My 2012 Ford Escape started making a bit of exhaust noise a couple weeks ago, and got much worse a few days ago. I looked under it when I first noticed the noise, and didn't see anything unusual. I had the oil changed, which included a multi-point inspection, about a week ago, and they didn't find anything. I looked under it a couple days ago, and saw that the muffler had come loose, and was hanging down. I called the Ford dealer, but they couldn't even look at it until the 29th, and suggested I'd be better off taking it to an exhaust shop. So today I took it to Meineke, and they said the muffler and a pipe connecting it to the catalytic converter needed replaced. I was floored when he gave me the estimate- almost $920. I can't afford to get it fixed this week, and will have to sell some of my stock to do so. Fortunately my nephew's wife said I could use her old car, a Honda Pilot, until mine is repaired.
Vehicle repairs
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I don't know if they use clamps on exhaust systems anymore, but if that's the case on your car, you can probably fix this yourself with a new clamp, or a hanger if that's what broke.
If you're not interested in DIY, maybe a regular mechanic can fix it for a lot less than a muffler shop that wants to sell you a whole new muffler plus an exhaust and/or tail pipe when you likely don't need them.
If you're not interested in DIY, maybe a regular mechanic can fix it for a lot less than a muffler shop that wants to sell you a whole new muffler plus an exhaust and/or tail pipe when you likely don't need them.
I would go elsewhere for another estimate
as you have discovered places like Meineke, NTB, Midas, Mavis, etc will over charge you an arm and leg beyond what a dealer would, as if they are any cheaper themselves...
first thing you want to do is check RockAuto.com for pricing of the muffler itself...
and if you dont have a garage with a lift/tools....your next option is to find a local shop or buddy that will install this part for you, most likely way less than what you have been quoted...
I just checked RockAuto....give or take your exact specifics of engine....a muffler assembly, with instructions to cut 2" behind the catalytic converter for the install....the most premium unit will cost around 140.00 (plus tax and shipping)...
believe me, I am thankful I have the resources to fix my own vehicles...in this past year on my Jeep, I have rebuilt the rear differential, and replaced starter, front and rear wheel hubs, brakes and shocks on all 4 wheels, both front half shafts, radiator, front drive shaft u-joint, front wheel calipers....and still did not touch the price you were just quoted for one muffler!
in replacing my front struts, I needed 2 new bolts that fastened at the bottom....the dealer wanted for the bolt alone 13.00 for each.....at Lowes I got bolts, washers, lock washers and nuts for both sides for under $6.00 total....
keep us posted on how you make out.....
first thing you want to do is check RockAuto.com for pricing of the muffler itself...
and if you dont have a garage with a lift/tools....your next option is to find a local shop or buddy that will install this part for you, most likely way less than what you have been quoted...
I just checked RockAuto....give or take your exact specifics of engine....a muffler assembly, with instructions to cut 2" behind the catalytic converter for the install....the most premium unit will cost around 140.00 (plus tax and shipping)...
believe me, I am thankful I have the resources to fix my own vehicles...in this past year on my Jeep, I have rebuilt the rear differential, and replaced starter, front and rear wheel hubs, brakes and shocks on all 4 wheels, both front half shafts, radiator, front drive shaft u-joint, front wheel calipers....and still did not touch the price you were just quoted for one muffler!
in replacing my front struts, I needed 2 new bolts that fastened at the bottom....the dealer wanted for the bolt alone 13.00 for each.....at Lowes I got bolts, washers, lock washers and nuts for both sides for under $6.00 total....
keep us posted on how you make out.....
good-shepherd
Well-known member
will over charge you an arm and leg
This would be a excellent time to find an honest independent mechanic.
Ask around, check Yelp reviews, and take it to a few shops to get estimates. Use a coat hanger to wire up the muffler so you can drive it.
Exhaust system replacement is a very straight forward job so it will be easy to weed out the places that are looking to run up the bill.
My mechanic does great business because people understand he's not out to rip them off and he really knows his stuff.
This would be a excellent time to find an honest independent mechanic.
Ask around, check Yelp reviews, and take it to a few shops to get estimates. Use a coat hanger to wire up the muffler so you can drive it.
Exhaust system replacement is a very straight forward job so it will be easy to weed out the places that are looking to run up the bill.
My mechanic does great business because people understand he's not out to rip them off and he really knows his stuff.
richnz
Well-known member
Exhaust issues
Are awful.
As someone who can repair their own car, I have been fortunate to only do it once in terms of the muffler.
It was a 1993 Honda Civic and the rearmost muffler needed replacing.
Luckily the local pick-n-pull had one and it was an easy job to remove.
Installing it took ages as I had only the car jack and that Civic was close to the ground. I was on my back under that car.
$920 is a lot of money and I hope you find somewhere less expensive.
How do you like the Pilot?
We have a 2007 CR-V and it's been great
Well except the time the power steering hose split and I was laying over the engine head deep inside the bay installing the new hose.
Are awful.
As someone who can repair their own car, I have been fortunate to only do it once in terms of the muffler.
It was a 1993 Honda Civic and the rearmost muffler needed replacing.
Luckily the local pick-n-pull had one and it was an easy job to remove.
Installing it took ages as I had only the car jack and that Civic was close to the ground. I was on my back under that car.
$920 is a lot of money and I hope you find somewhere less expensive.
How do you like the Pilot?
We have a 2007 CR-V and it's been great
Well except the time the power steering hose split and I was laying over the engine head deep inside the bay installing the new hose.
Thanks for the replies.
Pete, I'm definitely taking it somewhere else, as I wasn't impressed with that place overall.
Martin, you are fortunate to have the skills and tools to work on your autos. I don't have the time or patience right now, nor the proper tools. I don't do well laying on my back working above me anyway.
I don't want to take it too far from my nephew's neighborhood where it's currently parked, or I'd probably have it towed. I have a place in mind that I'll contact tomorrow.
The Pilot I borrowed is a 2003 model, so has seen lots of use. At this point, I don't care as long as it will go.
Pete, I'm definitely taking it somewhere else, as I wasn't impressed with that place overall.
Martin, you are fortunate to have the skills and tools to work on your autos. I don't have the time or patience right now, nor the proper tools. I don't do well laying on my back working above me anyway.
I don't want to take it too far from my nephew's neighborhood where it's currently parked, or I'd probably have it towed. I have a place in mind that I'll contact tomorrow.
The Pilot I borrowed is a 2003 model, so has seen lots of use. At this point, I don't care as long as it will go.
vacerator
Well-known member
Dealership
service depts. are always the most expensive. Lot's of independant repair places do exhaust work.
service depts. are always the most expensive. Lot's of independant repair places do exhaust work.
bradfordwhite
Well-known member
I cringed for your experience
You're lucky it's something as simple as a muffler.
Never go to a dealership unless covered under warranty.
Avoid the chain repair shops like Firestone. They have terrible service and over charge.
Carefully search for an independent and be nice to them. If you can't or won't do any repairs yourself, you're dependent on them to keep your mobility.
You're lucky it's something as simple as a muffler.
Never go to a dealership unless covered under warranty.
Avoid the chain repair shops like Firestone. They have terrible service and over charge.
Carefully search for an independent and be nice to them. If you can't or won't do any repairs yourself, you're dependent on them to keep your mobility.
Not all auto dealerships service depts are bad and not all independent repair shops are good either. I’ve owned 23 cars since 1969 and had good and bad experiences at both.
For instance, about 8 years ago I pulled into a parking space at Target too far and when I backed out the parking berm caught on the low slung bumper of my ‘07 Honda Civic and tore it off. I pushed the bumper back on as best I could. Then I took it to the Honda dealer that I bought the car from thinking it was gonna cost me at least a few hundred dollars. Happily they repaired it in less than an hour and only charged me $80.00.
Whatever repair shop you use its important to develop a good relationship with them. Return customers usually receive better treatment in my experience. If I get taken advantage of by a repair shop I’ll never darken their doorway again.
Tom I hope you can get your exhaust system repaired soon at a fair price.
Eddie
For instance, about 8 years ago I pulled into a parking space at Target too far and when I backed out the parking berm caught on the low slung bumper of my ‘07 Honda Civic and tore it off. I pushed the bumper back on as best I could. Then I took it to the Honda dealer that I bought the car from thinking it was gonna cost me at least a few hundred dollars. Happily they repaired it in less than an hour and only charged me $80.00.
Whatever repair shop you use its important to develop a good relationship with them. Return customers usually receive better treatment in my experience. If I get taken advantage of by a repair shop I’ll never darken their doorway again.
Tom I hope you can get your exhaust system repaired soon at a fair price.
Eddie
Overall, I've been very pleased with the Ford dealer service in the 26 years I've gone there. When I had my '95 Explorer I made the mistake of having brake work done at another shop - a local tire dealer. Something wasn't right, so I ended up having to take it to the Ford place anyway. I hope to take the Escape to another locally owned shop in the next day or so. I've heard it has a good reputation.
good-shepherd
Well-known member
Avoid the chain repair shops like Firestone.
I've used Firestone many times for tire purchases and installs but never repairs.
I was looking over some old receipts last night. One of their recommended services was rear shocks: $295+ tax (and this was about 6 years ago).
Rear shock replacement on a Dodge Caravan is about as simple as it gets, two very accessible bolts on each side and you're done.
I think another time they wanted about $200 bucks to replace one inner tire rod.
I've used Firestone many times for tire purchases and installs but never repairs.
I was looking over some old receipts last night. One of their recommended services was rear shocks: $295+ tax (and this was about 6 years ago).
Rear shock replacement on a Dodge Caravan is about as simple as it gets, two very accessible bolts on each side and you're done.
I think another time they wanted about $200 bucks to replace one inner tire rod.
I wouldn't rule out someone monkeying with the cat con in an effort to steal it, causing the failure.
Happened to me once; I had an older P/U ('78 Dodge) that I parked in a secluded area at a Home Depot. I wasn't gone long, but when I came back I noticed someone running off and when I started the truck, major exhaust noise. Fortunately I had a tool kit and was able to slide under the truck to see that the clamps holding the cat in place were loose. I tigthtened them up and had no further problems. I also made a mental note never to park a vehicle with a cat at that location again.
Happened to me once; I had an older P/U ('78 Dodge) that I parked in a secluded area at a Home Depot. I wasn't gone long, but when I came back I noticed someone running off and when I started the truck, major exhaust noise. Fortunately I had a tool kit and was able to slide under the truck to see that the clamps holding the cat in place were loose. I tigthtened them up and had no further problems. I also made a mental note never to park a vehicle with a cat at that location again.
All fixed!
I took it in today to have it looked at, and was agreeable to the price the place quoted. They were able to get the parts immediately, so were able to replace muffler today. I also got a few other things such as new rear wiper blade, and three new bulbs, all for about $200 less than quoted for the muffler alone at Meineke. I was very impressed with the shop, which is about a half hour from home. The place was very nice; everything nearly spotless, including the restroom. Employees were all very pleasant and helpful. I plan to go back when I need auto service again.
I took it in today to have it looked at, and was agreeable to the price the place quoted. They were able to get the parts immediately, so were able to replace muffler today. I also got a few other things such as new rear wiper blade, and three new bulbs, all for about $200 less than quoted for the muffler alone at Meineke. I was very impressed with the shop, which is about a half hour from home. The place was very nice; everything nearly spotless, including the restroom. Employees were all very pleasant and helpful. I plan to go back when I need auto service again.
Great News Tom! And I happy for you that you’ve found a auto service provider that is fair and that you trust. A win/win all around.
Eddie
Eddie
Exhaust work
Make sure that they add a grounding wire to the exhaust system or it will fail prematurely. As for pricing if they were going to put an OEM muffler on and cat that sounds about right, the OEM muffler on those is very expensive. Most of those fail at the flange between the cat and muffler do to a failure of the hanger that failed from the grounding wire failure.
Make sure that they add a grounding wire to the exhaust system or it will fail prematurely. As for pricing if they were going to put an OEM muffler on and cat that sounds about right, the OEM muffler on those is very expensive. Most of those fail at the flange between the cat and muffler do to a failure of the hanger that failed from the grounding wire failure.
I have found that muffler shops are overpriced and quality not so good. I have two cars one is 19 years old and the 8 years and I bring the 8 year old to the dealer and the 19 to a neighborhood mechanic and I have great service at both. Nothing is cheap but nothing worse then getting hosed on a muffler.
