Exhaust Leak, 850, Real Loud Now.

alexk243 · Post by **alexk243** » 17 Oct 2011, 15:59

Been driving my 850 for a bit now and it just all of a sudden got louder. Took a look under the car, but wasn't able to locate any hole easily. Any suggestions on areas of the exhaust that tend to go out first?

Post by **erikv11** » 17 Oct 2011, 18:45

Yep. Look at the joint between the catalytic converter and the rest of the exhaust. It is behind the cat, pretty much right under the driver's seat. There is a clamp there, that rusts out and the exhaust rusts out too.

Easiest fix is take it to a muffler shop, they can cut out the clamp and put in a metal sleeve over it to seal the gap. Ran me $40 earlier this fall.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Oct 2011, 19:27

The flex joint on the exhaust manifold, in front of the cat, also falls into the "usual suspect" camp.

...Lee

alexk243 · Post by **alexk243** » 17 Oct 2011, 23:25

Both about a $40 job at a muffler shop?

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 18 Oct 2011, 00:05

Flex joints don't come that cheap. I'm sure there are a few cheap flexes out there, but they won't hold up to heat, water, shrinkage and expansion. The Volvo expansion piece is stainless steel and they hold up a long time. There are probaby some good "Brand X' pieces out there so you might check the net. Also, you can probably find some decent exhaust parts at an auto recycler (junk yard). See what you need and go from there.

alexk243 · Post by **alexk243** » 18 Oct 2011, 22:03

Here is what I got:

alexk243 · Post by **alexk243** » 18 Oct 2011, 22:06

Another angle on it. Located between the Cat and Muffler

alexk243 · Post by **alexk243** » 18 Oct 2011, 22:07

Is that something I can just take into a muffler shop, give them $45 and have it done in an hour?

Post by **erikv11** » 18 Oct 2011, 22:10

Yes.

That is exactly what I was talking about. I don't know if there is too much rust, otherwise should be an easy and quick fix for a muffler shop. They will cut off the clamp, slip a pipe over both sides, and weld it up. A drawback to this fix is that if you have additional exhaust problems, you are going to need a muffler shop to further cut and weld. but I figure I am in that boat anyway.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 18 Oct 2011, 22:15

A muffler shop should be able to sleeve it and weld it for about the money you are talking about - all things are regional as far as prices go. You do kinda screw yourself if you decide to change the system later but my method of any exhaust system replacement involves a Sawzall anyway.

...Lee