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How to Repair an Exhaust

Due to environmental and operational factors, automotive exhaust systems degrade over time and may require repair. While some elements of an exhaust are expensive and difficult or impossible to repair on your own, many common exhaust problems can be easily and effectively repaired by a shop or owner.

Instructions

1

Raise the vehicle on jack stands, using a hydraulic jack. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery (always a safe precaution when working on a car).

2

Examine the exhaust to identify the failure point once the vehicle is on jack stands. Make sure the exhaust is cold as once an exhaust warms up, it may mask a leak. Use a bottle of soapy water if needed to help find a leak. Spray down a suspected area liberally and watch to see bubbles or other signs of escaping gas.

3

Remove the exhaust manifold if you discover that it is leaking. Spray down the bolts connecting the exhaust manifold with penetrating oil and allow to sit for at least 20 minutes. Remove the bolts connecting the exhaust manifold to the downstream exhaust pipe or catalytic converter. Then remove the bolts connecting the manifold to the engine block. Once removed inspect the manifold for leaks. If there is a crack in the manifold, it should be replaced, or taken to an exhaust shop to be repaired. If the gasket is burnt or torn, then replace with a new gasket and re-install.

4

Patch the muffler with an exhaust patch kit if you discover that the muffler has been damaged. Patch kits typically will be a metal tape with an adhesive backing that can be applied directly over the damaged section.

5

Broken hangers can be repaired if a broken hanger is causing the exhaust to hang or drag. An exhaust shop can repair the broken hanger, or you can use a generic exhaust clamp kit that will clamp around the exhaust pipe and thus support the muffler.