If you own a 1998 Jeep Cherokee, you know its exhaust system is a key part of what keeps your SUV running strong. Many drivers love the Cherokee for its power and reliability, but few realize how much the exhaust system impacts performance, sound, and even fuel economy.
Whether you want to boost horsepower, quiet a noisy ride, or just replace old parts, understanding the full exhaust system can make a big difference. This guide breaks down all 98 components in the 1998 Jeep Cherokee exhaust system, explaining their purpose and how they fit together.
Key Parts Of The 1998 Jeep Cherokee Exhaust System
1. Exhaust Manifold
The exhaust manifold collects hot gases from the engine and sends them to the rest of the exhaust system.
2. Manifold Gasket
This gasket seals the connection between the exhaust manifold and the engine, preventing leaks.
3. Manifold Bolts
Bolts secure the manifold to the engine. Worn bolts can cause leaks.
4. Manifold Heat Shield
The heat shield protects nearby parts from high temperatures.
5. Egr Tube
The EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) tube helps control emissions by recirculating some exhaust gases back into the engine.
6. Egr Valve
The EGR valve opens and closes to control gas flow through the EGR tube.
7. Egr Gasket
This gasket prevents leaks at the EGR valve connection.
8. Egr Tube Nuts
These nuts secure the EGR tube to the manifold and valve.
9. Downpipe
The downpipe connects the manifold to the catalytic converter.
10. Downpipe Flange
A flange is a flat piece that helps join the downpipe to other pipes.
11. Flange Bolts
Bolts hold the downpipe flange in place.
12. Downpipe Gasket
This gasket seals the downpipe-to-manifold connection.
13. Oxygen Sensor (upstream)
The upstream O2 sensor monitors exhaust gases for the engine computer.
14. Oxygen Sensor Bung
A bung is a threaded hole for mounting the sensor.
15. Sensor Wiring Harness
The harness connects the oxygen sensor to the car’s computer.
16. Oxygen Sensor Clip
A clip holds the sensor wiring in place.
17. Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter changes harmful gases into safer ones.
18. Converter Shield
A metal shield protects the converter from debris and heat.
19. Converter Bracket
This bracket supports the catalytic converter.
20. Converter Bolts
Bolts attach the converter to the exhaust pipes.
21. Converter Gasket
A gasket seals the converter to the pipes.
22. Oxygen Sensor (downstream)
The downstream O2 sensor checks if the converter is working well.
23. Sensor Grommet
A grommet protects the sensor wire as it passes through metal.
24. Midpipe
The midpipe connects the converter to the muffler.
25. Midpipe Clamp
A clamp secures the midpipe to other sections.
26. Pipe Hanger
A hanger holds the pipe up under the car.
27. Pipe Insulator
Rubber insulators reduce vibration and noise.
28. Resonator
The resonator helps reduce certain exhaust sounds.
29. Resonator Clamp
This clamp connects the resonator to the pipe.
30. Resonator Gasket
A gasket seals the resonator to other pipes.
31. Muffler
The muffler quiets engine noise before gases exit the tailpipe.
32. Muffler Clamp
A clamp holds the muffler to the pipe.
33. Muffler Hanger
A hanger supports the muffler under the body.
34. Muffler Bracket
This bracket adds extra support for the muffler.
35. Muffler Gasket
A gasket seals connections at the muffler.
36. Over-axle Pipe
The over-axle pipe routes exhaust over the rear axle.
37. Over-axle Clamp
A clamp connects the over-axle pipe.
38. Over-axle Hanger
A hanger secures the pipe above the axle.
39. Tailpipe
The tailpipe is the final pipe where exhaust exits.
40. Tailpipe Tip
A tip finishes the tailpipe, sometimes for style.
41. Tailpipe Clamp
A clamp holds the tip or pipe in place.
42. Tailpipe Hanger
A hanger supports the end of the tailpipe.
43. Exhaust Mounting Bracket
This bracket supports sections of the system.
44. Mounting Bolt
A bolt attaches mounting brackets.
45. Insulator Bushing
A bushing absorbs vibration between metal brackets.
46. Heat Shield (floor)
A shield protects the car floor from heat.
47. Shield Clip
A clip holds the floor shield in place.
48. Exhaust Spring
A spring allows for thermal expansion.
49. Spring Bolt
A bolt attaches the spring to the flange.
50. Flange Nut
A nut secures the flange assembly.
51. Gasket Sealant
Sealant helps gaskets prevent leaks.
52. Pipe Adapter
An adapter connects pipes of different sizes.
53. Pipe Reducer
A reducer steps down to a smaller diameter pipe.
54. Flex Pipe
The flex pipe allows for movement and vibration.
55. Flex Pipe Clamp
A clamp secures the flex pipe.
56. Exhaust Band Clamp
A band clamp provides a strong seal on pipes.
57. U-bolt Clamp
A U-bolt style clamp holds pipes together.
58. Saddle Clamp
A saddle clamp wraps around pipes for support.
59. Exhaust Donut
A donut-shaped gasket seals round pipe joints.
60. Donut Flange
A flange for donut gaskets.
61. Donut Flange Bolt
A bolt secures the donut flange.
62. Donut Flange Nut
A nut works with the flange bolt.
63. Pipe Spacer
A spacer creates distance between pipes.
64. Pipe Coupler
A coupler joins two pipes together.
65. Pipe Extension
An extension adds length to reach another section.
66. Pipe Joint Clamp
A joint clamp holds pipe connections.
67. Pipe Joint Gasket
A gasket at pipe joints prevents leaks.
68. Exhaust Flange Stud
A stud is a threaded rod for flanges.
69. Stud Nut
A nut fits on the flange stud.
70. Exhaust Bracket Bolt
A bolt secures exhaust brackets.
71. Bracket Nut
A nut for the bracket bolt.
72. Hanger Bracket
A bracket for mounting hangers.
73. Hanger Bolt
A bolt for hanger brackets.
74. Hanger Nut
A nut for the hanger bolt.
75. Exhaust Spacer Plate
A plate used as a spacer in mounting.
76. Heat Shield Screw
A screw fastens shields.
77. Heat Shield Washer
A washer under shield screws.
78. Oxygen Sensor Spacer
A spacer moves the sensor farther from gases.
79. Sensor Plug
A plug blocks unused sensor holes.
80. Exhaust Pipe Bracket
A bracket supports pipes.
81. Pipe Clamp Nut
A nut for pipe clamps.
82. Clamp Washer
A washer for clamp bolts.
83. Pipe Support Rod
A rod provides extra pipe support.
84. Rod Clamp
A clamp for the support rod.
85. Pipe Insulator Washer
A washer for insulator bushings.
86. Hanger Rubber
A rubber piece for hangers.
87. Exhaust Band Sleeve
A sleeve strengthens pipe joints.
88. Exhaust Shield Bracket
A bracket for heat shields.
89. Bracket Bolt
A bolt for shield brackets.
90. Bracket Washer
A washer for bracket bolts.
91. Tailpipe Extension
An extension for the tailpipe.
92. Tailpipe Bracket
A bracket supports the tailpipe.
93. Tailpipe Bolt
A bolt for tailpipe brackets.
94. Tailpipe Nut
A nut for tailpipe bolts.
95. Rear Pipe
The rear pipe connects the muffler to the tailpipe.
96. Rear Pipe Clamp
A clamp holds the rear pipe.
97. Rear Pipe Hanger
A hanger supports the rear pipe.
98. Rear Pipe Bracket
A bracket for mounting the rear pipe.
Comparing Stock Vs. Aftermarket Exhaust Systems
Choosing between stock and aftermarket exhaust parts is a common decision. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Stock System | Aftermarket System |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Quiet, factory standard | Louder, customizable |
| Performance | Standard power | Potential horsepower boost |
| Price | Lower | Varies, often higher |
| Longevity | OEM quality | Can last longer with stainless steel |
Common Exhaust System Problems
Drivers often face:
- Leaking gaskets causing loud noises or fumes
- Rust on pipes, especially in snowy regions
- Broken hangers leading to rattling sounds
- Failed oxygen sensors causing engine lights
If you notice exhaust smells or unusual noises, inspect these parts first.
Tips For Maintaining Your Exhaust System
- Check for rust and replace damaged sections
- Tighten loose clamps or hangers
- Replace gaskets at every major joint when working on the system
- Use anti-seize compound on bolts to make future repairs easier
Most owners forget to inspect the heat shields and rubber hangers, which can reduce heat damage and vibration. Also, using the correct gaskets and sealants at each joint prevents leaks that lower fuel efficiency.
