What An Exhaust Leak May Sound Like

In this video I give a great example of what an exhaust leak may sound like. The example was taken from my 04 Ford Ranger. It recently developed and exhaust leak just to the front of the flex pipe of the exhaust. It began to make a "spuddering / blump blump blump" type noise. In this video I show where this leak is and I also give audio of the leak so that you can have an example of what it sounds like.

While exhaust leaks can sound similar to the audio taken in the video exhaust leaks may differ in they way they sound. This is just one way it may sound if you have an exhaust leak.

Note: In no way am I guaranteeing that you have an exhaust leak if your vehicle sounds similar to the vehicle in the video. This is meant to only be an example of just one way and exhaust leak can sound. There are other factors to consider when diagnosing an exhaust leak. This video is not a complete guide to diagnosing exhaust leaks.

⚠️ Always use caution when working around exhaust systems. They can reach temperatures in excess of 300 Degrees F and can cause serious burns. Be sure the exhaust is totally cool before touching. Use caution when working under your vehicle. Be sure your vehicle is in park with the parking brake on and wheels chocked before getting underneath your vehicle. If your vehicle must be lifted be sure it is lifted properly using a repair manual and your owners manual. Properly lifting and securing vehicle not shown in video or explained in description. ⚠️

Discloser: As an Amazon affiliate I make a commission on qualifying sales.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses and protective gloves and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbour's Auto Help, Barbour's Auto Help makes no guarantee that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Barbour's Auto Help makes no guarantee that the information provided is totally complete, synchronized and accurate. Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual.

Repair and service your vehicle at your own risk! Barbour's auto help does not guarantee a proper repair using these techniques. Because of unforeseen circumstances and situations Barbour's Auto Help makes no guarantee that you will not damage your vehicle using the information in this video.

[jdoteasy]

Would it get louder with accelerating?

[Tenrou]

Thanks for posting this. 2 years later and your video is still helping someone (me)

[PianomanRay]

I was told my car has an exhaust leak as well. But it’s getting to where I can smell exhaust in my vents when the A/C or heat is on and it’s making me sleepy when sit at a light for a while. I’ve noticed this from when I was younger and we used to have kerosene heaters and when the kerosene runs out the smell puts me in a real deep sleep. But I gotta get to work and it’s a hard thing to save up for a mechanic to replace. I really hope I can get it done soon for the sake of me and others around me.

[BWADaniel]

When I’m driving next to a wall, I can hear a Noise which sounds like a tap and hiss at the same time. Heard it before an rebuilt my entire engine & after. I’m guessing I have an exhaust leak. I know I’m missing a bolt on the side where I hear it from, but i have that same design on my Cat Converter that you saw here, where it was leaking from. So it’s gotta be one of the two.

[ericaesqueda]

Great demonstration with the soapy water

[gwengribbons]

Thank you so much for doing this video. This is exactly what's wrong with my exhaust..

[danielmario]

That's exactly what I heard from my car recently. Thanks!

[manuelsalgado]

Mine was leaking from the exact location, I put some muffler putty and solved the issue

[successx]

This was thee best most detailed video. Okay thank you so much I finally understand exactly what’s happening with my car ❤️

[Stretch]

Do exhaust leaks cause rattling sounds?

[nhats]

Thank you sir, your video helped me. That's the same sound I have in my car after revving it. Thanks again.

[Serenadion]

Thanks so much for posting this! Very helpful and thorough.

[richonsound]

This was very helpful. Thank you, kind sir!!

[brownmuta]

thank you for doing the back and forth sound comparison

[maingun]

Yeah, every exhaust leak sounds different, but the most I've heard aft of the manifold is a puttering or popping sound. Hard to explain to folks so thanks for posting a before and after recording.

Just curious, did you replace the flex joint? I haven't done much exhaust work so I haven't noticed too many of those, but I'd think that they'd be hard to patch or putty.

Now that I think about it, the only one that I distinctly remember is on a friends car. He had a damaged pipe so he cut the bad section and and installed a flex. I thought he should have had a new piece of pipe welded in instead, but not my car and he was proud of fixing it himself so I didn't say anything.

[GamerxC-xojt]

My car is making a noise like that but its coming from the engine. I don’t know what’s the problem please help

[obuilemangundu]

Wow! Now i jus know what’s going on with my exhaust thank you so much ☺️

[JU]

Is this leaking from the catalytic convertor or just from the flex pipe?

[michaelsharp]

Will this cause your vehicle to stall out

[schiros]

Really amazing video set up thank you!!