Hiya all
I just know to drive and other than cleaning the car, I dont understand a thing about the mechanics, so the post
I recently had a rumbling sound when I hit the gas and was told that it was a leaky exhaust pipe, the mechanic said that it meant replacing the front of the exhaust pipe which was rusted, the muffler parts and the gasket.
Would anyone know what this could mean to my walet?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond

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Bombay State of mind
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well it depends on model and make of car, correct me if i'm wrong. my friend had problem with muffler n he got little used muffler for $150. BTW he drives 95 oldsmobile.

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Inderpal Singh
Sorry - yesterday was the deadline for all complaints
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Hiya bombamma,

Here is an idea as to what a complete exhaust system and parts are, as listed in the diagram.
Every Auto maker has his own design and theie choice of materials will also vary from car to car and make to make and year to year. The parts are not compatible or interchangeable with one another.
So, you have to rely upon the parts supplier to match and a mechanic to fit the same. There are 'after market suppliers' who provide you with identical parts that will replace the original ones, if the mechanic will permit you to buy, then, you save on the costs.
Since they get commission for their purchase, approx 25% of the cost, you will have to accomodate the same. Not all mechanics will co operate.
The exhaust system is suspended under the car and has hangers and clamps to hold it close to floor of the car and locates it smoothly to fit the contour of the underbody.
Diagram:
http://www.delphi.com/manufacturers/auto/powertrain/diesel/exhaust/bosal_delphi/
Parts:
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Browse/tf-Browse/s-10101/showCustom-0/N-111+600001711+10201/c-10101/TID-98000569

Generally Aluminum coated mufflers are around 40-60 dollars.
Generally Catalytic converters are 180 to 220 dollars
Most of the odd shaped pipes are between 40-60 dollars.
Resonators are about 30 dollars.
Tail pipes and end pieces are 20 bucks or there abouts.
Clamps and suspensions vary by the makes. about 3-5 bucks
Special original fittings are supplied by the MAKERS. Costs a lot too.
Expansion pieces cost you an arm and a leg. Most cars have one.

The cost of fitting per hour are 60-70 dollars. Mostly they weld them, because you have to return back to them. Also this way there are less chances that they will slack and fall off. Most of them guarantee thier work. Some will even provide you with a lifetime warranty on the MUFFLER. They invariably recover their costs by telling you that the adjacent parts are also needed for which you have to pay, at the time of the second visit.
High end models have all stainless exhaust system. They cost a couple of grand.
Meineke and Walker are a few of the chain 'shops' that will give you a break.

If anything like this happens to you on a highway you can get a temporary patch kit from an automotive part shop and fit it, which will get you to the dealer or back home. All of us are not that mechanically inclined to do it or find what it is.!

Hope this helps.

Freddie.

thanks for the reply Inder and wow Freddie..I am impressed..and a little wiser.
Conclusion : I ended up paying 260 bucks

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Bombay State of mind
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