The exhaust manifold is key to emissions control, directing toxic gasses to the catalytic converter to make them less harmful. However, a faulty exhaust manifold can let the exhaust gas leak into the cabin, putting passengers at risk.
At this point, replacement isn’t an option; it’s a must.
Wondering how much will exhaust manifold replacement cost?
Let’s explore the expenses, early warning signs to watch for, and when to head to the auto repair shop. We’ll also discover whether a DIY replacement is feasible and how long exhaust manifolds typically last.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does an Exhaust Manifold Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing a Faulty Exhaust Manifold?
- Signs You Need an Exhaust Manifold Replacement
- How Long Does an Exhaust Manifold Last?
- Can You Replace the Exhaust Manifold Yourself?
- 7 Practical Tips for Exhaust Manifold Maintenance
How Much Does an Exhaust Manifold Replacement Cost?
Here’s the lowdown on the cost of replacing a damaged exhaust manifold:
A. Cost Range
Exhaust manifold replacement typically ranges from $1,230 to $1,360.
This includes:
- Cost of replacement parts: $990 to $1,050
- Labor charges: $240 to $310
B. Factors Affecting Cost
The cost of exhaust manifold replacement is largely determined by your vehicle’s make and model.
Other factors influencing the final bill at the car repair shop include:
- Type of exhaust manifold: Exhaust manifolds come in three types — cast iron, stainless steel, and titanium. Cast iron manifolds are usually cheaper than stainless steel or titanium units.
- Quality of parts: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts cost more than aftermarket parts due to their superior durability and compatibility with your vehicle’s systems.
- Service fees: The labor cost is higher at car dealerships and professional service centers than at independent car repair shops.
- Warranty period: A new exhaust manifold with a longer warranty will have a higher upfront cost.
- Additional repairs: Repair costs can increase if additional damaged parts, like the catalytic converter or oxygen sensors, need replacement. A new catalytic converter can cost between $300 and $4000, whereas a pair of oxygen sensors range from $300 to $350.
Is It Worth Replacing a Faulty Exhaust Manifold?
Yes, replacing a damaged exhaust manifold is essential to protect your engine.
A malfunctioning exhaust manifold can lead to exhaust leaks, allowing harmful gases to escape before reaching the catalytic converter. This results in increased toxic emissions, reduced fuel efficiency, and engine misfires. In some cases, exhaust gases may enter the passenger compartment indirectly, creating potential safety hazards.
Additionally, driving with a faulty manifold can overheat and damage nearby components like the catalytic converter and exhaust valves.
Remember: Catalytic converters are quite expensive to repair. So, you should replace a failing exhaust manifold promptly to prevent further vehicle damage.
Signs You Need an Exhaust Manifold Replacement
Watch out for these symptoms of a malfunctioning exhaust manifold:
- Illuminated check engine light: The engine control unit (ECU) will turn on the check engine light if oxygen sensors detect an error. The error occurs if the exhaust manifold is cracked, allowing excess air into the exhaust.
- Unusual engine noises: You may hear a loud rumbling, hissing, or clicking sound near the engine when there’s an exhaust manifold leak.
- Smell under the hood: The odor of exhaust fumes indicates that gas might be escaping near the engine. This likely occurs due to a damaged or cracked exhaust manifold.
- Poor engine performance: An exhaust manifold leak allows extra air to enter the exhaust system, throwing off the oxygen sensor readings. This leads to an incorrect air-fuel mixture, reducing combustion efficiency and engine power.
- Visible damage: You’ll see cracks, corrosion, or other signs of damage on the exhaust manifold.
- Overheated or damaged components: A damaged exhaust manifold can burn and damage other engine components, such as oxygen sensors, exhaust valves, and more.
How Long Does an Exhaust Manifold Last?
The exhaust manifold is built to last the engine’s lifetime. However, high engine temperatures or an improper air-fuel mixture can lead to a leaky exhaust manifold over time.
Regular servicing can help identify early signs of damage, allowing you to fix or replace the exhaust manifold in time.
Can You Replace the Exhaust Manifold Yourself?
No. Avoid replacing the exhaust manifold yourself if you lack automotive technical know-how. Instead, rely on a trained professional to inspect and replace it.
Here’s what a mechanic would do:
- Lift the vehicle and disconnect the battery for safety.
- Remove the engine cover, heat shields, intake manifold, and other adjoining components to access the exhaust manifold.
- Disconnect the exhaust manifold from the exhaust pipe by unfastening the bolts.
- Unscrew the bolts connecting the exhaust manifold to the cylinder heads. Then, carefully take out the damaged exhaust manifold.
- Pry off the old exhaust manifold gasket from the cylinder heads after the exhaust manifold is removed.
- Clean the cylinder head exhaust ports.
- Place a new gasket on the exhaust manifold and pipes. Secure the new manifold to the cylinder head studs, tighten the nuts, and reattach the heat shield.
- Re-install any parts that were removed to access the manifold and then reconnect the battery.
- If the coolant had been drained at the beginning of the replacement service (to prevent leaks into exhaust ports), they’ll refill the coolant after installing the new exhaust manifold.
- Finally, check for any exhaust leak or unusual sounds and take the vehicle for a test drive.
7 Practical Tips for Exhaust Manifold Maintenance
Keep your car’s exhaust manifold in top shape by following these tips:
- Regularly check for cracks and leaks.
- Listen for unusual sounds that indicate the presence of cracks within the exhaust manifold.
- Regularly clean off carbon deposits that accumulate on the exhaust manifold over time.
- Use high-quality exhaust manifold cleaners that don’t contain harsh chemicals.
- Try not to drive through deep water or mud, as exposure to moisture can corrode the exhaust manifold.
- Avoid short trips as they prevent the exhaust manifold from reaching optimal temperature, accelerating carbon buildup and rust formation.
- Look for any discoloration or burn marks on the manifold, which indicate overheating or an exhaust leak.
Get Hassle-Free Exhaust Manifold Replacement with AutoNation Mobile Service
From declining engine performance to harmful emissions, a faulty exhaust manifold brings a host of problems that can’t be ignored.
Think you’re experiencing exhaust manifold issues?
Call AutoNation Mobile Service — an auto repair and maintenance solution available seven days a week.
Why choose us?
Our mobile mechanic can diagnose and replace your damaged exhaust manifold right from your driveway.
Easily book an appointment online for any auto repair service — an exhaust manifold replacement, oil filter repair, or more — and we’ll handle the rest.