Exhaust Repair
A car in need of an exhaust repair is usually very easy to spot, or rather hear. The first signs are usually loud or bumping noises coming from the rear or underneath your car. But there are other signs to look out for, these include a loss of power, fluids leaking from the gaskets, and exhaust fumes entering your car. If any of these are occurring, it can be a sign that your car may be due for an exhaust replacement, or at the very least a thorough examination.
If you’re not sure that your car's exhaust is the problem, you can find out by running the car and listening to where the noise is coming from. In a stationary position most noise that a car generates will come from the engine bay. We recommend standing behind the car and having someone else run the engine. Listen to the rise and fall, a rattling sound will usually indicate a damaged muffler. If the noise is more in the middle of the car it will probably be the catalytic converter.
In many cases a problem with an exhaust can get worse over time until you have an absolute failure. While in most cases a car needing an exhaust repair will still be able to drive, it is considered unroadworthy and the noise will bring some attention that you’d otherwise not want. Ideally, you’d be better off not waiting until an exhaust in need of repair gets bad enough that parts of it break and fall off your car. You should call Lube Mobile as soon as you think there is a problem, and we will take care of it for you.
A car’s exhaust system is made up of a few very important parts. While it may depend on the age of the car and specific design, most exhausts consist several main components:
- Manifold - this attaches the exhaust to the engine
- Flange Gasket - provides a seal between the exhaust pipe and the manifold
- Oxygen Sensor - helps to control the air/fuel ratio via the ECU (engine control unit)
- Exhaust Pipe - the pipe directs the flow of exhaust gasses
- Catalytic Converter - cleans harmful & polluting gasses
- Muffler - reduces noise from the exhaust system
- Resonator - to improve the sound of an exhaust so it is more appealing (not installed in all vehicles)
While these are the main parts there are many joins and areas where problems can occur. For example, if the hanger clips are broken, it can put undue stress in the pipes and cause them to fail. If you’re in need of an exhaust repair, and do not have time to take your car to a repair shop, your best solution is to call a mobile mechanic as they will come to you!
How to Replace an Exhaust?
When you are booked in for an exhaust repair, it will be explained what parts are going to be replaced and why. A complete exhaust replacement is only considered after an inspection and it’s determined that repairing a single part is not going to be good enough to solve the main problem. In many cases you’ll only need to replace parts of the total exhaust system.
The car will need to be raised off the ground. The exhaust replacement will start by disconnecting it from the manifold. The oxygen sensor will need to be disconnected. Then while providing proper support for the exhaust pipe undo all the hanging clips. Then for most models that exhaust can be removed. In many vehicles the exhaust system has a few joins, and it can be taken apart in sections.
The installation is a reverse of this procedure. In most cases it is best to have a professional to complete the job for you as we have tools that can test for any leaks in the connections and will provide a warranty on the work performed.
How Much Does It Cost to Change an Exhaust?
Exhaust systems on cars vary from quite simple, to extensive. They can be made of basic parts, to mid-range and high-performance parts. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300 - $2000 for a complete replacement. However, this does not include costs for labour, ideally it is best to enquire about costs when you book in.
As an exhaust repair is fairly straightforward, once we know your specific make and model we can provide you with an accurate quote on the cost for replacing all or parts of your exhaust. For your next car service, call Lube Mobile on 13 30 32 as we can inspect your exhaust system and report on any problems that need to be repaired.
How to Hire a Mobile Mechanic?
At Lube Mobile we are the mobile mechanic specialist, we have vehicles operating all over Australia. We are equipped to handle all types of exhaust repair, or complete exhaust replacement, and many other car repairs. If you are looking for a mechanical service that is ‘near me’ you’ll find that our operations are available in all major cities, including Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide. Operating for over thirty years we are known as Australia’s largest networks of mobile mechanics, with over 190 vans in servicing vehicles daily.
We can service your vehicle on site but if required we are able to take larger and more involved jobs to our workshops. We always use quality parts and all work is covered by a warranty. If you have any warning signs for a problematic exhaust, feel free to book in with us, and we’ll get your problem sorted!
You can use our online booking system, or you can call one of our operators on 13 30 32. We’ll see you soon have your car running it’s best and get you back on the road!
Components we can repair or replace:
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