Hey guys, I've got an exhaust leak in the car/resonator part of my exhaust. I bought brand new gasket and it still has a leak. Anyone else run into this ? Just annoying. Thanks.

Any "Backyard fixes" ?

 

Check all around the resonator, top to bottom front to rear. My understanding is that they rust in spots you can't see by just looking under the car. Just like the muffler and Cat. If gasket was bad then moisture could have gotten into the resonator and started rising it from the inside.
And check back on this post. I know there are members who can help with more details. Good Luck!

 

There's a heat shield on the top of the resonator that likes to trap water and allow it to rust

 

Thanks Chibi, I wasn't sure if the heat shield was on the top or bottom cause my car ain't got one and I never had any problems with the exhaust on my 5th Gen. The heat shield is what I was trying to lead to But I didn't want ti give out wrong info.

 

Yeah, the factory res is garbage as far as holding up over time. My Monte had the seem on it rot away. The wife's Impala is doing the same thing. I need the res deleted on it, but it's really not that loud right now, so I've left it alone.

 

The resonator is a new one, just installed it 6 moths ago.. The exhaust was perfect until I had a local shop install (weld) a new cat on, since then , I've had this exhaust leak and it's just bugging the hell out of me and sounds awful. I thank you for your help.. Michael...

 

If the flange bolts aren't equally torqued it can cause it to warp. I'd check both flange surfaces to insure they are flat and have no debris left from previous gaskets. Prior to assembly apply a bead of High Temp Copper sealer to both flanges, then torque to 24 ft lb.

 

If this all started after having a new cat welded in, I wonder if that's where the issue is (leak in the weld)....

 

Thanks for the input... Ill give it a shot.. If it still leaks ill weld it myself. Just bought a Lincon Mig Welder, to bad I didn't have it when the cat was installed..lol... Pulled the exhaust today... Ill let yak now... Thanks again..mjclemm...

 

The cat weld is darn near perfect, I used smoke from a Incense and it was coming out of the resonator / Cat flange. I used a brand new gasket and it still wants to leak (a tiny bit) but still leaks.. So, I'm gonna use a doughnut semi metallic gasket where the flange meets. Then I'm gonna try and weld all the way around the flange, if it leaks after that.. Well.... MIDAS !....lol... Thanks for the input... Mjclemm..