Exhaust leaks can range from very serious problems to an issue that seems to make your car or truck sound really cool and go faster. In this article, we will talk about your vehicle’s exhaust system, symptoms of a leak and what you can do about.
What does the exhaust system do?
Your vehicle’s exhaust system serves a relatively simple purpose but sometimes accomplishes it in a complicated way. The primary goal of your vehicle’s exhaust system is to direct the gases coming from your combustion chamber to a safe place. The safest place is somewhere outside of your vehicle, far from you and any windows or openings in your vehicle which usually means somewhere under your rear bumper. Your exhaust system’s secondary purpose is to muffle the sound of the explosions that are happening inside your engine as well as the sound of high-velocity gases escaping from your tailpipe. The complications come in when you look at the route that your exhaust will have to take and keep in mind that it can get to be extremely hot. Lastly, your engine vibrates and moves around quite a bit while you are driving depending on whether you are accelerating heavily, downshifting or just idling. So your exhaust has to safely carry dangerous fumes quickly and quietly to the back of your car without getting anything too hot.
To accomplish this your exhaust system uses a variety of manifolds, heat shields, pipes, joints, flexible unions, mufflers, and rubber hangers. The extreme temperature swings – from ambient temperature to possibly over 1200 degrees – cause a lot of stress on all of these components. Also, one of the byproducts of good combustion in your vehicle’s engine is water. This water often exits your exhaust in vapor form but on cold days or short drives, the inside of your exhaust system can be left wet, which causes the metal pipes and components to rust. Lastly, your exhaust system runs along the bottom of your vehicle so it is exposed to all of the elements from road dust and debris to rain, salt, snow, and ice.
Your vehicle’s exhaust system lives a tough life so at some point in the life of your vehicle it will likely need to be replaced or repaired. Some of the repairs on your exhaust system can be done yourself, while others should be left up to a professional.
How to tell if you have an exhaust leak
Repairing your exhaust system starts with identifying where the problem is. It can be difficult to check for an exhaust leak and find the problem since your exhaust pipe gets so hot. You should never touch or handle any part of your exhaust system if your vehicle has been driven anytime in the last few hours! Start with a visual inspection. Pop your hood and find the exhaust manifold. It will be where the exhaust gases exit your vehicle’s engine. It likely will look rusty and either be a number of tubes, or one large tube. Sometimes they are covered by a heat shield so look hard. From there, follow the piping back under your vehicle all the way to the rear. Look for any holes or places where the pipe has broken or come apart. Also inspect each of the exhaust components as you go back. There may be one or multiple catalytic converters, resonators or mufflers. These will look like large metal tubes or boxes connected along the exhaust piping. Check all of these for holes, dents or creases. Don’t forget to check the top of each component with a mechanic’s mirror.
What does an exhaust leak sound like?
You can also do an audible inspection for an exhaust leak if you know what a leak sounds like. With your vehicle running start in the engine bay. See if you can hear a distinct noise coming from near the exhaust manifold. In this area, an exhaust leak will sound more like a ticking or puffing. Next, listen for leaks at any union or joints in your exhaust system. Once you get to your catalytic converter and go back from there, a leak will sound more like a buzz, hum or your car or truck will sound like a hotrod. Usually, the louder the noise, the closer to the engine it is. During this inspection, it may be helpful to have a friend rev in the engine intermittently so you can hear the changes in exhaust sound. Remember, never touch the exhaust components during this inspection, they’ll be hot!
How to fix an exhaust leak from the manifold or joints
If you discover your exhaust leak to be coming from the exhaust manifold or one of the joints in your exhaust system you may be able to seal the leak simply by changing the gasket. Each joint in your exhaust system will have a gasket that can be replaced, but remember the bolts may be hard to remove as they are usually rusty.
How to repair an exhaust leak from a break or hole
If you discover your leak to be from a break or hole in your exhaust system it will be difficult to fix it on your own. You may be able to replace just the section of pipe or exhaust component by disconnecting the two closes joints and replacing the entire section of exhaust. That option is often expensive and can be difficult to do because of rusted bolts and connections. The best thing to do in this case is to take your vehicle to a muffler repair shop that can weld in a new section of pipe or component to make sure your exhaust system is leak tight.
Exhaust leaks can be very dangerous as they will let exhaust gases into the cabin of your vehicle. Exhaust gases are not only bad for the environment, but they are bad for you! Inhaling vehicle exhaust fumes can make you uncomfortable in the short term but may lead to serious health problems and even death! If at any point you smell exhaust fumes in your vehicle, have it checked out by an exhaust shop immediately.
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66 responses to "How To Fix an Exhaust Leak"
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I would have to agree that fixing the problem is easier than it sounds. You need to identify the problem first, and that can be really tough to do. If all else fails you can take it in to get the exhaust repaired by a professional.
I have a leak feom catilyc converter on a 1997 lincoln mark viii lsc car won’t turn over and when i try it leaks help me please
Darby-
Thank you for asking about your Lincoln Mark VIII LSC. Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
Ok I assume u can’t weld so here is a fast fix that won’t last long but will help ur cats r pretty close 2 ur main drop or manifold that means they get very hot so there r not many products u can use but here is a fast fix take Fiberglas and a heat hold resin wrap it let it dry enough it will stay and make sure 2 cover well again fiberglass is a fix that will not last but help amd fiberglass won’t catch on fire amd is used on headers hottest part of ur exhaust if not ur whole motor hope that helps replace when u can depending on ur state don’t tear out but hollow out it will help it run also not hold water like the honey comb n there
I just want to thank you for such a thourough explanation! i hope this forum is not just for mechanics. if it is i do apologize. The only thing i am still wondering about are the SYMPTOMS. you mentioned exhaust in the cabin , are there any others. i am experiencing exhaust in the cabin, but also puttering in the engine. could this be the result of leaks in my exhaust system? please reply. Thank you!
Minnie,
Thanks for your question about your exhaust leak. Exhaust in the cabin of your car is a sure fire way to prove you have an exhaust leak. This can also cause your car to run poorly either from being imbalanced or because your system’s sensors aren’t reading properly. The best way to get an exhaust leak fixed is to take your car to a shop that specializes in welding and exhaust work.
Yes, I followed this advice and thank you, I took it to a shop where they do exhausting welding and it was the converter part of the muffler, he said if he didnt weld it it would cost like 500.00 for labor and the converter, he asked me if he could weld it and he only charged me 50.00 dollars, the mechanic saved me 450.00 and there is no more exhausting leaking anymore. Thank you so much for this.
Thanks the great in depth article. I learned a lot and think it helped with my problem but wanted to ask a question about clamp on vs welded exhaust kit. I bought a pre welded clamp on kit for my Toyota Tacoma and had a friend put it on for me. He did quickly but now it’s loose where the pipe meets the catalytic converter- and the cc is rusty and old. It must’ve slipped out or a bad clamp/fit because it was quiet for a week but now I’m going deaf driving to work and back. Any suggestions or just bring it to a pro?
Shane,
Thanks for your question about your Tacoma. Usually, clamp on exhaust kits work great as long as you have the correct size piping and clamp to go along with it. Try measuring both sides of the pipe and the clamp to make sure everything is the correct size. At the end of the day, if you only have that 1 connection to weld, it would probably be relatively inexpensive for a shop to weld that up and would create a more permanent connection.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
could the scanning code for Mass Air Flow sensor be caused by an exhaust leak? That code has come up over and over since July. Two mechanics have replaced the MAF sensor four times, twice with new parts and twice with used parts. The code is still coming up (exhaust leak is the last thing that has to be fixed, a flex pipe leak in front of the catalytic converter.
Cynthia,
It is possible that your exhaust leak could trigger a mass air flow sensor error depending on where the leak is in correlation with your oxygen sensors in your car. If the leak is before one or multiple O2 sensors it could confuse your car’s computer as it’s trying to calculate how much fuel is needed. You may also look for vacuum leaks in your engine as they could lead to MAF errors. Lastly, you could check for electrical problems in between your MAF sensor and your engine’s computer as a broken or grounded wire could also cause that code to pop up.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
My car Chrysler 300 2012 has an Cadillac converter problem is there any reason why my light comes on other than showing the code for Cadillac converter
Lender-
Based on your description, having the catalytic converter replaced on your Chrysler 300 should fix the issue and the light should no longer show up on the dash.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hey amazing report by the way,
I have a 2007 Eclipse GT and just recently noticing a sound that like of Air escaping from other the car.
I will follow your step for sure inspecting the exhaust system, but i was wondering if exhaust leaks will make the check engine light go on? Mine has not gone. More about the leak sound is that It sounds off every time i Rev the car and most likely its doing it while driving it. what do you think?
Samuel,
Thanks for your question! An exhaust leak will cause a check engine light on your car if it is anywhere before you bank 1 oxygen sensors. Usually these sensors are pretty close to the exhaust manifold so an upstream leak is unlikely.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
Hi so this may be stupid but want to do it for a laugh. I want to do a washer mod exhaust but I’m not keen on idea if it damages the car like engine gearbox ect can you give me some info on this topic because if I do it for a laugh it will be a exhaust leak so want to clarify details before killing myself or my car
Sean,
Thanks for your question. I’m assuming you mean using washers to add a space in between a section of exhaust piping on your car to make it louder. As long as you add the washers downstream of your catalytic converter it shouldn’t affect the function of your car or be dangerous. Part of the danger of this is that you’ll be allowing exhaust gases to escape underneath your car which can be dangerous as they can accumulate in the cabin of your vehicle and be dangerous to you.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
Can the leak cause your vehicle to act as if you’re running out of gas?
Mercedes,
Thanks for your question. Usually, an exhaust leak will simply make your car louder and could allow you to smell exhaust fumes in the cabin of your car. If the leak is before your bank 1 oxygen sensor then it could make your car run very poorly and could make it lose power. Either way we would recommend you getting your exhaust leak quickly to make sure your vehicle runs properly and you stay safe driving it without inhaling exhaust fumes.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
Thanks for the explanation.. It helped ma a lot understanding my vehicle.. I’ve facing the same like problems.. These days I’ve been hearing the same kind of sound… At the service center they r telling to replace CTR.. But It’s expensive… One more thing is there anyway DAT I can weld the holes in the exhaust pipes..??¿
K Vilas,
Thanks for your question about your exhaust leak. replacing the cat is expensive. Depending how big the holes are in your exhaust you can often weld them. If the hole is less than 1/4″ in diameter you should be able to weld it shut and get your vehicle back to normal. You can also try just replacing the a small section of the exhaust pipe to seal the leak as well.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
My exhaust has no noise and my chl comes on and it says fi x ehaust leak
Dawn,
Thanks for your question about your exhaust leak. Depending on what kind of car you have, your vehicle probably thinks there is an exhaust leak because it is getting different readings from oxygen sensors on different sides of your motor. This could indicate one of those oxygen sensors is going bad or it could indicate an unbalanced condition in your motor. You could start by performing a basic tune up on your car including cleaning the fuel system and replacing the spark plugs. You may also check your oxygen sensors for proper operation.
This could also indicate you have a clogged catalytic converter on one side of your car so you may consider having those inspected as well.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
Thanks for really a great and neatly written post. It helped my understanding of the system and think before taking it to repair shop. I am driving 1999 honda civic lx for more than two years. Recently I fixed the slightly loose bumper after another car hit from back slowly. I fixed it just by hitting and pushing the bumper connecting metal with hammer. At that time I remember, I might have touched the tailbox and end of tail pipe. Most probably after that I hear little more noise from the exhaust end. At the time of driving I feel that for speeding up it takes little more time compared to few weeks back. I tried to get the sound from the engine side but it’s not on that area, feel like all from exhaust side. Do you have any idea what could happen? Thanks in advance.
-Reza
Reza,
Thanks for your question about your 1999 Honda Civic. It does sound like you could have damaged your exhaust system by bumping it while fixing your bumper. Based on the age of your car, if the exhaust system was original it was probably very rusted and thin so even a light bump could have caused a hole or break. Usually, broken exhaust pipes don’t cause a lack of power, but depending on where the problem is, it could. If you can grab your tailpipe (when your car is cold) and shake it easily you may consider taking your car to a muffler shop to see if they can repair the exhaust leak.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
Hoya could you let me no iv been charged £307 to fix a leak in my exhaust , would it been cheap to to get a nex fixed thank you
Katie,
Thanks for your question about your exhaust fix. Unfortunately, we can’t help you estimate the cost of exhaust work where you live as the prices vary significantly from country to country and shop to shop. Our recommendation would be to go to a few local shops in your area and ask for an estimate on how much the work would cost to get the best price.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
It’s early on Anzac Day in Australia so nothing’s open so I’ll take a shot here.
Noticed a rattling from my exhaust near the tailpipe over a couple of days. Yesterday I gave it a gentle waggle and it became very lose. Checked under to see the connection into the silencer is rusted out. The big difficulty now is that I can’t get it to start! Could this be the cause? And is this the kind of thing a repair kit could handle? Or am I going to have to get a mobile mechanic into my apartment car park?
All help and advice appreciated.
Al
Al,
Thanks for your question about your exhaust system. Depending on the thickness of the metal, you may be able to simply have the connection from the pipe into the silencer welded and have your problem fixed easily. In the worst case you would need to get a new muffler attached to your exhaust system.
In our experience, the exhaust problem you’re having should not cause your car not to start and the problem is most likely a coincidence. If your car wont even crank, try checking the battery and the starter. If your car is cranking but wont start, check for engine codes and check for the proper fuel pressure and the presence of spark.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
After reading these articles, I believe an exhaust leak between the manifolds and one of the cats may be at least part of my issue. I have an automatic 2002 WS6 Trans-Am. It hadn’t been on the road since 2012 because of a bad transmission and me falling on hard times. I recently finally got some decent money coming in and got the transmission repaired along with alot of other issues including 2 new cats(aftermarket from summit) and 4 new O2 sensors. I was trying to get it inspected but because the battery was recently replaced, the system wasn’t ready for them to test and I had to drive it more. While I was driving, the SES came on so I used a friend’s OB tool and it gave me 5 codes: P0300(random cylinder misfire), two P0410(secondary air injection system) and the last code, I can’t remember but it was saying that one of the O2’s wasn’t switching properly which I thought odd since they where all replaced. While driving, I noticed upon acceleration above 30 MPh, a loud sound coming from area where manifolds meet cat and performance power seemed to be down with quite a bit of shaking in the steering. I am taking it back to the transmission shop that installed the cats and O2’s. My queston is…could an exhaust leak at the manifold/cat be causing some if not all of theses SES codes? It ran great when I first got it back but got progressively worse over the course of a week. Also noticed on cold starts it doesn’t want to start but eventually does, then runs rough and wants to die for the next minute or two. After that, it lines out and seems to run and start normally the rest of the day. My driveway is steep and I have scraped the tailpipes several times backing out. Thinking maybe the welds on the cats might have been subpar and the scrapping might have knocked it lose causing a leak. Any thoughts? Thanks for any help I get!
Tommy,
Thanks for your question about your Trans Am. The inspection technicians are correct that your vehicle needs to be driven for some time in order for all the emissions controls to perform their self-checks. There are a series of diagnostics they need to run at different operating conditions including cold starts, city driving, and highway driving so we would recommend you take your car through many different driving situations before you head back for an inspection.
Before you do all that, you need to figure out the engine codes. Based on a few assumptions they could all be caused by the exhaust leak you mentioned. If exhaust is escaping before the catalytic converters it will cause odd readings at the downstream O2 sensors and possibly turn on the SES light for that or the air system. The secondary air system only comes on for a few minutes after a cold start so you can try listening for the electric air pump running during your next cold start to confirm it’s working. You may also check to make sure the O2 sensors that were installed were the correct OEM sensors.
The only code that seems out of place is the misfire code. That could simply be from deposits from your car sitting for so long so you may consider cleaning your fuel system using BlueDevil Fuel System Cleaner (available here: http://store.gobdp.com/fuel-system-cleaner-00202/) and changing your spark plugs to make sure they aren’t rusted or corroded.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
Hi my check engine light keeps blinking and we have fixed everything from spark plugs down. My exhaust has a leak and I was wondering if it could be messing with the sensor?
Anna-
It is possible that your exhaust leak is affecting one of the engine sensors. Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a small leak where the manifold meets the head. I am afraid that if I start to take the manifold off I will break some of the bolts. Is there some sort of ceramic product that I can use to stop the leak? I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota with 130,000 miles. I can see the small leak and also I can get to it. Thanks for your help.
Joe,
Joe-
Thank you for asking about your Dodge Dakota. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer (http://store.gobdp.com/head-gasket-sealer-38386/) to seal your small leak. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2001 Trans Am WS6. I noticed the exhaust was leaking around the clamps after I picked it up from my my repair shop. It had been in for a totally different reason. When I took it back to them and told them about the exhaust leak, they told me it was normal. I told them it couldn’t be normal. They looked at me like I was crazy and preceded to tell me that it always leaks when it is cold because the pipes slip inside each other and that when the pipes get hot they will expand and not leak. I have never heard such nonsense. A friend put it on a lift for me and we could tell they were all new leaks because of the recent discoloration on the pipes at the clamps. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Faye,
Thanks for your question about your 2001 Trans Am. They shop could be correct, but the circumstances, size of the pipes, and clamping force on the pipes would all have to be in a very narrow range for a leak like that to happen. It does seem more likely that something shifted during the work they did causing the leak. Unfortunately, it could have been as simple as your car’s chassis flexing while on the lift that could have caused the leak. If you have the chance to have your exhaust system welded together it will make for a much better seal.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
I have a 2010 Altima it jus started today sounding like a truck an its getting louder does this sound like an exhaust problem
Dell-
Thank you for asking about your Nissan Altima. Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 1991 Lexus LS 400 .it will not pass the smog test .I had a diagnostic done on it and it said I have an exhaust leak behind the starter .my question is can I get to the exhaust from under my car ? I recently replaced the starter and it’s not passing by 2.5 nots so I’m thinking that maybe I forgot to connect a hose idk maybe please help me
Leisha,
Thanks for your question about your LS400. If you had a leak in the exhaust before the upstream oxygen sensor it could indeed cause your car to be running poorly and cause the emissions issues you are having. It is possible to get to your exhaust system under your car. Since you have a V8 engine, there will be an exhaust pipe coming down from each bank of your engine and running under your car. Since they said the leak was near the starter, our guess would be that you’ve got a leak at the collector and installing a new gasket and bolts there will stop your leak.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
Where can I buy the bolts so I have them ahead of time in case they do break?
Bonnie-
Your local auto parts store would be the best place to look.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 02 Isuzu rodeo sport with 4 cylinder 2.0 L and just changed my exhaust manifold. I had a major exhaust leak and fixed it. But my RPM aren’t going as high as they should. It’ll reach 2000 rpm and that’s all. It youst to reach 3000. I drove it with the leak. Got any ideas how to get my compression back??
Dillon-
Thank you for asking about your Isuzu Rodeo. Are you experiencing any issues with the vehicle stalling out or idling roughly? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 1996 licoln town car smoke comomg feom the miffler used ur product and i still habe oil burning any idea what i should do
Damian-
Thank you for asking about your Lincoln Town Car. The BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer is only intended for water/coolant leaks, and would not have any influence on oil leaking/burning. Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to better assist you.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 98 toyota sienna. Recently started hearing a noise that sounds like maybe an exhaust leak under the engine area. The car runs fine and no codes.I cant afford an expensive fix. Help!
Lori-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Sienna. What is the noise you are hearing? Have you noticed any other symptoms? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
2013 Chevrolet Traverse. In the last two weeks a steady rumble has come from the engine. No grinding or banging it sounds like an airy rumble or growl and it sounds to be coming from the front of the car under the hood. It gets louder with exceleration, but seems to disapate at higher speeds with a steady speed. If I accelerate than I hear it more again until my speed gets steady. Would this sound like a leak to you?
John-
Thank you for asking about your Chevrolet Traverse. Based on your description, it does sound like the symptoms of an exhaust leak. A leak anywhere in the exhaust system makes a rather distinct rumbling noise and is more noticeable when accelerating because the engine is working harder, making the noise louder.
Thank you!
-BDP
One easy way to tell when you have an exhaust leak is to lift your car up while its runnin than run your hand along the pipe (dont touch it though as it might be hot) and feel for any air. If you feel air on your hand theres the leak. Easiest is when you have access to a hoist but you can use a jack and stands to lift the car and crawl under.
I have a honda accord 2008 2.4L DOHC I Vtec engine. Have a leaky gasket just after the catalytic converter ( that net). Can this cause a P0172 code, cylinder 1 running rich.
Please help.
Caleb,
Thanks for your question about your 2008 Honda Accord. The code you have is for bank 1 running rich. Your motor only has 1 bank so it means the motor is running rich according to the bank 1 oxygen sensor. That sensor is before the Catalytic converter in your car so the exhaust leak you have after the catalytic converter wouldn’t affect that reading. A bank 1 rich code would be due to a vacuum leak, a bad O2 sensor or a bad MAF or MAP sensor.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
Hi, I have a leak in exhaust manifold gasket. The first two gears take extra high rpm(3000 rpm due to leakage) and I can smell fumes even in car cabin until the engine gets warm to operating temperature. Is there a Blue Devil product to fix the exhaust manifold valves and gasket valves sealer solution from your company ?
Ibrahim-
The BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer would be able to treat a leaking exhaust manifold. As long as you are not losing coolant too quickly, you would be a good candidate for the product. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a troubling exhaust mainifold for a mitsubishi 4d34 its leaking gas in the middle on the joint wich separates the manifold i wonder how am i going to dix it cause the joint is a sliding joint
Brighton,
Thanks for your question about your Mitsubishi exhaust. If there is a gasket, donut, or crush fitting at that joint you may try to replace that. Since your manifold is most likely cast iron, you won’t be able to weld it so you may simply need to get a new exhaust manifold.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
My audi A6 1999 avant sounds really loud has lost power, but not fuel efficiency, I don’t smell fumes,and looks good underneath and on mani hmmm…I know it a leak but where
Casey-
Thank you for asking about your Audi A6. Have you noticed any kind of a misfire or is the engine overheating at all? Does the noise tend to get louder as you accelerate? If so, the muffler may be damaged, which may cause restrictions in the exhaust system. The noise would get louder as you accelerate because the engine is having to work harder and would eventually the cause the engine to overheat. Unfortunately, the loud noise and loss of power would be enough to take the vehicle to a certified ASE mechanic for a exhaust/muffler repair.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello. I have my Ford Focus mk2 facelift it’s 2.0 TDCI and is DPF, EGR and resonator removed also twin exhaust in the back. I noticed something strange. When I start car drive normal in a town 30,40 mph is fine is acts like normal. As soon as I go to motorway and increase speed 70mph or more the exhaust becomes louder and stay loud even later on 30,40 mph. Before was never like that. I used to go on motorway all the time and it was fine. I noticed is become over a time but as I said is only getting louder later if I drive more in motorway for example. And sound comes from the back of the car where exhaust.
Algridas,
Thanks for your question about your Ford Focus. Based on your description of the problem, our guess is that there is a loose connection somewhere in your exhaust system. If things are just coming loose then when you’re driving around town there wouldn’t be an exhaust leak because things aren’t hot enough to cause the exhaust to expand. Once you get on the highway and your exhaust gets really hot so things expand enough to uncover the leak and make things louder. The best thing to do would be to drive on the highway until you hear the sound then put your car on a lift to look for the leak. If you try this be careful as your exhaust and engine will be extremely hot.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
I have a reoccurring leak in my exhaust system. Few months ago I had the middle box replaced and since then the leak occured at the joint where the pipe enters the new box (the side that goes from the box to the rear end). Every time the shops weld it I stood by to see if they do a proper job. A week later the hole is back. I was wondering if ot could be two different metals that does not weld well together. Then the repair gets brittle and breaks. Please assist with advice. I’ve done 5 repairs now without success.
Martin-
Sorry to hear about the reoccurring leak in your vehicle’s exhaust system. You may be right. Certain metals do not weld together. Aluminum, for example, does not weld to other metals well. When steel or copper are welded to aluminum, very brittle intermetallic compounds will start to form, much like you’ve described. This would explain why the previous repairs were unsuccessful. Although the replacement can be costly, it may be worth replacing the exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe.
Thank you!
-BDP
So everyone here’s a fix I did years ago on a truck with a split exhaust pipe and it lasted (and quieted) the truck until It got repo’d (boohoo):
Take a tall soup can, empty remove labels and clean it, and take both ends off, then cut it straight down the length of the can, roll it up(it’s going to be hard if you chose the right can, but it should spring open whenever you let go of it for this to work good) now with it rolled up shove it in both parts of the broken exhaust, this will hold it up and have it lined up good, push the 2 pieces as close together as you can.
Now, get steel stik, muffler tape, muffler mesh and 2 UBolts with another can or thin sheet metal to wrap around the outside.
Take your steel stik and fill the depth of the crack down to the Can that’s inside, now wrap it with muffler mesh and use more steel stik all the way around the outside of the muffler mesh.
Now take your muffler tape and wrap the length of the whole repair plus a little extra so it can be sure to be sealed, now take your thin sheet metal and wrap it around the new rigged up repair and clamp it down with 2 u bolts and preferable 2 pipe clamps to put pressure on the still malleable steel stik so it’s a tight seal.
Voila, if that was the only spot damaged the vehicle should be quiet now, make sure the exhaust it anchored to the car at both splits in the repair.
Enjoy
I have Toyota Avalon 2008. My engine mount oem new, no check engine light, but am getting a vibration from floorboard when at a stop light and vibration on my gas pedal during acceleration only. I took it to muffler shop to check for exhuast leak, but the shops refuse hang up the car they said I dont have any exhuast leak when they listen to car start up.