All vehicles have one or more exhaust manifolds that route spent exhaust gases away from the engine’s cylinder head(s) and toward the exhaust pipe.
Engines with a ‘V’ or flat configuration have two exhaust manifolds, whereas engines with an inline or straight design have just one. Each manifold has a corresponding gasket that forms a seal between the manifold and the cylinder head.
Most exhaust manifolds are made from heavy-duty cast iron or stainless steel. But overtime, a manifold can warp or crack due to thermal stress, resulting in an exhaust leak. Exhaust leaks can also develop from failed manifold gaskets and broken mounting studs.
Most exhaust manifolds are made from heavy-duty cast iron or stainless steel. But overtime, a manifold can warp or crack due to thermal stress, resulting in an exhaust leak.
Exhaust Manifold Leak Symptoms
If your car is suffering from a leaking exhaust manifold or manifold gasket, you’ll likely notice one or more of the following symptoms:
Ticking or Tapping Noise
A leaking exhaust manifold will almost always create a ticking or tapping noise. Often, the sound is more pronounced upon startup when the engine and the manifold are both cold. The noise may diminish or disappear once the engine warms up and the manifold expands, closing off the leak.
The videos below demonstrates a typical exhaust manifold leak sound:
If your car has an exhaust manifold leak, you (or your mechanic) should fix the issue as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to replace an exhaust manifold?
If you choose to have a professional replace your car’s exhaust manifold, you can usually expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $1500 to get the job done. Of course, the exact cost will depend on various factors, such as the year, make, and model of your vehicle.
You can save money by replacing the exhaust manifold yourself if you have the tools and the know-how. CarParts.com has a wide variety of replacement exhaust manifolds available for various makes and models.