How can i fix muffler

Having been bitten by the car bug at a young age, I spent my formative years surrounded by Studebakers at car shows across Quebec and the northeastern United States. Over ten years of racing, restoring, and obsessing over automobiles lead me to balance science writing and automotive journalism full time. I currently contribute as an editor to several online and print automotive publications, and I also write and consult for the pharmaceutical and medical device industry.

Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can spray soapy water along the exhaust pipe to identify small leaks faster through air bubbles. A leaf blower, air compressor, or shop vac will do the trick. If your vehicle has two exits, make sure to seal one of them first. Also, ensure the engine is cold before pumping cool air into the exhaust.

Rapid cooling could warp or crack parts of your vehicle. Before fixing exhaust pipe without welding, you need to clean the area first to create a good bonding surface.

Use sandpaper or metal wire brush to remove any dirt, grease, or rust. Afterward, use a towel to wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol to wipe the areas you just scraped. You can use four different methods to seal a leak. The one you pick will depend on the nature and size of the damage. If the hole is small enough, you can use epoxy to seal the leak. Once you clean the surface, stir the epoxy to mix it evenly before applying it on and around the hole.

You can use a wooden dowel to spread the sealant around the affected area. Different products will have varying curing rates. So, make sure to read the instructions to know how long you must allow it to dry before starting the engine. An exhaust tape is an ideal solution if you are dealing with a larger hole. Wrap the tape around the hole, making sure to extend a few inches on either side. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. Park the vehicle on a level, firm surface. In order to repair the exhaust leak, you will need to jack the vehicle up to locate it. When you jack up a portion of the car, the weight of that portion will be centralized into the relatively small space beneath the jack.

It's important that you choose a surface that can support that weight. You also need the surface to be level, as it's extremely unsafe to jack up a car at an angle. Never jack up a car on grass, dirt or gravel as it may cause the jack to topple over. Allow the exhaust to cool. The exhaust piping in your vehicle can reach extremely high temperatures while the engine is running.

Allow the vehicle to cool for a few hours before attempting to work on the exhaust to avoid burning yourself. Touch the hood of your car. If it is still warm, the engine and exhaust are both still extremely hot.

Jack up the vehicle. Slide a scissor or trolley jack below the vehicle at one of its designated jack points. If you are unsure where these jack points are, refer to the vehicle's owner's manual to help you locate them. With the jack in the correct space, jack up the car until it is high enough to safely work beneath it. Never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a jack. Inspect the exhaust piping. From beneath the vehicle, inspect the exhaust piping starting at the front of the vehicle and working your way back.

If you have an idea of where the leak may be, you can begin your inspection in that area. Look for signs of damage such as scrapes, rust, cracks or holes.

Rust is also a common cause of exhaust leaks. If rust penetrates through all the way through a pipe, it will result in a leak. Cracks in the piping are another common cause of exhaust leaks. Start the vehicle to help locate leaks. If you are unable to readily identify the source of the leak with a visual inspection, have a friend start the vehicle. From beneath the car or truck you should be able to spot the leak as puffs of exhaust smoke escapes from it.

Keep your hands away from any moving parts. Make sure the vehicle is in park for automatic transmissions or is in neutral with the wheels chocked standard transmissions before starting it. Assess the extent and type of damage. Depending on the type of damage you identify on your exhaust piping, your repair options may vary.

If the exhaust piping is covered in extensive rust, that entire component of the exhaust may need to be replaced by a professional. Small scrapes or holes can be addressed without cutting out portions of the exhaust. Larger holes will need a piece of aluminum in conjunction with an epoxy to seal. Method 2. Scrub the area surrounding the leak with a steel toothed brush.

Otherwise, it should be a relatively simple job for a garage to do for you. The muffler is usually a component in one with the tailpipe — the bit that sticks out of the back of your car. On some cars — especially older cars — you might find that the entire exhaust pipe — from the front of the car to the back — is all one component. In this situation, you may be able to purchase an aftermarket tailpipe including the muffler , cut the exhaust at the appropriate place, and use a clamp or a sleeve, with some silicone, to hold it in place.

Although it might be more expensive, you can expect that to be a simpler job. Overall, though, you are unlikely to run into many big problems with this kind of job. The muffler is an essential part of the car, both for legal and social reasons. Keeping your car quiet is a basic courtesy towards your neighbors, and they will appreciate it. Keeping it well looked after is an excellent way to make sure you keep your car healthy as well as your relationships with those who live near you.

Also, never be afraid to take your car to your local garage to get it replaced. Ryan Kelly has a keen eye for everything motorsport. With his years of experience of being in and around cars, his articles are second to none. How to Replace a Muffler Conclusion. Ryan Kelly Ryan Kelly has a keen eye for everything motorsport. View Post.