How to Diagnose Muffler Problems

Mufflers are designed to keep your car quiet, both to maximize your comfort and limit distractions for other drivers and pedestrians. However, mufflers and exhaust systems are typically made of low-quality steel and are susceptible to rust and corrosion. The corrosion slowly eats away at the exhaust and eventually causes a hole or multiple holes to develop in the exhaust, which causes the exhaust system to become very loud and obnoxious. Not only is this an annoyance, but it also attracts law enforcement because a loud exhaust can result in a costly noise violation.

Difficulty: ModerateInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Safety glasses
Jack
Jack stands
Helper
Old rag or piece of cardboard

Step 1
Jack up the car and place it on jack stands.
Step 2
Start the engine.
Step 3
Instruct your helper to place a rag or piece of cardboard approximately 5 inches by 5 inches in diameter over the exhaust outlet. This will create back pressure on the exhaust and will force the air in the exhaust system to exit from where the leak is located.
Step 4
Crawl beneath the vehicle and listen to where the exhaust leak is emanating from. You can also place your hands next to where the exhaust leak is coming from and you should feel a stream of air coming through the leak.