Exhaust problems with my 07 prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by GasSippr, Jan 22, 2013.

  1. GasSippr

    GasSippr Junior Member

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    I was wondering if anyone could help me diagnose what's going on with my prius. I have an 07 with 81.5K miles. Just a few weeks ago I've noticed a "rumbling" sound when starting the car in the morning before my AM commute. To me it sounds like an exhaust issue. This sound is becoming more frequent and now occurs most of the time while I drive. The volume has not increased, only frequency. The engine sounds ok, and no lights or indicators are showing. MPG performance is down from 45-50MPG to about 40MPG but I think this may be because it's been extremely cold here lately and maybe the gasoline bladder has shrunk? Anyways, any ideas on what this could be? If it's an exhaust issue could it require replacing the entire exhaust system because it's a hybrid (one mechanic friend I have said this might be the case)? Could it be something as simple as getting a new muffler? I love this car and want to take good care of it! Thanks for any comments!
     
    #1 GasSippr, Jan 22, 2013
  2. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    I know it's cold there, but I would take a look under the car to see if anything is obviously amiss or out of place. Maybe one of the plastic underbody panels has come loose?
     
    #2 nh7o, Jan 23, 2013
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Yes, it could be something as simple as needing a new muffler.

    The Prius exhaust system has two parts. The expensive part is the downpipe from the exhaust manifold to the catalytic converter to the resonators. The less expensive part would be the muffler at the rear of the car.

    It is possible that an exhaust pipe gasket between the exhaust manifold and the down pipe, or between the rear resonator and the muffler, has failed. If there is no other damage, that would be a reasonably inexpensive repair.

    A failed exhaust system is a serious safety issue as poisonous exhaust gases potentially can enter the passenger cabin, so I suggest you have this checked out as soon as possible if you are not personally able to raise up the car and get underneath to inspect the exhaust system for holes.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Jan 23, 2013
    tangerino, JMD and GasSippr like this.
  4. GasSippr

    GasSippr Junior Member

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    Thanks for your response Patrick. I spoke with my mechanic last night prior to receiving your message. He came out to my house to listen to the noise. At the time it wasn't quite as loud as it has been. His opinion was to wait until it gets "really loud" and then fix it because he thinks it may be an expensive repair and he wants me to get as much out of the current exhaust system as I can before I need to potentially fork out a lot of money to get it fixed. He didn't mention anything about potential danger of any gases...maybe I should call him and discuss this possibility.
     
    #4 GasSippr, Jan 23, 2013
  5. northwichita

    northwichita .

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    If its cold, you may be able to see the condensation from the exhaust from any leaks the system has, just look underneath while the motor is running. Aside from leaks, any possibility of the rumble is a heat shield somewhere in contact with the exhaust system, it may require just bending something back making contact. Anyway agreed something not to put off.
     
    #5 northwichita, Jan 23, 2013
  6. Priusyipee

    Priusyipee Active Member

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    An interesting repair on my '05 Prius about 18 months ago... I noticed the same change in sound as you did and looked under the car. To my dismay, the exhaust pipe rusted through at the weld behind the connector on the main portion of the exhaust system. The muffler was totally disconnected from the main system but held on by its straps. My repair was a lot cheaper than a Toyota replacement. I purchased the main exhaust system and a new muffler from Rock Auto. I kept the original exhaust system (missing the connector) which is in good condition. Unfortunately, the only weakness in that 1,500.00 part was at the weld attaching the connector. If I should encounter any issues with the (main exhaust) system in the future, I plan to reuse that original part and weld a new muffler directly to it as the pipes, cat converters, etc., are in great condition.
     
    #6 Priusyipee, Jan 23, 2013
  7. GasSippr

    GasSippr Junior Member

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    So I took my Prius into the dealership today ... It turns out the noise I was hearing was caused by "grass stuck between the exhaust and the body." They took out the grass and it sounds good again! Really weird...I need to stop taking my car off roading, hehe. Glad it wasn't anything worse than this. Thanks for all the responses!
     
    #7 GasSippr, Jan 24, 2013
  8. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

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    o_O

    What is this, a joke?
     
    #8 maestro8, Jan 25, 2013
  9. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    If it's not a joke he really does need to stop offroading. Dried vegetation can easily start a fire.
     
    #9 richard schumacher, Jan 26, 2013
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