Tether for tubes of an exhaust system joint

A method for connecting first and second tubes of an engine exhaust system, comprising:

• (a) connecting a tether to the first tube;
• (b) overlapping end portions of the tubes;
• (c) connecting the tether to the second tube;
• (d) securing the tubes together;
• (e) disconnecting the tether from the tubes.

A tether for connecting tubes, comprising:

• two mutually spaced pads, each pad located on an opposite side of a lateral axis and releasably connectable to one of the tubes;
• an elastic stretchable connector that provides structural continuity between the pads;
• and
• handles, each handle located at an opposite the axial end of the tether, suited to be gripped manually for the application of tensile force to the tether.

An exhaust system assembled by an improved method, comprising:

• a tether;
• a first tube having a projection adapted for connection to a first end of the tether;
• a second tube adapted for assembly to the first tube in an overlapping manner, the second tube having a projection adapted for connection to a second end of the tether;
• a clamp for securing the first and second tubes while the tubes are connected to the tether, wherein the first and second tubes are restrained by the tether during assembly until the clamp is secured.