Should I worry about an exhaust leak?

jimmy · 30 Aug 2011, 01:39 pm

Ive been hearing a strange sound coming from my car and I think it's a small exhaust leak. Can I still drive my car to work like this?

I am hearing ticking sounds however I also hear it while my car is driving (not idle). I notice the faster I drive, the faster the ticking is.

Shaun A · 30 Aug 2011, 02:24 pm

Exhaust leaks grow. They do not go away. They will also effect gas mileage because they will effect mixture samples that the O2 sensor samples.

Techtalk · 30 Aug 2011, 03:25 pm

Hi Jimmy,

Vehicles with an exhaust leak will shake and rattle while idling at a red light. Is the noise you are hearing a ticking or popping sound? If so then this is a common sign of an exhaust leak. Exhaust leaks can cause a decrease in performance. The engine's oxygen sensors are not receiving correct information about the engine's air-fuel ratio, which will cause the engine to inject more or less fuel to compensate. Therefore the engine's performance, particularly in the low-RPM band, is adversely affected.

You will also experience a drop in fuel mileage if you do not address the exhaust leak issue. So you can still drive your Toyota to work but you may not be pleased as punch with the negative ramifications that accompany driving around a car plagued with an exhaust leak.

Cheers!

www.toyotapartszone.com

HOLEY MUFFLERS · 30 Aug 2011, 04:25 pm

if it *is* an exhaust leak,

rule of thumb here,

if it's not restrictive and it's after the *last* O2 sensor in the exhaust system, be it b4 or after the cat, there will be no effect on the performance, mpg, or computer/check eng/trouble codes. important thing is no obstruction or restriction for function and mpg/computer issues.

the ecu/ecm can't see past the last sensor.

otherwise, with an obstruction, the other replies are applicable.

common sense would dictate you don't let that go too long. as stated, they just get worse. cheaper to fix now!

---------

EDIT,

so need to narrow location down a bit. lt/rt front, engine bay, back of vehicle. in/out gear, turning, braking, effecting sound?

maybe have someone ride with you. help you. add details.

DR + Mrs Bears face · 30 Aug 2011, 06:24 pm

Hi

i would get it fixed as soon as possible as you could die from the fumes and be pulled over for making too much noise and pollution.

Should I worry about an exhaust leak?

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