and that rattles during certain RPM segments. Any suggestions on how to cure that?

asked by: Paul

Expert Reply:

Yes, you are going to need to bend the exhaust hangers on your 2002 Honda CR-V which will then prevent the muffler and or heat shield from coming into contact with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 13535. This problem is fairly common on vehicles with tight clearance between the hitch and exhaust. If you take a large crow bar and place it between the exhaust hanger and hitch then you should be able to bend the hanger just slightly out of the way which will then prevent the rattling noise you are hearing.

If you have trouble bending the exhaust hangers or need more information than you can take a look at the attached help article which explains all of this for you.

expert reply by: Conner L