Maintaining your car exhaust doesn't have to be exhausting. That tailpipe (or two) is necessary to keep your car running in top shape. It may not be pretty, but it has to be there.
If you don't keep it clean and high-functioning, your car could be damaged. There are certain steps you can take to maintain your exhaust. Continue reading to learn more.
How To Keep Your Car Exhaust In Good Shape
Maintenance starts with the hangers. Any broken hangers should be replaced immediately. Even only one broken hanger results in whiplash in the welded and clamped joints.
You can install a universal hanger. You may have to engage injury-rigging to do so.
Attachments should be extremely close to the original equipment setup's locations.
Exhaust systems often have a bracket for support close to the transmission. If the bracket cracks, there can be an exhaust system flex and cracking.
Exhaust system heat shields are another important component to maintain. They can easily be damaged by driving on rough roads. Replace any shields that are barely hanging on or missing to prevent grass fires.
Next up, we have exhaust joints. If a broken hanger has caused a lot of exhaust system up-down travel, the joint and clamps may be damaged.
You can replace a welded joint with a cracked resonator joint or muffler. A cheaper option would be to cut away part of the neck joint and the piping. You could then install a short connector pipe and secure it with clamps.
Nuts and Bolts
Remove an old clamp that's leaking exhaust gas but isn't cracked. If you have badly distorted pipe ends, rent a pipe expander to reshape them.
Joints are held together with spring-loaded bolts. Heat can weaken the springs and loosen the joint.
You'll have to tighten the bolts or else replace them if the springs are weak or have cracked. Bolts are sold with new springs.
If you have a badly rusted flange joint, look for a clamp-over repair fitting at an auto parts store.
Then there are damper weights. Some exhausts have vibration dampers, which are part of a flange connection or attached to a pipe.
If a damper weight bends or breaks off, the exhaust system will vibrate. The ride will be uncomfortable and the clamped and welded joints will suffer.
Contact The Professional for Exhaust Services
What's a car without an exhaust? It's not a functioning car. No matter what you think of it, it serves an essential purpose.
Keep your car at its best by having its exhaust checked out by professionals. Contact All-Out Auto Repair today.