Exhaust Repair in Missoula, MT
Your exhaust system carries hot, toxic gases from the engine out the back of the vehicle and quiets them on the way. When it develops a leak or a loose part, you usually hear it first.
Some exhaust problems are just noise. Others, like a leak near the cabin, are a safety issue. We find out which one you have, show you what's failing, and fix that part instead of replacing more than you need.
Signs of an exhaust problem
- A louder exhaust, or a roar that gets worse when you accelerate.
- Rattling from underneath, especially at idle or over bumps.
- Ticking or puffing near the engine, which can be a manifold leak.
- An exhaust smell inside the vehicle.
- A check engine light for an oxygen sensor or the catalytic converter.
- A rotten egg smell, or a loss of power that feels like the engine can't breathe.
- Something hanging or dragging under the vehicle.
What we check
We get it on the lift and inspect the whole system from the manifold back: gaskets, flex pipes, the catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, hangers, and heat shields. Rust and broken hangers are common, especially on vehicles that have seen a lot of winters.
For leaks we can't see, we listen and check the joints with the engine running. If there's a check engine light, we read the codes and test the oxygen sensors before condemning a catalytic converter, because a converter code can also come from a sensor or an engine problem upstream.
Rattles are often a loose heat shield or a broken hanger, which are simple fixes. We'll tell you when that's all it is.
Then we show you what we found and what we'd fix. When only one section has rusted through, that's usually the section we replace. If the rest of the system is close behind, we'll show you that too and let you decide whether to do it now or later.
What can wait and what can't
Don't put these off
- Any exhaust smell inside the cabin, because exhaust contains carbon monoxide
- A pipe hanging or dragging
- A leak near the front of the vehicle or under the cabin
- A rotten egg smell along with a loss of power, which can mean an overheating or clogged catalytic converter
Often fine to wait
- A rattling heat shield that's secure enough not to fall off
- Light surface rust that isn't leaking
- A small leak right at the tailpipe end, as long as no fumes reach the cabin
If you smell exhaust inside, drive with the windows down and get it checked right away.
Stock repairs and custom exhaust
Most exhaust work is getting a daily driver quiet and sealed again. Because we do fabrication in house, we can also build custom exhaust for hot rods and modified vehicles, or repair systems where the original parts are no longer available.
We work on all makes and models, foreign and domestic.
Exhaust Repair questions
Is an exhaust leak dangerous?
It can be. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, and a leak under the cabin or near the front of the vehicle can let fumes inside. If you smell exhaust in the vehicle, have it checked right away.
Why did my car suddenly get so loud?
Usually a hole in the muffler or a pipe, a failed gasket, or a broken flex pipe. Rust is the most common cause.
Do I need a new catalytic converter?
Maybe not. A converter code can come from an oxygen sensor, an exhaust leak, or an engine misfire. We test those first, because replacing a converter without fixing the cause can ruin the new one.
Can you build a custom exhaust?
Yes. Custom exhaust is part of our fabrication and hot rod work. Call us and tell us what you have in mind.
We show you before we fix it
Before any work starts, we walk you into the shop and show you what we found. If something can wait, we'll tell you.