Exhaust issues naturally occur in older vehicles, and depending on the overall condition of your exhaust system; It may be time to replace the entire thing.
The cost to replace an entire exhaust system might feellike a fortunefor some people. So you might wonder, how much does itcost to replace an entire exhaust system?
The cost to replace an entire exhaust system stretches from $300 to $1200 or more, depending on the make and model of your car. This comes down to an average of $750 but varies depending on the material quality and the type of exhaust system. You can expect to pay around $100 to $200 for labor costs.
But is it the best option for your wallet? In this article, we will dive into the cost of replacing an exhaust system to give you a better idea of the repair cost when your exhaust system is failing you!
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Cost to Replace an Entire Exhaust System
Replacing an entire exhaust system is not a cheap repair. The cost usually ranges from $300 to $1200, with an average cost of $750, of course, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
This cost of installing new exhaust system will also be affected by the quality of materials used and thetype of systemthat needs to be replaced.
One way to keep the costs down and save you a lot of money is to make sure you need to replace the entire exhaust system or not. In most cases, you might only need to replace a part that is not working properly.
For example, if you only need to replace the muffler, you can expect to pay $100 to $250 and replacing a bad catalytic converter usually cost around $200 to $ 400 if you want decent quality. This prices of course depends on the make and model of your car.
If the problem is caused due to rust, in some cases, the damage can be repaired by welding, which might keep the costs down.
However, the best way to get an accurate estimate is to take your car to a mechanic and have them inspect the system at the first sign of trouble. They will be able to tell you what needs to be replaced and give you a total cost estimate.
What Determines the Cost to Replace Entire Exhaust System?
Type of vehicle:An essential factor determining the cost of replacing your exhaust system is the type of vehicle you have. If you own a smaller car, the replacement might only cost a few hundred dollars.
On the other hand, if you have a larger SUV or truck, the replacement could cost over a thousand dollars. The type of vehicle you have will also affect the labor required to replace the exhaust system.
In general, it takes less time to replace the exhaust system on a smaller car than it does on a larger vehicle. This means that the labor costs will be lower for a smaller car.
Type of Exhaust System: When shopping for a new exhaust system for your car, you will have two options, OEM- or aftermarket exhaust system.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. These are exhaust systems that are made by the same company that manufactured your car.
Aftermarket products are made by companies other than those that made your car. In general, OEM parts are more expensive than aftermarket parts.
However, they usually last longer and may fit your vehicle better than aftermarket products. When deciding between OEM and aftermarket parts, it is essential to consider the product’s cost and quality.
Different Types of Exhaust Systems
If you consider choosing an aftermarket exhaust system,here are some different types you could choose from:
Cat-back system:This is the most common type of aftermarket exhaust system. As you might tell from the name, it includes exhaust pipes, muffler, and all other parts after the catalytic converter.
Axle-back system:This system includes the parts after the rear axle and usually consists of the muffler, tailpipe, and tips.
High-performance system:This system usually includes everything from the exhaust manifold to the tailpipes. Its purpose is to increase the exhaust airflow and improve the performance of your car.
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Other Factors That Determine the Cost
Material Quality: The material of your exhaust system will also affect the cost of replacement. Exhaust systems are usually made from either cast-iron, stainless steel or aluminum.
When deciding on the material for your exhaust system, it is important to consider both the product’s cost and lifespan. Stainless steel is more expensive than aluminum, but it will last longer. But aluminum is less costly and will still last for several years.
Labor Costs: As we mentioned earlier, the cost of labor will also affect the overall cost of replacing your exhaust system. It will take a mechanic about two to four hours to replace an exhaust system.
The labor costs will vary depending on the mechanic and the type of vehicle you have. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for labor costs.
Average Cost Across Different Car Types and Models
The cost to replace an exhaust system will vary depending on your car, and it is almost impossible to determine the actual price.
As mentioned, in general, it will cost more to replace the exhaust system of a larger car than it will to replace the exhaust system of a smaller car. But to give you an idea of the costs, Autospack has compiled the estimated cost for different car types and some popular car models.
Table of Average Cost of Exhaust System Replacement for Type of Car.
| Type of Car | Average Exhaust System Replacement Cost |
| Sedan | $400-1000 |
| SUV | $600-1200 |
| Truck | $800-1400 |
Table of Average Cost of Exhaust System Replacement for Popular Car Models.Popular Car Models Average Exhaust System Replacment Cost Honda Civic $600 Honda CRV $900 Toyota Corolla $550 Toyota Camry $550 Toyota Landcruiser $700 Chevy Silverado $800 Ford Fusion $600 Ford F150 $700 Nissan Altima $1000 BMW 3 Series $1100 Landrover Freelander $1200
What Is Included in a Full Exhaust System?
A complete exhaust system includes the manifold, exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, muffler, and tailpipe. The entire system is responsible for routing fumes away from the engine and out of the car. However, the exhaust manifold is usually not replaced.
Manifold:The manifold is the first component of the exhaust system. It’s a cast-iron or stainless steel piece connecting to the cylinder head’s engine. The manifold has ports that correspond to the cylinder head’s exhaust ports.
Exhaust Pipes:The exhaust pipes are the metal tubes connecting the different parts of the exhaust system. The size of the pipes will vary depending on the make and model of your car.
Catalytic Converter:The catalytic converter is a device that uses a chemical reaction to convert exhaust gases into less harmful substances.
Oxygen Sensor:The oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust pipe and monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust.
Muffler:The muffler is a device that reduces noise from the engine.
Tailpipe:The tailpipe is the final component of the exhaust system. It’s a pipe that extends from the muffler to the exhaust tips.
Resonator:The resonator is a device that’s located between the catalytic converter and the muffler. It eliminates or reduces high-pitched sound frequencies before reaching the muffler.
Exhaust Tips: The exhaust tips are the final part of the exhaust system. They’re located at the end of the tailpipe and give the car’s exhaust a finished look.
Cost to Replace Each Part
Now that we know what is included in a full exhaust system, let’s look at the cost of replacing each part of an entire exhaust system, including parts and labor costs.
Table of the average cost to replace each part of an exhaust system.
| Part of Exhaust System | Average Replace Cost |
| Manifold | $300-$1000 |
| Catalytic Converter | $500-$2000 |
| Oxygen Sensors | $50-$200 |
| Muffler | $150-$300 |
| Resonator | $50-$200 |
| Tailpipe & tip | $50-$200 |
As you can see, the cost of replacing an exhaust system can add up quickly. If you’re experiencing problems with your exhaust system, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic and have them diagnose the problem.
They will be able to tell you which parts need to be replaced and give you an estimate of the cost.
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How Do You Know If Your Car Needs a New Exhaust?
For your car to work properly, it’s important to keep the exhaust system in good condition. There are a few signs that indicate it might be time to replace your exhaust system:
Your car is louder than usual:If you notice that your car is louder than it used to be, it could be a sign that the muffler or another part of the exhaust system is damaged.
You see rust on the exhaust system:Rust is a sign of wear and tear and can indicate that it’s time to replace your exhaust system.
Your car is having trouble starting:A damaged exhaust system can make it difficult for your car to start. This could mean the exhaust system has a restricted air flow causing the engine to choke.
You see cracks or holes in the exhaust system:Cracks and holes can cause fumes to leak from the system. This gas fumes can then get inside your car, which is dangerous.
There is a decrease in fuel efficiency and the car stalls:If you notice a decrease in fuel efficiency or your car stalls, it could be a sign that the exhaust system is clogged and not working properly
These are just a few of the signs that indicate it might be time to replace your exhaust system. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic and have them take a look.
3 Ways to Save You Money
If you’re worried about the cost of replacing your entire exhaust system, there are a few things you can do to keep the cost down.
Talk to your mechanic and get an estimate: Before you have any work done, it’s important to talk to your mechanic and get an estimate. This will give you a good idea of what the cost will be and if there are any ways to save money.
Ask about used parts: In some cases, you might be able to get by with replacing just a few parts instead of the entire system. Talk to your mechanic about used parts and see if this is an option for you.
Do it yourself: If you’re handy and have some experience with car repairs, you might be able to do the work yourself. This can save you a lot of money, but it’s important to make sure you know what you’re doing.
Can I Install An Exhaust System Myself?
Installing an exhaust system is not a difficult task, and if you’re handy, you can install an exhaust system yourself with the right tools, parts, and some patience. However, it’s recommended to ask a friend to help make the job easier.
It is also important to make sure you know what you’re doing. So keep reading!
How to Replace & Install an Exhaust System
If you’re replacing your entire exhaust system, the first thing you’ll need to do is remove the old system.
Here’s What You Need
- Gloves
- Safety Glasses
- 4 Safety Jack Stands
- Floor Jack
- 6 pointed sockets – 10mm up to 19mm.
- New Gaskets – the required number for the vehicle
- New bolts and nuts to reassemble the new exhaust
- Penetrating oil
- Ratchet
- Replacement exhaust system
- New rubber exhaust hangers
Part 1/4: Lifting your vehicle
1. Park on a flat surface and turn off the car.
2. Let the exhaust system cool if you used your vehicle recently.
3. Jack up your car and place it on safety jacks to prevent the car from moving.
Part 2/4: Removing the Old Exhaust
1. Disconnect the oxygen sensor and locate all of the bolts holding the exhaust system in place, spray the nuts with penetrating oil, and allow the oil to sit for a few minutes.
2. Unscrew the bolts holding the system in place with a ratchet, starting from the front of the car, and work your way back.
3. Remove the old system by unhooking the pipes from the rubber hangers and pulling the exhaust system down.
Part 3/4: Installing the New Exhaust
1. Once the old system is out, compare it to the new system to ensure all parts are there.
2. Assemble the new system by connecting the front pipe to the manifold and joining the rest of the pipes. You can use your jack to lift the new exhaust system into place.
3. Reattach the oxygen sensors.
4. Put the metal pins into the rubber exhaust hangers.
5. Tighten all of the bolts using a ratchet.
Part 4/4: Check For Leaks and Lower Your Car
1. Start the car and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, you’re done!
2. Turn off the car and lower it to the ground.
Summary
The cost to replace an entire exhaust system can be expensive, but there are ways to keep the cost down. First of all, make sure if the whole exhaust system needs replacing or if it is just one part that is not working properly.
The best way to get the estimated cost is to take it to a mechanic. However, if you’re handy, you might be able to do the work yourself and save a lot of money. Just make sure you know what you’re doing before you start!
Thanks for reading.
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FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Entire Exhaust System? | Caraspect? ›
The cost of an exhaust system varies anywhere between $300 and $1200 depending on whether it's a complete system, type of exhaust system, and parts of the exhaust system.
Is it worth replacing exhaust on old car? ›It's vital that you replace an exhaust system if it isn't performing effectively. Not only can it affect the performance and efficiency of your car, but it can also have some serious health implications.
How long does it take to replace an entire exhaust system? ›Be sure to fit everything correctly or the exhaust may get damaged. A typical exhaust replacement should take you around 6 hours to complete.
How much would it cost to replace my exhaust? ›The average cost of replacing a faulty exhaust pipe can range from under £100 to over £500. However, the exhaust system has many individual parts to it which means the cost can change depending on what other repairs are needed.
Is a whole exhaust system worth it? ›Of course, full systems give an awesome noise and look. But what you're really paying for is performance gains. In some cases, full exhaust systems can shave nearly 20 pounds off the stock numbers. And with the obligatory air-fuel tuning, horsepower improvement can reach 15%.