
How to Fix a Broken Exhaust Pipe
- Method 1 Locating an Exhaust Leak. Park the vehicle on a level surface. In order to repair an exhaust leak, you will...
- Method 2 Patching a Leaky Exhaust Pipe. Scrub around the hole with a steel toothed brush. You won’t be able to identify...
- Method 3 Replacing Your Muffler. Spray rust penetrator on the exhaust clamps. If your muffler is...
Full Answer
How to know when to replace a muffler?
Sample Muffler Replacement Cost By Car Model
- Honda Civic 1999
- Muffler
- Civic EX 2000
- Exhaust Pipe and Muffler
- Toyota Camry
- Muffler
- Mercury Tracer
- New Muffler
- Chevy Silverado
- Muffler
Is it easy to replace a muffler?
You can take your car to a muffler shop for a replacement, but installing a new muffler yourself is fairly easily and cost-efficient. Automotive Learning Library. To complete your muffler installation, you’ll need a jack to lift up your car, a wrench, different sized ratchets, lubricant, and possibly a hacksaw.
How to patch a muffler cheap and easy?
The Jumbo Tiger Patch Muffler or Tailpipe Repair Tape is a mechanically approved tape that you simply wrap-around your muffler or tailpipe and it permanently seals cracks and holes in mufflers and tailpipes in minutes with no tools required. Wrap Tiger Patch firmly around damaged area, idle motor or drive vehicle for 20 minutes.
What can you use to patch a muffler?
Part 2 Part 2 of 4: Preparing Materials and Exhaust Pipe
- Obtain a tin can. The best tin can to use is a soup can about 4 inches in diameter for the standard 2 - 2.5 inch exhaust pipe.
- Use tin snips or heavy duty scissors to cut the can up the side and to cut the bottom out of the can.
- Set the cut can off to the side where it won’t be in the way.

Can you patch a muffler pipe?
You can use an aluminum patch to cover holes of any size. Once you examine the extent of the damage, use a pair of heavy-duty scissors to cut a slightly larger aluminum patch. You may only need to cut a small piece of aluminum for small holes. With larger areas, wrap the aluminum around the pipe for effective sealing.
How do you temporarily fix a broken exhaust pipe?
0:042:44How 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.
How do you fix a cut muffler pipe?
0:304:49Fixing Cut-Off Exhaust Pipe!! (Andy's Garage: Episode - 34) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGo ahead and connect this joint right here. So that way it at least runs through the the muffler andMoreGo ahead and connect this joint right here. So that way it at least runs through the the muffler and silences the noise right now it's very noisy. Let's go ahead and take a. Listen.
How do you fix a broken exhaust without welding?
1:386:47How to Repair the Exhaust Pipes without Welding them / Muffler FixYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo obviously first step is to lift the car and place it on jack stands preferably on both sides andMoreSo obviously first step is to lift the car and place it on jack stands preferably on both sides and as high as possible because you're going to be under the car a lot then you might hit the saw to cut
What can I use to fix my exhaust pipe?
0:003:55DIY Exhaust Pipe Repair - GardenFork - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou could also just use like a tin can like a soda can or a tomato can or something like thatMoreYou could also just use like a tin can like a soda can or a tomato can or something like that something that has flexible sheet metal stuff alright get into the car let's.
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 clamp a muffler instead of welding?
You can definitely use exhaust clamps instead of welding for the simple reason that clamping will provide the same stability to your exhaust pipe system and they are easy to repair as well. You just need bolts and nuts to set the clamp and while repairing you just need to tighten or change the clamps.
Will JB Weld work on 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.
Can you weld exhaust pipe?
0:346:09How To Weld Exhaust Pipe (Andy's Garage: Episode - 37) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's perfect so it unless you're professional welder if you don't have any welding equipment youMoreAnd it's perfect so it unless you're professional welder if you don't have any welding equipment you can pick one of these up at Harbor Freight very inexpensive.
Is it safe to drive with broken muffler?
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.
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 reattach a muffler?
However, if the issue is a small leak or damaged muffler, you can patch the leak or replace the muffler using common hand tools. Small leaks can be repaired using exhaust tape or repair epoxy.
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 I drive my car if the exhaust is hanging?
While you can technically drive with a broken exhaust, it's neither safe nor legal and poses a number of issues when you're out on the road. Whether your exhaust is simply cracked, is partially hanging off or has fallen off completely, it's an important part of your vehicle which needs your immediate attention.
Can you drive with a hanging muffler?
You can also drive a vehicle with a loose muffler, but it also isn't the best idea. A loose muffler may hang lower than normal, hitting bumps or railroad tracks as you drive through Lenexa. You also run the extreme risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if too many fumes enter your vehicle.
What happens if your exhaust pipe falls off?
If the muffler has a hole in it, carbon monoxide can leak into the passenger cabin and your vehicle is unsafe to drive. Carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Unconsciousness and death can occur if you are exposed to this gas for a long period of time.
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 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 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 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 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 size adaptor do I need for exhaust pipe?
If the two pipes feel loose or can be wiggled, you will need an adaptor to match the correct size. Most exhaust piping comes in two or two-and-a-half-inch diameters. You will not be able to seal the wrong size pipe onto another pipe, but adaptors for most diameters can be purchased at hardware or auto parts stores.
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 bent pipe?
To fix a bent pipe, your local auto parts store may lend you a pipe shaper tool to restore the pipe to its original shape. Also, make sure you have the necessary installation hardware like muffler clamps and/or U-bolts. When replacing parts, keep your system configuration within state and federal regulations.
How to stop a car from rolling?
Park your car in a well-ventilated area. Raise your vehicle and set it on jack stands or wheel ramps. Set the emergency brakes and block the wheels on the ground to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Block the front or rear wheels with wooden blocks to prevent the car from rolling while you work underneath.
Do you have to replace a muffler?
Often, you don't have to replace a whole pipe or muffler. Still, you need to fix the problem as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading and keep poisonous exhaust gases from entering the passenger area of your vehicle. With a few tools and the proper safety precautions, you can save a lot of money by patching, joining, ...
Can you replace a whole muffler?
Over time, water and acid content in exhaust gases combine to eat system components, leading to rusted, broken or leaking pipes and mufflers. Often, you don't have to replace a whole pipe or muffler.
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.
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.
How to get a jack out of a car?
Get your jack out and get the vehicle jacked up. Ensure the jack is lying on a solid surface, probably, a concrete floor. Don’t be in haste, and make the mistake of placing your jack on a sandy place or grasses. The weight of the vehicle will eventually cause the jack to give way, or sink into the ground.
