I always keep checking them and usually replace them at the first signs of cracking. Seems the 4.5 eats the two rearmost hangers on a regular basis - like twice a year. The hangers for the 126 have been beefed up somewhat over the simple rubber band hangers of old. Almost 20K miles on the current set on the 560.

It is much easier to replace the hangers while the system is still suspended. Those pipes and mufflers get heavy and are a be itch to hold up while trying to stretch the rubber (think floor jack here).

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.