Axle-Back Exhaust Systems

Want to give your car a different sound and a new look at the rear without replacing the entire exhaust? An axle-back typically replaces the section from the rear axle backwards – the rear silencer and the tailpipes – and is for you if you want a straightforward modification of your car.

What an axle-back changes

An axle-back typically replaces the rear silencer and the tailpipes, while the catalytic converter and the rest of the system are retained. That is why it primarily changes sound and looks, while any power gain is typically limited and depends on the car and the product. If you want to change more, you can compare with cat-back exhausts, which typically start after the catalytic converter, or turbo-back systems. You will find all types under exhaust systems and kits.

How to choose the right axle-back

Choose based on several factors at once:

• Material: e.g. 304 or 409 stainless steel, or titanium as on a model from Torque Solution. The material affects weight and corrosion resistance, among other things.
• Sound: some series come in several versions, e.g. AWE Touring Edition and Track Edition, so read the description for the specific part number.
• Pipes and tailpipes: e.g. 3-inch piping on the aFe Apollo GT and tailpipes in polished, black or chrome finish. A larger diameter does not automatically mean more performance.
• Fitment: variants can depend on engine and equipment, e.g. with or without AFM, as shown in some product names.

Brands in this category include Borla, CORSA Performance, Remus, Remark and aFe.

Installation and inspection

Installation depends on the product, but is typically done at the existing joints and hangers. If rubber mounts or brackets are worn, it can be an advantage to replace them at the same time. Whether the exhaust is road legal and passes inspection depends on the product and the car – check the approval and any E-mark for the specific part number.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an axle-back and a slip-on exhaust?

Manufacturers do not use the terms in quite the same way. Both typically replace only the rearmost part of the system, so compare the product descriptions to see exactly which pipes and silencers are included.

Does an axle-back give more power?

Typically only a limited amount, because most of the system in front is retained. The main purpose is usually sound and looks. The actual gain depends on the car, engine and product, and more power often requires changes further forward in the system.

How do I keep an axle-back in good condition?

Regularly check the hanger rubbers and joints for loose parts and leaks. Tailpipes with a polished or black finish should be cleaned with a product suited to the surface to avoid damaging the finish.