exhaust leak? 2010 v6 110k miles

RPC207 · Apr 12, 2021

Hi all - trying to do some trouble shooting on my wife's rav4; we're at a point where we're looking to hold on to it for maybe 6-18 more months, so trying to figure out which issues are worth fixing and which can be ignored.

The car has what seems to be an exhaust leak coming from near the front of the car. The sound moves in unison with the tach (the higher the rpm, the more prominent the sound) and is present weather or not the gas/brake is being applied. The best description for the sound is similar to the drone of a plane jet or propeller that you would hear while sitting inside the cabin of a plane.

I checked under the car and couldn't find any obvious source of a leak from the tailpipe all the way up to where the exhaust goes under the skid plate/up to the engine; it almost definitely is coming from the front end of the car. Any advice on places to trouble shoot? Exhaust manifold leak? It doesn't seem to be affecting performance of the car much, but it is noticeable and can definitely be heard (my wife says it sounds like a lawn mower). Open to advice/suggestions!

Foryota · Apr 12, 2021

RPC207 said:
Hi all - trying to do some trouble shooting on my wife's rav4; we're at a point where we're looking to hold on to it for maybe 6-18 more months, so trying to figure out which issues are worth fixing and which can be ignored.

The car has what seems to be an exhaust leak coming from near the front of the car. The sound moves in unison with the tach (the higher the rpm, the more prominent the sound) and is present weather or not the gas/brake is being applied. The best description for the sound is similar to the drone of a plane jet or propeller that you would hear while sitting inside the cabin of a plane.

I checked under the car and couldn't find any obvious source of a leak from the tailpipe all the way up to where the exhaust goes under the skid plate/up to the engine; it almost definitely is coming from the front end of the car. Any advice on places to trouble shoot? Exhaust manifold leak? It doesn't seem to be affecting performance of the car much, but it is noticeable and can definitely be heard (my wife says it sounds like a lawn mower). Open to advice/suggestions!

Hi RPC, there are two likely candidates for the location of the leak. First is the flex pipe near the oil pan - the braided steel covers an accordion type of pipe which can deteriorate over time, and 10-11 years is when my last one went. These can be replaced by cutting/welding a new piece in place, or by changing the OEM style component. You’ll need to get quotes either way on this.

The other possibility is the exhaust manifold gasket ring between the manifold bell joint and the exhaust downpipe - these gaskets (you have one for each manifold, so two) are super hard to see or inspect without opening the joint (watch out for rusted bolts!) but at least are pretty cheap to replace.

To tell the difference, the flex pipe leak will make noise from below, behind the front wheel, and the manifold rings will make noise higher up under the hood, either near the radiator or the firewall (or both!)

If it’s the rear manifold ring, it’s likely to be a royal pain to get to, since it’s right near the steering rack too. Good luck!

2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

DL175 · Apr 12, 2021

You should take your car to a muffler shop for a free inspection. It is difficult to look directly under the car with the limited viewing angle.

RPC207 · Apr 12, 2021

Thank you both - this is exactly what I was looking for. I replaced the mid-section of the muffler but that was much more accessible and I only have a driveway to work out of. Anything requiring a lift or welding and I'm out, so we'll get her into the muffler shop - fingers crossed its just the flex pipe as that doesn't sound too bad. Thanks!

As an aside, I just checked the car's KBB today (even in fair condition) and its hard to believe KBB is valuing it so high. Makes me feel better about the repairs even if we end up selling it.

Foryota · Apr 12, 2021

RPC207 said:
Thank you both - this is exactly what I was looking for. I replaced the mid-section of the muffler but that was much more accessible and I only have a driveway to work out of. Anything requiring a lift or welding and I'm out, so we'll get her into the muffler shop - fingers crossed its just the flex pipe as that doesn't sound too bad. Thanks!

As an aside, I just checked the car's KBB today (even in fair condition) and its hard to believe KBB is valuing it so high. Makes me feel better about the repairs even if we end up selling it.

A V6 RAV4 is almost as good at retained value as a 4Runner or a Tacoma. I’m not surprised at the value, I’m surprised that you’re surprised! Lol.

Even for me, that level of exhaust work is where I’d surrender and take it in - I’m just not equipped to handle those repairs these days. Good call on your part.

2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

ridethecliche · Apr 13, 2021

RPC207 said:
Thank you both - this is exactly what I was looking for. I replaced the mid-section of the muffler but that was much more accessible and I only have a driveway to work out of. Anything requiring a lift or welding and I'm out, so we'll get her into the muffler shop - fingers crossed its just the flex pipe as that doesn't sound too bad. Thanks!

As an aside, I just checked the car's KBB today (even in fair condition) and its hard to believe KBB is valuing it so high. Makes me feel better about the repairs even if we end up selling it.

Honestly, you should check what carmax and carvana will offer you for it. I just bought mine yesterday and checked carvana for what they'd offer just for funzies. They'd offer me about 1500 less than I paid for the car. That's honestly pretty damn good!

exhaust leak? 2010 v6 110k miles

RPC207

Foryota

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

DL175

RPC207

Foryota

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

ridethecliche

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