How To Identify & Replace Broken Exhaust Pipe

The engine creates a lot of exhaust fumes as a byproduct of combustion and these fumes are extremely harmful to the environment and us humans. This is why a thorough exhaust system is designed in every engine that carries out these harmful gases from the engine to the atmosphere and in the process treats the gas to make it more environmentally friendly. 

The exhaust gases start their journey from the engine cylinder via the exhaust manifold and then flow to the catalytic converter where the NOX and CO emissions are treated to create less harmful counterparts such as H2O and NO2. These gases then flow towards the muffler and then out through the tailpipe. 

The exhaust pipes most commonly fail due to rust that stems with the presence of very high temperatures and moisture resulting in many failures in the exhaust system. If the exhaust pipes fail then the fumes can escape untreated which can be detrimental to the functioning of the exhaust. Therefore it is necessary to scope out any problems related to the exhaust system to avoid harmful emissions. The next section will showcase the symptoms you can experience that can signal you to fix your exhaust pipe. 

There are numerous issues that you will face if your exhaust pipe is broken and allows leakage of the exhaust fumes before it reaches the tailpipe. Take a look at the trouble you may face if your exhaust pipe is failing:

1. Noisier Engine: The first, most obvious sign that your exhaust pipe is broken will be evident from a noisier engine. A broken or cracked exhaust pipe will allow the gases to escape before reaching the muffler through fissures or holes which will cause a drastic increase in the noise produced and can be more prominent under acceleration. 
2. Loss In Power And Fuel Efficiency: The functioning of the exhaust system is very simple but failure can prevent the engine from operating correctly. Modern vehicle’s fuel delivery is closely monitored and is a direct result of the exhaust gases. Any leaks in the exhaust can prevent accurate readings which in turn causes improper fuel delivery and reduction in engine power. If you start to notice a drop in your car’s mileage, have trouble accelerating and experience hesitant cold starts then you have an issue with your exhaust pipes.
3. Gasoline Smell: Another common symptom of broken exhaust pipes is an evident smell of gasoline. Untreated exhaust gases that leak due to a faulty exhaust pipe can result in gasoline smells in the cabin. If the smell is more adverse then it may be an indication that the catalytic converter is not functioning as it should and must be looked at immediately. 
4. Hanging Or Dragging Exhaust Pipe: Now if the exhaust pipe has reached its limit it can break off completely and start to hang or even drag along the ground as the vehicle moves. This could also occur if the clamps or hooks are broken allowing the pipe to hang freely. A simple inspection by looking through the side under the vehicle can reveal the issue. 

If you experience one or more of the signs then start by taking a look at your exhaust pipe. Any huge rust spots, cracks or fissures can indicate that the pipe is damaged beyond repair and a replacement is in order because repair jobs are only temporary solutions and cost more in the long run. Therefore consider getting a new set of exhaust pipes and you most likely will also notice an increase in engine responsiveness, fuel efficiency and engine power. 

If the inspection of the exhaust pipe reveals no damage on the pipes then you may have a damaged exhaust manifold or a broken exhaust manifold gasket which also show similar signs of failure. Take a look at this article on exhaust manifold gasket failure for more information. 

Driving with a broken or leaking exhaust will not affect drivability but it will pose a number of hazards that can compromise safety and necessitates the replacement of the pipe. The following points are few reasons why you must replace your exhaust pipes if and when you notice a leak, crack or complete breakage of the pipe:

• Untreated Exhaust Gases Can Escape: The exhaust fumes are very harmful to not just the environment but also humans and can cause many adverse effects if inhaled directly. A broken or leaking exhaust pipe does just that by allowing untreated exhaust to escape which will impact the driver, passengers and everyone around the vehicle and compromises safety. 
• Excess Fuel Consumption: Modern vehicles have a monitored system and the exhaust gasses are used to understand how much fuel is to be given in order to reduce emissions and increase performance, but a leak in pipes can cause inaccurate readings at the sensor leading to excess fuel being delivered and increasing fuel consumption. Prolonged use of the vehicle in this state can drastically reduce fuel efficiency and incur major losses in terms of fuel bills.
• Increased Emissions: The main idea behind the exhaust system is to reduce the emissions that are created upon the combustion of fuel. If the exhaust gases escape untreated from the pipes then the function of the exhaust system is defeated. It is necessary to treat these gasses before they leave the vehicle and a properly functioning exhaust system is the right way to do it. 

A broken exhaust can also hinder during a vehicle emissions test and potentially cause a failure if the exhaust isn’t functioning right, Thus, it becomes clear why such a simple element in the vehicle plays such an important role in keeping you safe and the vehicle running properly. So make sure to replace your exhaust pipes if you see any irregularities mentioned previously. Replacing your exhaust is a relatively simple task that you can attempt to do yourself, saving you big bucks in replacement bills at your local dealer.