What to do when you hear a noise in your exhaust system?

Published on : 31 October 20193 min reading time

The exhaust system of your vehicle is designed to transport the engine combustion gases to the outside, channel hot gases and reduce exhaust noise. When it has a defect, it is often manifested by the emission of an abnormal noise, so what should be done in this case?

Diagnose a problem on the silencer

Among the various components that make up your exhaust system, the muffler is the one that reduces noise at the exhaust outlet. By damping sound waves with metal baffles that regulate the flow of combustion gases. When it is defective, it causes abnormal noise, but also over-consumption of fuel and a reduction in power.

To find out if the problem is due to this, expert advice recommends shaking the exhaust system a little to make sure it is properly fixed, properly maintained by the rubbers. If it is not fixed correctly, you hear noises but in addition vibrations can cause cracks.

Also check the condition of the silencer, paying attention to rust that damages it but also to possible perforations. Finally, tap on the silencer shell and if a sand noise is heard, it means that the rock wool has disintegrated.

How to repair your exhaust system?

Changing the exhaust system if after examination, you notice that your exhaust system has abnormal noise due to dislocated exhaust system components, simply reattach them correctly to remove the noise.

In addition, in the case of drilling due to rust, it may be possible to repair the exhaust system using special pastes to seal the holes. To be able to locate them accurately, it is essential to raise the car so that you can see where the exhaust gases come from and where you need to put the paste. If it can remain in place for a long time, the repair remains perfunctory. Finally, it should be noted that the holes can be located at the silencer as elsewhere on the line, so you should look everywhere.

If your exhaust pipe is too damaged, it may become necessary to replace it. To do this, first remove the old one by removing the clamps, screws and joints that hold it in place, then install the new one, ensuring that the exhaust system components are properly assembled and then secured. An operation that requires rigour and thoroughness.

Exhaust pipe maintenance

Your exhaust system must always be in perfect condition to comply with the rules in force concerning its noise emission but also pollutant gas emission, which are reminded on this page.

To ensure its good condition, it is strongly recommended to have your exhaust system checked every 20,000 km and the rear silencer every 80,000 km. Your exhaust also includes a catalyst that reduces the harmfulness of exhaust gases. The latter needs a check every 100,000 km. During these checks, it is also necessary to check the condition of the rubbers, clamps and springs that ensure that the exhaust pipe is properly secured in place.

It is a good evaluation of the condition of all these elements that allows you to have an exhaust in perfect condition that makes no noise and causes little pollution.

How to check your car yourself?
What are the objectives of a roadworthiness test?

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