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Back story:

  • The Check Engine light came on in my 2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS Sedan (V6 3.5L). I took the car to a mechanic #1 (M1), an independent shop. They replaced the EGR valve.
  • A day later, the Check Engine light came on again. I took it back to M1. M1 inspected further and suspected exhaust system issues. Without my consent, they applied sealant (kind unknown) around some joints. Hypothesis: a leaking exhaust system caused the Check Engine light to come back. I was told to monitor and report back if it happened again.
  • Days later, I took the car out for a longer drive. The Check Engine light was OK but I could smell a burnt chemical odor coming in after the engine was warmed up. It was worse when idling at a stop light, or when driving slowly, and without the cabin air recirculating.
  • I brought the car back to M1. I told them about the bad smell. I said I have children and don't want them in the car with a smell like that.
  • M1 raised the car up to show me where they had applied sealant. They said it will smell as it "burns off", but it hasn't stopped yet. They suggested it was a patch job merely to troubleshoot the engine code / EGR fix, and my exhaust system would need significant additional work.
  • I took the car to mechanic #2 (M2), a dealership's service centre, and asked for a thorough inspection. I mentioned the likely exhaust issues.
  • M2 confirmed the exhaust system has issues and suggested the sealant used couldn't be easily removed and that more or less I would need to replace the exhaust system. The exhaust manifold is OK, but from there to back should be replaced. Estimated parts & labour ~$2100 (Canadian), but suggested if cost an issue then I might prefer a shop that specializes in exhaust systems.
  • I called mechanic #3 (M3), a franchise of a major "muffler" chain. I asked what it would cost to replace the entire exhaust system for my car. They were skeptical when I said I needed the entire system replaced. But, they did give me a ballpark estimate of ~$1400 just for parts. Labour and tax would bring it to the same ballpark as the dealer's estimate.

Anyway, given M3's skepticism about replacing the entire system, I did a bit more research. I came across this page at Consumer Reports. Here's the part I'm asking about with my emphasis added:

Inspect the exhaust system

If you’re willing to make under-car inspections, check for rusted-through exhaust parts that need replacing. Also tighten loose clamps. Do this while the car is up on ramps. If a shop changes your oil, have them make these checks. Listen for changes in the exhaust sound while driving. It’s usually advisable to replace the entire exhaust system all at once rather than to repair sections at different times.

Both the dealership and Consumer Reports seem to support the idea of replacing my car's entire exhaust system. However, the "muffler" chain franchise gave me the impression that it is unlikely necessary, and that I could bring the car in for them to have a look.

Does it make the most sense to replace an old car's entire exhaust system all at once? Are there bits & pieces that could be salvaged, or is doing that asking for trouble later? How should I proceed to get my problem solved in a cost-effective manner? I'd like to continue driving this car for another couple of years, at least.

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  • Did anyone ever tell you the error code (AKA a CEL) that caused the check engine light? If not, diagnostic tools are super cheap these days. If we knew exactly which code your car was throwing, we could be more specific about whether replacing the exhaust system would even fix the problem....
    – Bob Cross
    Apr 29, 2014 at 22:35
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    Pro tip: buy yourself a bluetooth OBD2 adapter and download Torque for Android (assuming you have an Android phone naturally). It does a full error code scan and can monitor various sensors in your engine. Everything together shouldn't cost more that $30 (or its equivalent). Apr 30, 2014 at 13:44
  • @BobCross I did initially know the engine code after M1 mentioned it, and it was related to the EGR (I looked it up), but I didn't write it down and don't remember the specific value. Apr 30, 2014 at 14:12
  • @JuannStrauss Thanks! I didn't know those were cheap & accessible. Apr 30, 2014 at 14:16
  • Given one of those scanning mechanisms, you should be able to determine what CEL is causing the light to ... light. If the EGR was a problem and was fixed, you shouldn't see that code anymore. If you're still seeing a lit light, you have another code.
    – Bob Cross
    Apr 30, 2014 at 16:57

1 Answer 1

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Does it make the most sense to replace an old car's entire exhaust system all at once?

Considering your car is almost 10 years old, having to replace all of the parts in the exhaust system does not sound unreasonable, especially if your locality uses any type of road solvent during the winter months (they didn't in Montana where I'm from originally, but thought they might in Toronto).

Are there bits & pieces that could be salvaged, or is doing that asking for trouble later?

You could probably salvage smaller things like the isolators (rubber parts which suspend the exhaust without allowing much noise/vibration transference into the cabin), but depending on the shape of the other components, you probably are not going to salvage much else.

How should I proceed to get my problem solved in a cost-effective manner?

I personally would do it myself. If you have a friend who would willing to help you, you could probably do this work yourself with basic hand tools, jack stands, and a sawzall. All of the parts you'd need are readily available online from places like RockAuto.com, which also includes catalytic converter (though I don't know Canadian regulations on purchase & replacement). Stock replacement parts are available, which means you don't need to go to the dealership (affectionately called the stealership for obvious reasons). When I say they are "stock replacement", I'm telling you they are bent to spec, with hangers in the proper location. While a lot of work (just physically a lot of work), it really isn't that hard to replace these (though a lift makes it much easier). For about a 1/3 of the cost of what they are quoting, you could have the entire exhaust system replaced doing it yourself. Alternatively, you might also be able to barter some work out of someone as well ... nothing like going old school.

Unfortunately, exhaust systems are just one of those things which, if not made of stainless steel (which I'm surprised yours is not), goes bad after a while. The elements and the heat from the exhaust itself causes the metal to break down. Mother Nature will not be denied. If you took it to several mechanics which said the same thing, I'd be tempted to believe them. You may want to take it to one last mechanic (different, of course). Tell them you think you might be having exhaust issues and wonder what it would cost to get it fixed, without giving them further details. Also, ask them if they can show you what the problems are if they put it on a lift so you can see for yourself. This will give you a good idea of what is wrong and why they need to replace what they say needs replacing. Exhaust is pretty self evident due to rust and such. They should be able to point it out fairly easily.

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  • Thanks for the answer. Yes, the roads are salted (and more) somewhat generously here in Toronto. On stainless steel exhaust systems: What makes of car typically have that, at least as a common option? I'd like to make a point when I'm researching the next car to consider that. Also--would some kind of rust proofing earlier on have helped me here, or does that not apply to the exhaust system? Apr 30, 2014 at 14:21
  • @ChrisW.Rea ... Undercoating does not apply to the exhaust, as it would burn off over time and give you more smell than you have right now. It can help tremendously to the bottom side of the car though. As for stainless, my 94 Pont Sunbird I used to own had stainless exhaust, so was surprised your Malibu does not. With a stainless system, about the only thing which might go is the muffler or cat. Apr 30, 2014 at 14:26
  • Hmm, actually, I just looked, and in my car's original brochure, it does list "Exhaust system -- aluminized stainless steel" as standard on all models. Not something I noticed, though, until now. Apr 30, 2014 at 14:28
  • That seems strange to me. I know the stainless systems I've seen have lasted very well. The only other thing I can think of with your car is that it is welded together, which would precipitate the replacement of more of it. At this point, I think I'd go out to get that last opinion with a looksee of your own to ensure what they are telling you is legitimate. Don't take their word for it ... you want to see what they want to replace and why. Apr 30, 2014 at 19:01
  • The roads up here in Toronto are very heavily salted and sanded. Even stainless will take a beating. It sucks....
    – canadmos
    May 1, 2014 at 5:51

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