Truck Exhaust & Aftertreatment Services in Austin, TX

Common Exhaust Systems Problems

The exhaust system on a heavy-duty truck includes everything from a system of manifolds to a series of different mufflers and more. It even consists of catalytic converters, which are expensive parts of any vehicle.

A broken exhaust manifold will result in cylinder misfires, rough idle, and severe loss of power. It can be surprisingly costly because you have to replace the manifold, the short metal tubes connecting it, and the catalytic converter itself.

The catalytic converter's job is to clean the exhaust by converting harmful chemicals into less dangerous ones. It has to be replaced every so often because it can get clogged or damaged by rust, corrosion, or exposure to other components in the engine's exhaust.

And who can forget the tailpipe? It's the very end of your exhaust system, and it needs to be safely routed away from possible contact with people or anything that can burn. A broken tailpipe is a serious problem because it will keep breaking even if you repair it, and there might be gas fumes leaking out.

It's also possible that your mufflers are simply too old and clogged up with rust or corrosion particles that might have built up over time. You don't necessarily need to replace them, but it can't hurt to have them cleaned out.

Recommended mileage: 100,000-300,000 miles

Recommendations & Solutions

Depending on the damage, your mechanic might start by assessing the part and inspecting it for wear and tear. If there's no rot or major damage, your mechanic may be able to hone out the engine block.

Honing simply resurfaces it with a finer stone, giving it a new surface to work with. It helps remove burrs from the cylinder walls and smooth out any irregularities that were there before.

This is a relatively inexpensive, quick repair measure that can make your engine run more smoothly again. Particularly stubborn rings may need to be replaced entirely or replaced with an offset repair of one side of the pair only.

If a part like the catalytic converter snaps from pressure or rust, it will need to be fully replaced. The same goes for a broken tailpipe, gas tank, or exhaust manifold.

Welding it back together is a cheaper option, but it is also a temporary fix that will probably have to be repeated soon.

Common Questions

What sounds does a bad exhaust make?

If your vehicle is hissing, it could mean there is a crack in the exhaust pipe, manifold, or a leaking gasket.

If your vehicle is chugging, it could mean a blockage in the exhaust system.

If your vehicle is rattling, your exhaust might have become misaligned.

What problems can a bad exhaust cause?

You wouldn't be the first person to ignore exhaust issues. If you do, the result might not be catastrophic but will likely build over time. You'll probably experience decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel economy.

Can an exhaust leak affect turbo?

An exhaust leak is actually likely to help your turbo spool, since some of the exhaust is escaping before the designed exhaust system. However, we strongly suggest that you fix any leaks. They aren't going to sound good and could make you sick.