Exhaust pipe from exhaust manifold touches the Tie Rod

[Leo B]

I wondered for a long time what the rubbing sound is when turning the car. Now the matter is clear. The left exhaust pipe hits the tie rod clamps when turning the car and when the front sinks lower. I made sure that the exhaust pipe is correctly attached to the exhaust manifold. The engine is also supported with new and correct rubber. I think the exhaust pipe is bent incorrectly.

Is there any problem if I turn the short tie rods ends towards the wheels? (long ones towards center)? This would give a little more space between the exhaust pipe and the rod.
 

[slk1966]

So, do you plan to do the adjustment yourself?

If so, you might mess up your alignment and bun up some tires in the process.

[Leo B]

slk1966 Yep. I will do the adjustement. No problem.
Dan Booth wrote me kindly that it's possible to the tie rods with the adjuster located on the outside end. Which works fine. It does not change your alignment if you just turn the tie rod around. He confirmed my thoughts.
Anyway I need to work with exhaust pipe to give more space. 

[NIA1140]

I have the same problem with my 63 Avanti. By luck, I found a shop owned by a former Studebaker employee (40 yrs experience) that will correct this problem. I'm recuperating from a surgery now and cannot drive for a few more weeks, afterwards the car will be taken to his shop and the problem corrected. I haven't the know-how/skill to accomplish this on my own, etc.

[mfg]

On 2/10/2026 at 3:37 PM, Leo B said:

I wondered for a long time what the rubbing sound is when turning the car. Now the matter is clear. The left exhaust pipe hits the tie rod clamps when turning the car and when the front sinks lower. I made sure that the exhaust pipe is correctly attached to the exhaust manifold. The engine is also supported with new and correct rubber. I think the exhaust pipe is bent incorrectly.

Is there any problem if I turn the short tie rods ends towards the wheels? (long ones towards center)? This would give a little more space between the exhaust pipe and the rod.
 

No problem in reversing the tie rod… will not affect front end alignment….Avanti Motors did that on their Studebaker framed 80’s Avantis.