Muffler dragging

The muffler is dragging.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi. If your muffler has fallen and is dragging on the ground then it more than likely has a broken bracket. It can also be a broken pipe. If you need further assistance, I recommend you have a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, inspect for possible breaks in the exhaust system and replace the bad exhaust supports.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

Exhaust hangs visibly low

The exhaust system hangers are made of rubber, which can dry out, crack, and break over time. If an exhaust hanger breaks, it can cause the vehicle`s exhaust pipes to hang visibly low, underneath the vehicle, from lack of support.

If you hear an excessive rattling sound, your muffler may have come loose. This could also be a sign of a cracked or broken muffler and you should get to a muffler shop soon. If left untreated, damage could spread to other parts of the exhaust system, creating a much larger problem.
The biggest and most noticeable sign of a bad muffler is the noise. When your muffler fails, the car will suddenly seem a lot louder than it did before. Be especially vigilant for any strange or sudden rattling noise, which could be the sound of a muffler that`s become loose or broken.
If your exhaust pipe is hanging closer to the ground than usual, or you can see a space between the notch where the exhaust pipe fits and the pipe itself, the hanger is probably wearing out. If the vehicle has two tailpipes, check to make sure they are level or nearly-level as this can be another sign.
Water and carbon dioxide form a mixture as soon as you turn on your vehicle. After you park your car and the engine starts to cool down, the water vapour cools down to the water, dripping from the car`s exhaust pipe.
In most U.S. vehicles, mufflers last approximately five to seven years. However, several factors such as frequent exposure to salt on roads, speed bumps, and potholes can result in premature aging. Regardless of the origin, muffler problems generally share common, easily identifiable characteristics.
A rattling noise, low gas mileage and the smell of exhaust fumes are all indicators that your muffler needs to be replaced.
Mufflers` Effect on Performance

An engine is able to generate more power, faster if it is able to get rid of all of the exhaust gases it produces quickly. By their nature, mufflers restrict exhaust flow or create back pressure, which slightly slows down your engine.

Loss of Engine Performance — If the pipes in the exhaust system become damaged or corroded, they can sometimes produce an exhaust leak that can cause the vehicle to experience performance issues, such as a decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency due to the loss of backpressure.
A car that feels dragging may be due to worn tires, low tire pressure, or a problem with the brakes. A clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, or oxygen sensor can also cause a car to feel dragging. Fuel injectors, spark plugs, and the catalytic converter can also cause a car to feel dragging.
Faulty sensors, including the mass air flow, throttle position, and oxygen sensors are common causes of a car`s sluggish acceleration. However, failing spark plugs and blocked air filters may also cause this problem. While a dragging acceleration is an issue, it`s also a symptom of a developing problem.
Exhaust pipe loose or swaying

Anytime your exhaust pipe or tube is hanging low or looks like it is swaying beneath your vehicle, it`s time to check your exhaust supports to ensure they are still functional. They may only need to be adjusted, so check with a qualified technician.

Use A Cold Air Intake to Help Make Exhausts Louder

While some OEM air intakes are now designed to bring air into the vehicle from the outside, aftermarket cold air intakes reroute how your car sucks in air, pulling it from outside the compartment.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

How long does a muffler last? How many miles it take to replace a muffler? Is theirs any difference between each muffler? (2 muffler)
ANSWER : There is a good chance it is the ’flex’ pipe section leaking. The life of the exhaust depends on mileage, driving conditions, and where you live. Snow and icy climates rip through exhaust systems with rust and road salt.

The 3.0 Hondas come with a stainless steel exhaust system which last for almost forever. The flex pipe typically cracks due to loose engine mounts. If someone has replaced the exhaust, then it may have rusted through. If you have the factory exhaust, then it should last the life of the car unless you live in a snow-type climate. If you want to have the noise looked at, a technician from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to inspect your exhaust system and let you know what adjustments should be done.

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How do I know I have two resonators? Can I have two mufflers in each side with one resonator? Which side is most important? Thank You.
ANSWER : You may have a single small resonator in the middle of the car that splits to the two mufflers. One on each side with single or dual tip outlets. The two mufflers are equal to each other to exit the exhaust flow. For more concrete advice, I’d recommend having an expert technician check out your specific muffler situation in person. A technician from YourMechanic can come to your home or office inspect your exhaust system and assist with any repairs that are needed.

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Which side muffler is most important or both? Thank you.
ANSWER : Hello. I would say that both sides of the exhaust system are equally important, as the entire exhaust system is tuned as a unit. Usually both sides will have a catalytic converter and resonator, as each side is usually linked to one of the engine’s banks.

If they are only on one side, then it is likely that the entire system is plumbed together and set up that way for a specific reason. If you need any service done to your exhaust system, consider YourMechanic, as a certified professional can inspect your exhaust system and repair any issues that arise.

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Rear brakes are dragging
ANSWER : Based on your description, it sounds like your parking brake may be locking up on your rear brakes. I would recommend having your rear brakes disassembled and, using the special tool you referred to, try to compress the caliper. If the caliper is very difficult or refuses to compress, the caliper is sticking up and will require replacement in order to fix the problem.

It is not a requirement, but it is a good idea to replace all brake parts in pairs. With this in mind, it would be a good idea to replace both rear calipers. For best results, ensure that this job is performed by a certified mechanic.

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Can a bad muffler cause a smog test to fail?
ANSWER : Hello. You need to see why the last smog failure was for. If the failure was excessive O2 in the exhaust test, then it could be the muffler. If it is for high HC or CO then it may be an engine running too rich or a converter issue. You will need to have the engine tested to see if the engine and converter have problems. If the converter is broken apart inside, then replace it anyway. If you need help with this, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the system and pinpoint the appropriate repair.

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Muffler dragging on ground
ANSWER : The location of the components along the exhaust system makes them prone to very bad rusting. Rusting is ever worse in colder climates due to the use of salt and sand on the roads when winterizing. In addition, rubber hangers are used to suspend the plumbing along the vehicles belly. These rubber hangers are prone to dry, crack and fall apart over time causing the components to sag or fall. Have the vehicle inspected by a muffler or exhaust shop which can handle the repair in either scenario.

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Is it safe for me to drive around with no muffler, while always having the windows down?
ANSWER : It is never safe to drive with the muffler removed and the exhaust not exiting the vehicle out the back. You should not wait too long before getting it repaired. Remember that carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas. You may get asphyxiated before you realize you are even breathing in excess amounts of the gas.

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I have three cats on my truck 2 up by both exhaust manifolds and 1 right before muffler can I take the one by muffler off n have n
ANSWER : Hi there. Your message was a bit hard to understand, but I think I know what you’re getting at. On most trucks like yours, with the tri-catalytic converter set up, in some cases, the issue is with the rear or single cat – the one on the single exhaust pipe. Generally, due to the excessive particulate matter emissions from diesels, the two individual cats from each side of the engine would clog first. However, the rear tends to fail worse than the other two. By removing the third catalytic converter, you might improve engine output and power, but it would fail a smog inspection quickly.

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Eric smoalih

I am a certified master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and I have been working as an auto mechanic for over 15 years. I am passionate about my work, and I take great pride in helping people keep their cars running smoothly.