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Being quoted $5k to replace a cut in muffler?

DSBsox

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2020 ST
#1
My 2020 ST has been a gem of a car, no issues through the first 90k miles. The other day while driving, the engine noise suddenly increased, not wildly but noticeably. Seemed obvious that some sort of break/crack/leak had occurred in the exhaust system. I took it to the Ford dealer closest to where I am living and they are quoting me $4,995 to repair. Claiming they have no choice but to replace the entire exhaust system as it is all welded together, even though it is just a "cut" in the muffler. This seems to be $3,500+ higher than everything I have researched online, even for complete exhaust system repair. I am not a mechanic myself, but I am also not a complete rookie when it comes to this stuff after years operating and working with equipment. It seems like something that should be easily weldable or if not, at least replace just the muffler etc... Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts on what my best way to proceed is? I appreciate any honest advice that can be sent my way, thank you!
 

UNBROKEN

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#2
Hit up your local exhaust shop if you want to attempt a repair….never Ford.
 

Nascarbilly

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#3
My 2020 ST has been a gem of a car, no issues through the first 90k miles. The other day while driving, the engine noise suddenly increased, not wildly but noticeably. Seemed obvious that some sort of break/crack/leak had occurred in the exhaust system. I took it to the Ford dealer closest to where I am living and they are quoting me $4,995 to repair. Claiming they have no choice but to replace the entire exhaust system as it is all welded together, even though it is just a "cut" in the muffler. This seems to be $3,500+ higher than everything I have researched online, even for complete exhaust system repair. I am not a mechanic myself, but I am also not a complete rookie when it comes to this stuff after years operating and working with equipment. It seems like something that should be easily weldable or if not, at least replace just the muffler etc... Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts on what my best way to proceed is? I appreciate any honest advice that can be sent my way, thank you!
DSBsox:

First off, Welcome Aboard!! There are some extremely knowledgeable folks that participate in this Group to help you.

As for your exhaust issue, this is actually a golden opportunity for you to get your problem fixed and get a great system installed at the same time for less $$$$. Between Google for the information on new aftermarket systems and YouTube to hear what the differences sound like, you can definitely customize your exhaust sound. As for the install, I agree with "UNBROKEN" to find a "good" local muffler/auto exhaust shop. Do take the time to read their reviews on any of the shops you are considering. Recently, when I had my H-Pipe installed here in NorCal, there were a wide variety of muffler/auto exhaust shops with varying levels of ratings. Truly, not all are created equal.
 

2020FordRaptor

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#4
Ford is outrageously expensive. Just go to an local exhaust shop and if its a break in the exhaust welds they should be able to weld it back up for very cheap. Or just go all the way and get an aftermarket system.
 

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#5
Definitely time to get an aftermarket exhaust system! Yes, the stock system is all one-piece post flex pipes. All the aftermarket systems are much higher quality and better engineered. As others have said listen to the sound clips that meet your preference. I am very happy with my Thermal 2.5". Zero drone and silent on the highway. When you get on it, it sounds wonderful.
 

OP
D
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Thread Starter #6
Thank you everyone for the replies! It is a very small crack and I am planning on taking it into a highly rated muffler shop in the area for a quick fix soon. Just for reference on how bad the quote was from this dealership (rhymes with Halpin in the LA area); on Ford's website I could have bought a complete exhaust system (with installation) for less than $2,100 and they quoted me $5k lol. I can't go aftermarket right now, but it is something I hope to be able to do sometime soon!
 



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