r/Cartalk • u/xXJarjar69Xx • Feb 15 '24
Exhaust Knocked exhaust system loose while driving back home from road trip? How screwed am I?
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u/I_Hate_Ricers Feb 15 '24
Don’t drive it like this! Get some wire and tie it up somehow. That being said dude, judging by the serious rust under this thing, I would get this thing inspected ASAP, might be a death trap. Rust belt I’m assuming?
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u/xXJarjar69Xx Feb 15 '24
Upstate New York, only got it because my last car was ruined in a collision.
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u/I_Hate_Ricers Feb 15 '24
Well get this thing looked at asap or else this will likely be ruined in a collision as well. You could use a metal coat hanger as others are suggesting, there sure are plenty of holes in the undercarriage to tie it to! Then once you’re home take it to a shop for an inspection, and to have the exhaust fixed
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Feb 15 '24
I'm in upstate ny. We use metal coat hangers for that
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u/Blipblipblipblipskip Feb 15 '24
I'm originally from Western New York and my uncle was an iron worker and gave everyone in the family "emergency tie wire" for such things. Each person got a spool of wire just a bit thinner than clothes hanger and it was perfect for holding rusty things together. Eventually of course, it would also rust.
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u/Educational_Map_9494 Feb 15 '24
Did this car pass nys inspection? I, too, live in NY, and if you go to a good mechanic, the yearly state inspection is usually pretty good at identifying unsafe vehicles.
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u/silic0n_jesus Feb 15 '24
I'm from Wisconsin and I rarely think anybody's that post rust is a concern have somebody you trust look at it. and a coat hanger will get you back on the road just tell everybody you had it straight piped
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u/Axi0madick Feb 15 '24
Upstate NY like Poughkeepsie? Albany? Utica? Plattsburgh? The term needs to die. It basically means "Not NYC".
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u/skylinegtrr32 Feb 15 '24
Agreed. Originally from WNY and it always confused the fuck out of me bc people would go “oh so you’re from upstate NY” no??? WESTERN?? Couldn’t be any farther from NYC lol
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u/Outrageous_Option_79 Feb 16 '24
I dunno, Plattsburgh is pretty far away too. Everything is downstate from there
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u/skylinegtrr32 Feb 16 '24
At first I misread Plattsburgh as Pittsburgh and was like my guy you got the wrong state LOL
I agree, but I am in favor of having more than just upstate and “the city” as most people describe NY. We would have central, western, northeast, etc. which I suppose people do use to an extent but most people (probably non-NY’ers mostly) just lump the whole state into one category and it’s kinda dumb to think of Buffalo and Niagara Falls as well as Plattsburgh, Watertown, etc. to fall under the same label when they’re 3+ hours away from one another.
I guess it could become messy like the debate ppl from Jersey have on whether or not there is “central” Jersey 🤣
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u/Outrageous_Option_79 Feb 16 '24
Yea, NY is a whole lot bigger than most people know. I don't miss having vehicles that looked like this one
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u/skylinegtrr32 Feb 16 '24
Same… my silverado’s rocker panels in high school would shed a nice rust layer every time I shut the door
Weight reduction I guess lmao 🥴
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u/cheapdad Feb 15 '24
It basically means "Not NYC".
In this context, it basically means "heavily salted roads".
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u/Zenonzg3 Feb 15 '24
Hopefully the rust is just cosmetic. My tech was saying I might need a new one in a year or two but then looked and all the rust was peeling from unimportant frames. I may loose my number and a step rail though 😂 😢
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Feb 15 '24
Damn, that car is 80% rust. What's left to bolt back onto? Push it into a Lake and we'll say we never saw it.
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u/Moseugla Feb 15 '24
We recycle nowadays, what's left of it anyway. But, you know, maybe if you leave it outside one more winter or two the car will recycle itself into a pile of dust and glass? It really seems far gone, looking at the picture.
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u/Classic_Sentence_338 Feb 15 '24
I like how no-one answers your question & just wants to save your life! Which is understandable 😅
Looks like just the rear exhaust pipe & muffler are missing. You got the Cat still there so that's good but it's gonna be loud af without a muffler & you'll smell exhaust when you're idling & window is down. Probably going to make the bottom of your car hot as hell too.
Let us know if the car turns into an accordion 👀
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u/xXJarjar69Xx Feb 15 '24
Yeah I appreciate the comments though, didn’t realize how bad the rust was. And will probably look into a new car sooner rather than later. I’m not gonna risk doing anymore damage by trying to drive.
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u/johko814 Feb 15 '24
Where are you from?
If you've never seen cars from PA/NY and especially OH, there are tons of them that look like this on the roads.
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u/Classic_Sentence_338 Feb 15 '24
I'm from Pacific NW. It's funny how pristine the heat shield looks from the rest of the underbody.
It literally looks like large flakes of rusted metal have just been dropping off the way its got ridges.
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u/kingganjaguru Feb 15 '24
You need a new frickin car bro lol most of it has been swept up or blown away in the wind already lol
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u/Canadian-electrician Feb 15 '24
Nah ma boys just got a race car. Rust is lighter then carbon don’t ya know
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u/Responsible_Bonus766 Feb 15 '24
Lots of fear mongering here. That looks like your catalytic converter. Having it busted like that won't damage the car, basicly you've just bypassed your muffler. Cars gonna be loud but that's about it. Try and tie it up with some sturdy metal wire till you can have it looked at by a shop, go to the hardware store and ask for bailing wire. Should do the trick, if that's not an option use a few coat hangers.
The rust looks bad and you should have it inspected but the car probably isent gonna litteraly fall apart. The reason I say that is the two pictures you provided don't give near enough information to say the condition of the frame. Look for jagged weird looking holes in the metal. Look for cracks and splits. Press on lips and flat surfaces with your fingers, if you can pull off flakes of metal or push holes in it that's a bad sign. Surface rust is bad but fixable and depending on how long you want to keep the car, even ignorable. Holes in the frame however are an issue. Take her to a trustworthy mechanic and have her looked over.
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u/flickernipple Feb 15 '24
Get a wire coat hanger and wire it up off the ground before you keep going
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u/Burner404_1337 Feb 15 '24
That car would have been deemed unsafe for roads 10 years ago in the uk with that rust
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u/vulcanizadora Feb 15 '24
Just rip it off, your car will be loud af but you’ll get home
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u/fuckingcnt53 Feb 15 '24
Phone the scrap yard and get the car picked up before the floor falls out, and you kill someone and yourself. No way is that car passing a MOT scary to think someone is driving around in a car like that.
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u/Crabstick65 Feb 15 '24
I can't see enough to say if you just need a new clamp to get it back together. I see worrying levels of corrosion though and I'd say this vehicle is a bit of a concern generally.
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u/Nrysis Feb 15 '24
Is the rest of the exhaust system still hanging on unconnected at the rear of the car, or has it all vanished?
As it stands, you only have the front half of the exhaust system, which is hanging off. Leaving it like that will just drag it along the ground until it fails completely and dumps a chunk of metal right in the path of whomever is following, so it definitely needs sorted - that can be as simple as getting some solid wire (like a metal hanger) and tying it up off the ground.
If you are missing the rear section with the muffler, it is quite likely you will be making a lot more noise though...
Based on the rust though, you may be pretty screwed and really should get some proper advice here. Enough rust and you risk a proper failure which you definitely don't want at speed, and in the event of a crash a rusted car will not be protecting you like it should. This may be paranoia based on us seeing rust on non-structural parts, but it is something you should get looked into sooner rather than later for your own safety and peace of mind.
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Feb 15 '24
Good god. On that particular car I'm pretty sure the exhaust is a structural component.
Never ever wash it. The crap is all that's holding it together.
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u/SectorSerbian Feb 15 '24
How does a car get registered like this?
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u/HH2O123 Feb 15 '24
NY inspections are actually a pain in the ass if the vehicle is newer, the only time it gets easier is if it's emissions exempt ( 25+ years old, so 1999 and older)
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u/SectorSerbian Feb 15 '24
Bit different in Australia,You don't need rego checks for the first 5 years of a new car but after 5 years is up its checked yearly.We don't get are emissions checked but everything else gets looked at like rust tyres lights brakes windscreens oil leaks etc
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u/Chiaseedmess Feb 15 '24
Judging but the rest of the rusted out missing frame, I’d say you’re fucked.
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u/3MJB Feb 15 '24
most of these commenters must be from the south.
this rust doesn't look dangerous by any means... probably 2 solid winters left. I've gotten rid of cars with less rust, but I've also owned, driven, and got NYS inspection passed with worse.
I agree, tie the exhaust and drive home. take it to Mavis Discount Tire, they'll do the best welding that up.
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u/Snap305 Feb 15 '24
With the amount of rust I'm seeing I think the whole car might knock loose
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u/haikusbot Feb 15 '24
With the amount of
Rust I'm seeing I think the
Whole car might knock loose
- Snap305
I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully. Learn more about me.
Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete"
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u/commodoregoat Feb 15 '24 edited Feb 15 '24
pro tip; i had the same issue, get a carbon monoxide reader if you dont replace the exhaust entirely (which you should asap), i was getting real bad ppm levels before i replaced it, even with a decent repair. As a repair wont fix an exhaust like this; my car was similar before i got the rust sorted; exhaust snapped in two and i got a few repairs but had to replace it due to the carbon monoxide levels not much improving.
Get a temporary repair at a shop and an deffffooooo get a carbon monoxide alarm for before you get it replaced, from a supermarket as you dont wanna risk being affected while driving and unaware of it. If no repair possible asap get an alarm at a larger store they usually have them at larger grocery stores if late night and usually at hardware stores if theyre open.
Get an alarm that has a screen and and it must detect 10-50ppm (cheaper alarms usually only sound at 30-50ppm); but it might be cheaper just to get a reader/sensor - and a cheaper end alarm for get the fuck out rn levels when/if they happen.
Again this is a emergency solution get a new exhaust at an exhaust shop; its a waste of money to patch it up unless getting home.
Carbon monoxide is no joke.
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u/xXJarjar69Xx Feb 15 '24
Still 3 1/2 hours away from home. Debating on just trying to drive the rest of the way but I fear I’ll just do more damage.
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u/traineex Feb 15 '24
U will. Wire coat hangar is kinda the only solution lol. U could puncture the fuel tank for instance
As far as repair, i would plan on it needing cat to muffler, due to rust
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u/cdbangsite Feb 15 '24
Wire it up for sure, there will be more bumps and more damage if you don't. My car wasn't rusted, but I hit a road plate and it tore my muffler off the header pipe. Wired it up and drove 2.5 hrs just fine. A real head turner because of the noise though.
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u/bigalcapone22 Feb 15 '24
You will do a lot more damage You will not make it to your destination Either get it welded back together or find a flange clamp that will hold until you can haven8t properly repaired A clamp similar to this might be a temp fix
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u/CHONKY_BOAH Feb 15 '24
happened to my car 2 weeks ago, last owner rewelded the exhaust bc it broke all the time for being too low, suddenly separated one day, drove like that for a week before getting the entire midpipe replaced (had a spare laying around from my past car that blew up lol) nothing serious will happen to the car for the next 3 hours if you mind the potholes and keep the rpms low
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u/xXJarjar69Xx Feb 15 '24
Was it dragging on the ground or just separated?
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u/CHONKY_BOAH Feb 15 '24
dragging on thw ground like crazy, plus it was connected to a turbo and still, works just fine
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u/spaceshipcommander Feb 15 '24
You're taking the piss right? If you don't know how bad that car is don't drive it again until you take it to a mechanic.
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u/carguy1961 Feb 15 '24
No more fucked than you were before driving that rusted out death trap before.
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u/57uxn37 Feb 15 '24
That car has more rust than Titanic. Better get rid of it asap or else you will most probably breakdown somewhere.
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u/TrippyStonkler Feb 15 '24
Bro if you flick the frame with your finger the whole car might fold like a lawn chair 😂
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u/Psychological-Web828 Feb 15 '24
Loose you say? Likely fell off mainly due to corroded mounts. that underside look like a wafer.
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u/Cold_Table8497 Feb 15 '24
It'll be fine as it is. Just avoid going in reverse as it may catch and cause unnecessary damage.
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u/JAMSTER-91 Feb 15 '24
Mortal combat "finish him" with the amount of rust your car wouldn't survive a collision and not would you you'd me the meat in a 18 wheeler sandwich
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u/Psych0matt Feb 15 '24
Both of mine got broken off within a few weeks of each other (stupid job site I had to visit + lowered car, but I digress). I took them off the hangers and they’re in my garage. Noisy, but I’m not dragging them now
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u/Character-Baby3675 Feb 15 '24
Just run er til she falls off, it’s gonna need to be replaced anyways
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u/Minor_Blackbird Feb 15 '24
A few stainless steel zip ties and maybe some plasti-dip undercoating & you'll be good for another 50k easy.
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u/RightInTheEndAgain Feb 15 '24
This is a joke right, that entire frame rail looks like it's ready to separate or disintegrate, and you're worried about the exhaust.
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Feb 15 '24
Not screwed, it's a cheap repair if you live in a state without emissions. Cut out the cat, measure stuff, buy exhuast pipe and clamps. Sell the catalytic converter and make profit off this inconvience
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u/large_dank Feb 15 '24
Idk bout that rust but I've been missing the exaust pipe on my mini truck for a while, I'd just take it all the way off
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u/Able_Philosopher4188 Feb 15 '24
Just use some bailing wire or a coat hanger to tie it up and you will be (ALMOST) as good as new.
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u/Able_Philosopher4188 Feb 15 '24
Hey that's just weight reduction kinda like the car is on a diet 😕
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u/Abdulbarr Feb 15 '24
Get it inspected because the exhaust shouldn't just fall off like that. You have a serious rust problem. Exhaust is no big deal, easy fix. But if the support structure is rusting away it could be dangerous.
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u/Tafc-Crew Feb 15 '24
I'd look for a dealership that offers guaranteed trade in values and unload it on them!
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u/Ok_Click9196 Feb 15 '24
The rust is bad but I've seen worse- if your not planning on getting a new car soon than at least invest in some sanding materials and coat as much of the solid parts as you can and then try to just seal the rustiest parts, at least you can prolong your ride life a bit longer
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u/PoniesPlayingPoker Feb 15 '24
Bro's worried about his exhaust when his car is literally disintegrating 💀
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u/aircoolz Feb 15 '24
I'm also from the rust belt. My advice would be to dump that pile before you become a statistic
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u/Miserable_Unusual_98 Feb 15 '24
It seems that the bottom of the car is ready to take its last trip to the recycling centre. It is customary that the top of the car follows with to administer the last rites. Oils to oils and rust to rust.
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u/Head-Iron-9228 Feb 15 '24
I don't know what the rest of it looks like but looking at thatsmall bit of none-rusted metal we can see here, I'd say the exhaust is you last concern here.
If you NEED to drive that thing for a bit longer, just re-attach the exhaust in whatever way possible honestly. Or, if it's not THAT loud, take it off and call it a day.
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u/AmityBlight2023 Feb 15 '24
Your cars fucked. You need to find something that is not going to break in half if you hit a speed bump. Your cars frame is completely rotted through and junk
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u/WickedSobahButMessy Feb 15 '24
Get a coat hanger for a temporary jimmy rig, and the rust is also a issue like most said. Drive it till the wheels fall off imo.
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u/w_h_o_m- Feb 15 '24
As long as it doesn’t hit something of great mass and unmovable, your problem will be loud but slowly decaying.
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u/TheWaddler77 Feb 15 '24
Get some strapping and self tappers from a hardware store. Be wise as to where you put the self tappers in
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Feb 16 '24
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Feb 16 '24
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u/imouttamywheelhouse Feb 16 '24
Super. Even the parts hanging on for dear life are no longer any good. The rust is too far gone. Unfortunately
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u/george241312 Feb 15 '24
With the amount of rust flailing off that car I would say that its warning you of imminent failure. Get rid of that car if you can