Exhaust leak up front, getting worse - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

hairball · 11-05-2010, 01:24 PM

I thought it was in that flex pipe under the car, because those are famous for not lasting as long as the solid exhaust pipes. But when I crawled under the car on a cold morning with it running (best way to find exhaust leaks because you see the "steam" shooting out of any holes), I discovered the noise actually sounds like it's coming from under that heat shield that's wrapped around the front pipe below the engine. I've already ruled out the donut.

So, my question is this: Has anyone else had an issue with an exhaust leak coming from inside that heat shield that goes around the front part of the exhaust pipe? If so, is there a way to remove it and get to the leak? I bought some muffler bandage, which usually works quite well for a small hole. But I can't SEE where the leak is coming from, only HEAR it.

Or do I just need to get a replacement front pipe? I suppose THAT would be the easiest way to do it.

atobe · 11-05-2010, 01:41 PM

there isn't anything to leak under the heatshield unless you have a small hole in the exhuast manifold... it could be comming from where it starts to curve there's a joint there 3 14mm nuts if i remember right..usually there's suppose to be a gasket in there but if someone taken it apart before it's probbly damaged... you can get some copper rtv and seal it up again.

hairball · 11-05-2010, 01:53 PM

Thanks. I'll check it out. I doubt the exhaust was ever unbolted but I can't be sure. With this many miles on a car, anything is possible. The original owner was a woman, and I doubt she did anything to it but who knows. The exhaust certainly looks original, even the muffler. It's weird because the sound is getting louder week after week. I hear it more if I'm standing beside the car and even more if I have the hood open.

I might just grab another pipe from the wrecking yard (just the front part) and replace it.

Now that I'm looking at the diagram, I see what you mean. The donut between the shielded pipe and the cat. Makes sense now! Maybe that's where I'm hearing the noise from.