Pinpoint Test D: Noise From Exhaust System
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2021 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- NOTE: After treatment components consist of some or all of the following: Catalytic Converters, Gasoline Particulate Filters, Diesel Particulate Filters, Selective Catalytic Reduction Catalysts.
Normal Operation and Fault Conditions
REFER to: Exhaust System - Overview .
Possible Sources
- Loose or damaged heat shield(s)
- Loose or damaged exhaust isolators(s)
- Damaged exhaust isolator hanger bracket
- Loose or damaged after treatment components or mufflers
- Exhaust system leak
- Catalytic converter/exhaust system
- Exhaust system grounded to chassis
- Damaged or worn exhaust system
- Misaligned exhaust system
- Strain on the exhaust system
Visual Inspection and Pre-checks
- Inspect for loose, damaged, contaminated or incorrect components.
- D1 CHECK THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FASTENERS
- Check and confirm that all exhaust system fasteners on joining connections, hanger brackets and isolators are tightened to specification.
Was exhaust noise still present after confirming all exhaust system fasteners are tightened to specification?
Yes GO to D2 No The issue has been resolved. - D2 INSPECT THE EXHAUST ISOLATORS AND HANGER BRACKETS
- Visually inspect the condition and alignment of all exhaust system isolators and hanger brackets.
Were exhaust system isolators and hanger brackets found to be in correct alignment and in good condition?
Yes GO to D3 No INSTALL new components as necessary. - D3 CHECK FOR MISSING OR DAMAGED EXHAUST HEAT SHIELDS
- Check for noise originating from missing or damaged exhaust heat shields.
Were the exhaust heat shields found to be present and in correct alignment?
Yes GO to D4 No INSTALL new components as necessary. - D4 CHECK THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR ALIGNMENT
- Manually move the exhaust system to simulate the bouncing action of the vehicle, checking for exhaust-to-body contact while the exhaust system is moving.
Was the exhaust noise seen to originate from contact between the exhaust system and the surrounding components/vehicle body?
Yes Ensure the exhaust system is installed correctly on the exhaust hangers and isolators. INSTALL new components as necessary. No GO to D5 - D5 CHECK THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL DAMAGE
- Using a soft hammer or rubber mallet, lightly tap the resonators, mufflers, after treatment components and exhaust pipework, listening for loose internal baffling or internal damage.
Was noise such as rattling, clanging or twanging heard within the exhaust components?
Yes The exhaust component likely has internal damage. INSTALL new components as necessary. No GO to D6 - D6 CHECK THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR LEAKS
- With the engine running, visually inspect the exhaust components and pipework for leaks.
Were leaks found?
Yes INSTALL new components as necessary. No GO to D7 - D7 CHECK FOR COOL DOWN PINGING
- Run the engine and bring the exhaust system to operating temperature.
- KOEO
- While allowing the engine to cool, listen the exhaust system during cold down to attempt to isolate the noise complaint.
Was the exhaust complaint found to be cool down pinging?
Yes Cool down pinging is a result of the exhaust system expanding and contracting during heating and cooling. This is a normal condition. The issue has been resolved. No The condition may be intermittent. Advise the customer no repair is required.