When an exhaust gets loud, many customers understandably ask the same question:
“Can you just weld it?”
Sometimes the answer is yes. But when the muffler and surrounding exhaust metal are badly rusted, there may simply be nothing solid left to weld to.
We recently inspected a 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5L at Jack’s Auto Service in Millville, NJ with exactly this problem.
Instead of recommending a temporary repair that wasn’t going to last, we explained why the proper repair was to replace the rusted muffler.
Watch Our 2010 Subaru Forester Muffler Repair Video
In this short video, we show the rusted exhaust and explain why we recommended muffler replacement rather than trying to weld deteriorated metal back together.
Why Couldn’t We Just Weld the Subaru Muffler?
Whether an exhaust can be welded depends heavily on the condition of the metal surrounding the damaged area.
If there’s a small break or hole with good, solid metal around it, welding may sometimes be a reasonable repair.
This Subaru was different.
The muffler and surrounding area had deteriorated to the point that there wasn’t enough good material left for the type of repair we would be comfortable recommending.
Trying to weld severely rusted exhaust metal can turn into chasing one weak spot after another.
In this situation, muffler replacement made more sense than attempting to weld the rusted pieces back together.
Repair vs. Replacement
At Jack’s Auto Service, we don’t believe every exhaust problem automatically needs a new exhaust system.
We look at what’s actually wrong.
If something can reasonably be repaired, we’ll discuss that option. But if rust has consumed the metal around the damaged area, replacing the failed component can be the better long-term repair.
That’s exactly what happened with this 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5L.
We inspected the problem, looked at the available replacement parts, explained the pricing to the customer and estimated approximately one hour of labor to replace the muffler.
We want customers to understand not only what we’re recommending, but why we’re recommending it.
Why Muffler Prices Can Be Different
Another thing we explained during this repair estimate was the difference in pricing between available parts.
Replacement mufflers can vary in price depending on the manufacturer, supplier, availability, construction and exact vehicle application.
That’s why two mufflers that appear to do the same job don’t necessarily have the same price.
We’d rather explain those differences than simply hand a customer a number with no explanation.
Signs Your Muffler or Exhaust May Need Repair
Some common signs of an exhaust problem include:
- Vehicle suddenly becoming louder
- Rattling underneath the vehicle
- Visible rust or holes in the exhaust
- Broken exhaust pipes or connections
- Exhaust hanging lower than normal
- Exhaust fumes or unusual exhaust smells
- Muffler or exhaust components that are loose
If your exhaust has become noticeably louder, it’s a good idea to have the system inspected.
Muffler Repair Near Me in Millville, NJ
Are you searching for muffler repair near me in the Millville area?
Jack’s Auto Service can inspect your exhaust system and determine whether the problem can be repaired or whether a rusted component should be replaced.
We can inspect mufflers, exhaust pipes, connections, hangers and other exhaust components for leaks, damage and deterioration.
Exhaust Repair Near Me
South Jersey vehicles can see plenty of rust as they get older.
When we inspect an exhaust problem, one of the biggest things we’re looking for is the condition of the metal surrounding the failure.
The goal isn’t simply to make the vehicle quieter for a few days.
We want to determine what repair makes sense based on the actual condition of the exhaust.
If you’re searching for exhaust repair near me, bring the vehicle to Jack’s Auto Service and let us take a look.
Mechanic Near Me – Millville, NJ
Jack’s Auto Service provides much more than muffler and exhaust repair.
If you’re searching for a mechanic near me or auto repair near me in Millville, NJ, our services include:
- Muffler & Exhaust Repair
- Oil Changes & Maintenance
- Brake Repair
- Check Engine Light Diagnostics
- Wheel Alignments
- Tires
- Steering & Suspension Repair
- A/C Service
- General Auto Repair
Jack’s Auto Service – Millville, NJ
Have a loud exhaust, rusted muffler or exhaust leak?
Let us inspect it before assuming the entire exhaust needs replacement — or assuming it can simply be welded.
Jack’s Auto Service
315 Port Cumberland Rd
Millville, NJ 08332
856-825-4130
Serving Millville and surrounding South Jersey communities.
Watch the Repair
See why this 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5L needed a replacement muffler instead of another weld repair:
Jack’s Auto Service – Local Auto Repair in Millville, NJ