Reasons to check your exhaust system — How to inspect the exhaust system ➤ AUTODOC CLUB

7 reasons to check your exhaust system:

Roaring noise from the engine that changes tone when revving up, and popping sounds when shifting gears.
This can occur when the silencer is damaged or the system has lost its tightness.
Smell of exhaust fumes inside the car.
This phenomenon is caused by the wear of the sealing elements.
Clanging sounds from the resonator.
This is due to thermal damage to the component. A faulty resonator can no longer handle the absorption of vibrations caused by exhaust gases, thus hindering the operation of the engine.
Engine has difficulties starting, runs erratically, and loses power. Fuel consumption increases.
These signs are caused by a clogged catalytic converter, which hinders exhaust gases venting from the combustion chambers properly.
Moisture stains on the resonator, leaks beneath it.
The accumulation of condensate in this element is caused by a loss of tightness on account of mechanical or thermal damage.
Clinking sounds from underneath the vehicle.
This means that the silencer’s fasteners are defective and it’s coming into contact with the car’s underside.
Passenger compartment floor heats up.
This happens when the heat shields are burnt through.

Specifics of checking the exhaust system

Use an inspection pit or lift to visually inspect the parts of the system.
Traces of corrosion or moisture on them indicate that they need to be replaced.
Start the engine to check whether all components of the system are reliably fastened.
If you notice anything loose, new fasteners will need to be installed.
With the engine running, carefully inspect the connections between the parts of the exhaust system. Make sure the exhaust gases aren’t leaking out from the joints.
If any of the parts have lost their tightness, replace their sealing elements.
Monitor the engine temperature.
Frequent engine overheating after short drives may be a sign of faulty exhaust piping.

Den

a smiley technician with plenty of experience starring in AUTODOC's video tutorials; Never seen without his goggles; races his BMW X5 E53; dreams about receiving a Gold Play Button for getting 1,000,000 subscribers on YouTube.