Should I leave Exhaust Work to a Mechanic with a Lift?

[plumsmooth]

I'm currently 2 issues away from an inspection.
Unfortunately it already expired.

The good news is that I walk to work -- with the exception of some transport airport and train station runs that I do once or twice a month...

The mechanic said my ABS light and Exhaust needs to be addressed...

I'm currently working on ABS -- but without even a good floor jack yet added to my tool selection -- let alone floor jacks or ramps -- I feel as though this Exhaust diagnosis and work maybe out of my reasonable league...

His test was to put his hand over exhaust tailpipe and determine no vacuum or whatever -- looking for a popping effect when removing hand...

I'm rambling on a bit but my question is should I not just choose Exhaust work as something to let someone else work on instead of me for the price point regarding tools, enjoyability, and lift ability and dirty reality...

It seems overall one of the least expensive areas to have worked on by someone else?

Especially when it comes to also welding and patching?

[dosbricks]

Yes. A "muffler shop" who specializes in exhaust work will be best equipped and offer the lowest price.

[Ozark Lee]

The way the factory exhaust goes on it is basically in two pieces. The front half with the downpipe and the catalytic converter is manageable with jack stands but the back half is pretty much impossible without getting the car at least four or five feet off the ground.

What is the specific issue? If it is something like a cracked joint you can often just get it welded back together for well under $100.00. If the coupler at the ball and socket joint between the front half and the back half rotted away (a common problem) then that can be service with jack stands as well. That coupler is in two pieces and they are identical but when you order them they only come as one half rather than as a set.

Try top find a "mom and pop" muffler shop rather than a big chain like Midas. As a side note, the mom and pop types are usually run by Russians for some reason but they can weld about anything. Midas and the other big chains don't really repair the system, they sell you new.

...Lee