How to Repair an Exhaust Pipe

An exhaust leak can be dangerous

Having a hole in the exhaust of your car is one of those nuisance repairs that need to be made. Not only can a hole in the exhaust add to the noise level of the car, quite substantially at times, but it can also allow fumes into the passenger compartment. Without a welder, there's really no way to create a permanent fix for an exhaust, but there is a fairly easy way to eliminate the hole in the exhaust until you have the time and money to get a new one.

Things You'll Need

• Tin can
• Can opener
• Tin snips
• Hose clamps
• Flathead screwdriver

Instructions

1. Remove the top and bottom from a tin can. Use a normal can opener and an empty food tin.

2. Rinse the can out thoroughly with hot, soapy water and wipe it dry with a towel.

3. Cut a straight line through the can with a tin snips.

4. Locate the hole in the exhaust. You'll want to wear some work clothes for this operation as it requires sliding around under the car.

5. Place a metal hose clamp on either side of the hole in the exhaust. Secure, but don't tighten down.

6. Slide the tin can over the hole in the exhaust and squeeze the can until it's tight around the exhaust.

7. Slide the hose clamps over both ends of the tin can and tighten the clamps down with a flathead screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• Always let the car cool for at least an hour after running it to make sure the exhaust pipe isn't hot when performing the repair.