Exhaust leak repair should take anywhere from two to three hours to complete. It may take less time for some cars while others take longer. It all depends on how difficult it takes to reach the exhaust manifold. For labor costs, expect to pay between $125 and $300.
The parts aren’t going to cost much either. While different vehicles require parts of differing prices, the range is somewhere between $15 and $50. While you might pay more to have work done at your dealer, you will get better service and parts.
Exhaust Leak Repair Cost Comparison
The cost of having an exhaust leak repaired will vary depending on the type of car you drive. Prices can fluctuate because some manufacturers charge higher parts than others. You can also expect to pay a higher hourly rate at certain major chains than you would at a garage.
Your Mechanic
WorkWarrantyPriceParts & Labour12 months$129 – $210
Midas
Mr. Tire
WorkWarrantyPriceParts & Labour12 months$146 – $330
Pep Boys
WorkWarrantyPriceParts6 Months$14 – $45
Walmart
WorkWarrantyPricePartsLimited$19 – $42
Amazon
WorkWarrantyPricePartsLimited$12 – $55
What Is Exhaust Leak Repair?
Your car can be severely damaged if your exhaust manifold leaks. If you wait too long to repair it, it could result in a higher repair bill than if it was fixed right away.
This is a simple repair that can be done, but it requires some tools not all vehicles may have. This process may be more difficult for some vehicles than others.
Benefits of an Exhaust Leak Repair
The immediate benefit of repairing an exhaust leak is that you are stopping serious problems in their tracks. The intake manifold can be damaged if the exhaust continues to leak. This happens when the exhaust from combustion chambers leaks in an unintended direction and starts flowing directly into the intake tube.
This could lead to costly repairs if it is not fixed quickly. That’s why it is so important to resolve this problem as soon as you know about it.
When Should You Have an Exhaust Leak Repair Done?
The repair should be done as soon as possible after you have noticed the problem. Although this is not something your mechanic will spot when you take your car in for a check-up, it’s something you can observe as you drive. A louder engine is one of the most obvious signs. Now your mechanic may not notice that, as they don’t have any experience listening to your engine under normal circumstances, so they may not realize a louder than usual sound. You will need to be aware of the warning signs.
Also, be on the lookout for a vibrating pedal. An exhaust leak could be the cause of a rumbling gas pedal under your feet.
A drop in your mileage per gallon is another way to detect this type of problem. Leakage into the combustion engine can cause the gas sensor to malfunction. This could mean that your car is not using fuel efficiently.
You should immediately get your car checked if you see any of these symptoms. It is important to get your exhaust leak fixed immediately.
How To Fix An Exhaust Leak
- If you suspect an exhaust leak and take your vehicle to the mechanic, they will start by performing a visual inspection. They want to be sure that they are identifying the problem correctly, but they won’t be touching your vehicle for a while. That’s because the exhaust becomes one of the hottest parts of the car after it has been running for a while. It’s a bad idea to even touch the exhaust and surrounding parts until at least a few hours after the vehicle has stopped running.
- The mechanic will pinpoint the exact problem. The problem could be anywhere along the exhaust manifold. This is a series of long connecting pipes that runs the length of the vehicle. It could be anywhere on the apparatus. Finding the problem is the key to solving it.
- The leak will most likely be caused by a crack or a hole. To fix it, the mechanic will have to use his welding tools. You can use some sealant to fix it quickly, but it’s usually temporary. The manifold will eventually need to be welded.
- It may be possible to remove the damaged part and replace it, as the exhaust manifold has several connected but separate parts. This usually involves removing some screws and bolts, then simply attaching the new piece. The mechanic will still need to inspect all parts of the apparatus in order to make sure there aren’t any other issues. If you are able to repair the entire thing yourself, it is often easier to replace the entire section.
How to Save Money on an Exhaust Leak Repair
If you really want to cut your costs on this repair, then you ought to try to do it yourself. It’s not terribly complicated, and with a few inexpensive tools, it can be done reasonably fast. The entire repair can be done in less than $30 if you purchase the parts and do the installation yourself.
It doesn’t matter if this seems too complicated or if you are unsure whether you want to do the work yourself. You can always purchase the parts and bring them to your mechanic. You may not be able to buy the parts you need from every mechanic. However, if you find one who allows you to purchase your own parts, it might save you some money.
Sample Exhaust Leak Repair Costs
Below are some sample prices for exhaust leak repair for some of the most popular cars in the USA. There will be differences between garages so it is important to get an estimate of the cost of repairs for your car.
ModelLaborPartsTotalFord F-Series$236 – $301$18 – $39$254 – $340Chevrolet Silverado$126 – $161$28 – $37$154 – $198Ford Focus$157 – $201$18 – $27$175 – $228Toyota Camry$110 – $141$22 – $48$132 – $189Toyota Corolla$197 – $251$22 – $33$219 – $284Nissan Altima$142 – $181$18 – $22$160 – $203Honda CR-V$126 – $161$20 – $20$146 – $181Honda Civic$236 – $301$13 – $25$249 – $326Honda Accord$147 – $160$17 – $27$164 – $187Ford Fusion$157 – $201$24 – $27$181 – $228
