Repairing Guides

how to repair broken exhaust pipe

by Randy Kassulke Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Part 1 of 1: Repairing your exhaust pipe

  1. Raise the vehicle off the ground. Use the floor jack to raise just the drivers side of the vehicle, keeping the tires on the passenger side on the ...
  2. Locate the exhaust leak on the vehicle. Put on safety glasses and slide under the vehicle to visually inspect your exhaust system with a flashlight.
  3. Prepare the exhaust surface for repair. Once the leak is discovered, the next step is getting the exhaust piping warm, preferably over 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. Cover the hole with steel wool. Take a piece of steel wool and cover the damaged area of the exhaust pipe.
  5. Apply repair tape to the damaged area. Get the repair tape and remove the backing to expose the sticky side. ...
  6. Cut the empty soda can to fit around your exhaust pipe. ...
  7. Secure the soda can around the pipe. Take the hose clamps and use one at each end of the soda can to secure it to the exhaust pipe.
  8. Activate the adhesive repair tape. Start your vehicle let it idle for 15 minutes to allow the adhesive on the repair tape to activate and adhere to the ...
  9. Test drive to check completion of repair. Use your floor jack to remove the safety jack stands and lower your vehicle to the ground. ...

How much does it cost to fix the exhaust pipe?

The average cost for exhaust pipe replacement is between $776 and $799. Labor costs are estimated between $79 and $100 while parts are priced between $697 and $699. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

How to fix a broken underground PVC pipe?

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel & trowel
  • Pipe
  • 2 straight connectors
  • hacksaw or pipe cutter
  • for PVC, glue and primer
  • for metal, a threader
  • Rags
  • 2 Hours

How do you repair an exhaust pipe leak?

How do you repair an exhaust leak? Step 1: Raise the vehicle off the ground. Step 2: Locate the exhaust leak on the vehicle. Step 3: Prepare the exhaust surface for repair. Step 4: Cover the hole with steel wool. Step 5: Apply repair tape to the damaged area. Step 6: Cut the empty soda can to fit around your exhaust pipe.

How to fix a broken or rusted exhaust flange easily?

Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Locating an Exhaust Leak

  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. In order to repair an exhaust leak, you will need to jack the vehicle up to locate it.
  2. Wait for the exhaust to cool. You won’t be able to work on the exhaust pipe of your vehicle until it has cooled down for a while.
  3. Jack the vehicle up. ...
  4. Inspect the exhaust piping. ...
  5. Start the engine to help locate leaks. ...

More items...

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How do you fix a broken exhaust pipe fast?

0:082:44How I fixed a broken exhaust pipe! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what I thought of was a Coke in some aluminum foil tape some wire and I thought okay I'll hookMoreAnd what I thought of was a Coke in some aluminum foil tape some wire and I thought okay I'll hook up get this put together so all you do is cut the coke into lengths.

Can you fix a cracked exhaust pipe?

Determine the best way to repair the damage. If your exhaust pipe is severely rusted or has suffered extensive damage, it likely cannot be repaired and instead will need to be replaced. However, if the issue is a small leak or damaged muffler, you can patch the leak or replace the muffler using common hand tools.

How do you fix a broken exhaust without welding?

How to Seal the leakApply an Epoxy Bond. If the hole is small enough, you can use epoxy to seal the leak. ... Wrap it with Exhaust Tape. An exhaust tape is an ideal solution if you are dealing with a larger hole. ... Use an Exhaust Clamp. ... Cover the Hole with an Aluminum Patch.

Can I drive my car with a broken exhaust pipe?

1. The Toxic Exhaust. The possibility of toxic exhaust fumes leaking into your car's ventilation system represents the largest reason for not driving with a broken or damaged muffler. You put yourself and others in serious - and potentially fatal - danger if this occurs while you drive.

Can I use aluminum foil on my exhaust?

Next put the aluminum foil around the can, sealing off, as much as possible, all openings that will let exhaust gases, and therefore noise, escape. Don't be stingy with the foil. Wrap a few turns around the repair, then wrap wire tightly around the foil to hold it in place.

Can you weld a cracked exhaust pipe?

3:294:14Cracked Exhaust Pipe Repair: Welding a Broken Expansion ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we ground everything down and out of what we could fortunately. It's fixed the crack is gone itMoreSo we ground everything down and out of what we could fortunately. It's fixed the crack is gone it doesn't look the best but it'll do.

What is the best exhaust repair putty?

Permatex Muffler and Tailpipe Putty permanently repairs holes and leaks in exhaust systems. This two-pouch bonus pack seals out fumes at temperatures up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit and is safe for catalytic converters.

Can you JB weld exhaust?

JB Weld ExtremeHeat is perfect for making repairs on all manner of high-heat parts, including exhaust manifolds, mufflers, catalytic converters, exhaust pipes, engine blocks, fireplaces, smokers/fireboxes, and many more crack-prone items.

Is it better to weld or clamp exhaust?

Welding provides you with a stronger bond than a clamp can and will last the pipe's lifetime. The downside of welding is that you need specialized skills and tools. If you don't have the tools, you will need professional assistance.

Can you use duct tape on an exhaust pipe?

No, duct tape is not a safe option for repairing damaged exhaust mufflers or exhaust pipes. Duct tape is made out of cotton mesh, and is covered with a type of plastic called polyethelyne, with a rubber-based adhesive underneath. When it gets hot, duct tape melts and becomes flammable.

How much does it cost to fix exhaust pipe?

The average cost for exhaust pipe replacement is between $812 and $836. Labor costs are estimated between $80 and $100 while parts are priced between $733 and $736. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.

How much does it cost to reattach an exhaust?

Based on U.S. pricing trends before discounts, it can cost from $30-$50 to at least $500 to repair or replace an exhaust system. The most common muffler repairs are patching holes, tightening a loose connection, and re-welding a dangling muffler back in place.

How much does it cost to fix a cracked exhaust pipe?

The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for exhaust pipe replacement is between $812 and $836. Labor costs are estimated between $80 and $100 while parts are priced between $733 and $736. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.

How much does it cost to fix a cracked exhaust?

The average cost of an exhaust manifold repair is around $735, while costs can range between around $500-$1000 or more. Labor for repairs typically costs around $475, while parts cost less – around $235.

How much does it cost to get an exhaust leak fixed?

While the cost for fixing an exhaust leak varies from $100-$400, at an average fee of $100 per hour for labor plus additional expenses for parts, exhaust system replacements can rack up a bill between $150 to almost $1200.

How much is it to fix a broken exhaust?

Replacing either will cost between $300 to $1,200. Most cars need an exhaust system repair or replacement after around eight to 10 years. If your car is that old, then your exhaust system may have developed holes (or a leak) due to natural corrosion.

How to fix a leaky exhaust?

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. In order to repair an exhaust leak, you will need to jack the vehicle up to locate it. Always jack vehicles up on flat, level surfaces to ensure the jack won’t topple over as you lift the vehicle.

Why does exhaust pipe break?

Exhaust piping can break for a number of reasons. Rust, cracks, scrapes and holes can develop over the lifetime of the vehicle and require repair. In some instances, the exhaust may be too damaged to be repaired and may require replacement, but you might be able to repair some less severe kinds of damage using common hand tools.

How to fix a muffler that is not working?

If your muffler is the problem, you’ll need to loosen the exhaust clamps with a wrench, slide the exhaust and muffler apart, then hang your new muffler on the mounts. Then, spray exhaust sealant on the end of both pipes, slide them together, and tighten the muffler clamps back into place.

How to tighten muffler clamps?

With the piping seated properly, slide a muffler clamp over the area where the muffler pipe overlaps the other. Use a hand or socket wrench to tighten the clamp until it is not possible to move the pipes back and forth at all.

How to remove rust from exhaust clamp?

Once the fasteners have been thoroughly soaked in rust penetrator, use a wrench to remove the nuts holding the exhaust clamp in place. Make sure to use a socket or wrench of the correct size, as exhaust fasteners are prone to stripping or breaking.

How to fix a rusty muffler?

1. Spray rust penetrator on the exhaust clamps. If your muffler is not welded in place, it will be secured using muffler clamps. Spray a rust penetrator like WD40 onto the fastening hardware to break through some of the rust and grime that may have seized the nuts in place.

How long does it take for exhaust gas to cool off?

Wait for a few hours then place your hand near the exhaust pipe to see if you can feel any heat radiating off the metal. Touch the hood of your car.

What to do if you have a broken exhaust pipe?

The first thing you need to do when you suspect you have a leaky or broken exhaust pipe is to jack your vehicle up and ensure the job is resting on a concrete floor, then place jack stands underneath the car. Give the exhaust some time to cool down and then proceed to inspect the damage.

Why do you need to fix your exhaust pipe?

One of the reasons you should consider fixing your exhaust pipe right away is fuel economy . The exhaust serves as a critical part of the vehicle that helps to remove fumes. So, if there is an issue with the exhaust of your car, you should expect a reduction in fuel efficiency.

How many clamps does a flex pipe have?

Flex pipes usually have two clamps. So, after you slide the flex pipe over one side of the cut exhaust pipe, connect the other part of the exhaust pipe. Now, fix the exhaust clamp, one on each side of the exhaust pipe, on top of the flex pipe. At this point, the sound of your vehicle should be better.

Why does my exhaust pipe break?

It could also be a result of rusting, which would weaken the strength of the exhaust pipe and cause it to break easily.

Why does my exhaust leak?

Many things can cause exhaust to start leaking or get broken. One of them is rusting. Over time, exhaust pipes get rusty, as with other metals. The rust can make the metal weaker and cause it to break when the bottom of your car accidentally hits a pothole, speed bump, or a massive solid object.

What is the last gas you should inhale?

And carbon monoxide is the last gas that you or your passengers should ever inhale. It can cause dizziness, headache, and death. So, always make sure your exhaust pipe is in order before you hit the road. You can have a professional check your exhaust, together with other parts of your vehicle occasionally.

Can you use epoxy to seal a hole in an exhaust pipe?

Keep in mind that if you don’t use a patch, then you won’t have a perfect seal. So, yes, you can fix your exhaust pipe without welding it, and it would last for a considerable period.

Make Your Initial Assessment

Before you start going to work, you need to assess the situation. While you might be eager to get started and repair your issue, you need to examine the region around the exhaust pipe you’re looking to repair.

Repairing Your Pipe Takes Patience

Because this is a common enough issue that many auto owners take into their own hands, there are a lot of commercial exhaust repair kids available. Follow the instructions carefully so that you’re able to replace or repair your muffler or pipes in a way that lasts for a while.

Preparing Your Car for Replacement

If it looks like the repairs are going to require you to get serious about replacing a section of broken or rusted pipe, you need to prepare your car.

Replacing a Section of Pipe

When it’s time to replace a section of pipe, you need to start by cutting off the piece that needs to go. The best tool for the job is going to be either a hacksaw, exhaust pipe cutter, or a tubing cutter with a chain.

How do I seal a leak in my exhaust pipe?

Cover the area surrounding the leak with epoxy. Just as you would seal a leak with epoxy, mix it together and apply it to the pipe around the leak. Make sure to apply enough epoxy to create a seal for the patch, but don't apply so much that the epoxy begins to drip into the exhaust piping.

How to fix a leak in a pipe?

Cut an aluminum patch to fit over the leak. Use a pair of heavy duty scissors to cut your aluminum can into a patch large enough to cover the leak. You may also choose to wrap the can around the pipe. For smaller leaks, you can simply cut a circle of aluminum that is a half inch larger in diameter than the hole.

How big of a hole do I need to patch a leak in my exhaust?

After scrubbing and cleaning the area, determine how large the patch will need to be to cover the leak and leave at least a half inch or so of extra material beyond the hole itself. If the area that needs to be patched is larger than about three inches, that portion of the exhaust will likely need to be replaced.

How to inspect 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.

How long does it take for 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. It may take a number of hours to allow the exhaust to cool enough to touch. Touch the hood of your car.

Can you drive a car with an exhaust leak?

wikiHow Staff Editor. Staff Answer. Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer. It is not advisable to drive a car with an exhaust leak because the exhaust fumes are toxic and may be leaking into your car; carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly and you cannot smell or sense its presence.

What happens when you jack up a car?

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.

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