One form of metal exhaust bellows is an exhaust flex joint. An exhaust bellow is a component in a pressurized pipeline that can absorb various pressures along the pipe system that might cause vibrations and other mechanical problems. An exhaust flex joint is a flexible component for exhaust systems found in all front-wheel-drive vehicles and most all-drive vehicles.
The flex pipe absorbs shocks and protects your exhaust system from damage. Without this little extra bit of shock absorption, the motor rocking back and forth could crack the exhaust system and create exhaust leaks. Read this brief guide on common signs you need new bellows.
Exhaust Flex Joint Failure
You may hear a slight rumble when starting your vehicle in the beginning stages of exhaust flex pipe failure. It may subside after the car has been allowed to run for a few minutes as long as the leak is not significant. Exhaust flex joints do wear down over time and tend to fail from the inside. When it does fail, the car will sound as though it has no exhaust system. Exhaust flex pipe leaks can also be caused by bottoming out the car or tearing a hole in the pipe after hitting a curb.
Signs of a Failed Flex Joint
It’s not always easy to detect an exhaust flex pipe leak. However, there are some sure-fire ways to tell if you need to get your exhaust flex pipe replaced.
- Loud Noises: One of the first signs of flex joint failure is a loud exhaust noise. We’ve all heard the noise when a muffler goes bad. The noise that signifies flex joint failure is similar to that sound but worse. The exhaust flex joint may also produce a hissing or tapping sound that will get louder as you go faster.
- Unpleasant Odors: If you smell gasoline or exhaust fumes while driving your car, chances are that you have an exhaust leak. Toxic fumes can find their way into the cabin of your vehicle. Inhaling too many of these fumes can cause disorientation, loss of consciousness, and even death.
- Decreased Engine Efficiency: Exhaust leaks cause a lack of engine compression, which can affect the performance of your vehicle. Issues include diminished power during acceleration and reduced fuel efficiency.
- Hanging Exhaust Pipe: If your exhaust pipe is hanging down from the undercarriage of your car, chances are that you have an exhaust problem. This could be due to damage or simply because of improper installation and maintenance. The important thing is to make sure you address the issue quickly to prevent any further problems from arising.
An exhaust bellow leak can be a severe issue. It can cause damage to your vehicle and can even lead to personal injury. We hope this brief guide on common signs you need new bellows will help you determine whether you need a new exhaust flex joint on your vehicle.
