Exhaust System: Wheres That Leak Coming From?

Any of these symptoms sound familiar? If your vehicle is running poorly

, the check engine light stays on, and there seems to be unusually loud noises coming from the muffler, chances are your vehicle may have a leak in the exhaust system. Even if you cant smell the leak, try to pin-point it so you can call your auto mechanic to have it repaired before more serious problems occur.

Here are some easy steps in doing a self-check of your vehicles exhaust system:

1. Keep the car cool while you search for the leak. As the car heats up, metal expands, which can cause small leaks to get smaller, making them difficult to detect.

2. Ask a friend to temporarily cover the tailpipe to force the exhaust through any leaks. Feel for leaks (hot air escaping through the pipe) by running your hand near the exhaust system. Be careful not to touch the tailpipe.

3. Inspect the exhaust pipe where it bends over the rear axle, as this is a common area for cracks and leaks to occur.

4. Start your inspection at the engine and follow the exhaust system all the way to the end of the tail pipe. Thoroughly check all connectors along the way, as these areas commonly have leaks.

5. Inspect the exhaust manifold for cracking. This may require simply removing the plastic engine cover to expose the exhaust system and engine. Cracking and warping of the manifold is quite common, especially with older cars.

6. Check the gaskets. This tends to a common cause of leaks. If you have an older car, the gasket connecting the manifold to the cylinder head may have cracked during normal use. Again, you will feel hot air escaping rapidly as well as a strong smell of fumes if there is a leak.

7. Touch rusty areas on pipes and mufflers to see whether the rust is just on the surface, or if it goes all the way through the part. Areas weakened by rust often cause leaks.

After you have made a minor inspection, its time to take your car to a specialized mechanic. Most auto shops will run tests on the exhaust system free of charge and then recommend the appropriate service..

Need an exhaust system inspection? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Prices Precision auto repair shop today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for advice about muffler problems. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings, MT, also serves vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.

by: PricesPrecision

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