Broken Exhaust Pipe
Abroken exhaustpipe is relatively easy to fix, depending on the size of the damaged area and access to it. Water and acid in exhaust gases form a dangerous combination for system components, leading to rusted, broken and leaking pipes and mufflers. This doesn't mean, however, that you need to replace a whole pipe or muffler. Using a few key tools and taking some safety precautions, you can save a lot of money by patching or replacing a section of a broken exhaust pipe right at home.Making a visual inspectionClosely examine the damaged area around the exhaust pipe. If you are dealing with a small or medium size crack, you have several cheap repair options. Products like exhaust repair paste, cement crack repair and other similar broken exhaust repair kits are readily available in most auto parts stores. Used along with a rust converter (to restore a corroded surface on a pipe), these kits make for a quick, practical and effective solution for most broken pipe issues you will have to deal with.If you decide you need to replace a section of the exhaust pipe, however, you have other alternatives. First, using a vernier caliper, measure the length and diameter of the damaged area on the pipe you want to repair. Then, visit different auto parts stores in your area and online vendors to search for available options.You might be able to cut off that damaged section and replace it with a small piece of pipe using exhaust adapters or spacer pipes. Ask for the available diameters. If you can't find the correct diameter for your needs, consider using an exhaust pipe expander tool to adjust your pipe to an available diameter. Also, if you are dealing with a bent pipe, ask for a pipe shaper tool you can use to restore your pipe to its original shape. Finally, make sure you have the necessary installation hardware like muffler clamps and/or U-bolts. When considering your repairs, though, make sure to keep your system configuration withinstate and federal regulations.Repairing your exhaust pipeWhen using a special repair kit, follow closely the manufacturer's instructions on the product's package. If you are going to make a more involved type of repair, you will need to make some preparations. Park your car in a well ventilated area. Raise your vehicle and set it on jack stands or wheel ramps. Block the front or rear wheels with wooden blocks to prevent the car from rolling while you work underneath. Now, put on your safety glasses and crawl under the car. If you have to remove any screws from the exhaust system, apply rust penetrant to the bolts to make them easier to remove and only use six-point sockets or wrenches to prevent rounding off bolts.Go ahead and cut off the piece of exhaust pipe you need to replace. Cut the pipe with a hacksaw, exhaust pipe cutter or chain-type tubing cutter. Of course, you can make your job easier using an electric saw. But, chances are, you'll be producing a lot of sparks and that might not be as safe as using a hand tool, specially if you are working too close to the fuel tank. Choose the best tool for the job. However, always put your personal safety above everything else. Install the replacement piece and secure it with the clamps and/or U-bolts, but do not over tighten them or you will end up with an exhaust leak and more repairs to deal with.Fixing a common broken exhaust pipe is not as difficult as you might think. A close visual inspection of the damage area and a visit to your auto parts store to check on available solutions will help you perform this repair job at home in most cases. Better yet, taking care of the problem on time yourself not only saves you a lot of money in car repairs but alsostops toxic gasesfrom reaching you and anyone else riding with you.
