Volkswagen cars are made up of a blend of power, high-performance, and advanced technology. Timely servicing of a Volkswagen is necessary to preserve the performance level and reliability essential for your comfort and safety. The muffler bracket is an important component of the exhaust system of a car. It is necessary to repair and replace this part over time since it gradually wears out and becomes dysfunctional.
The Purpose of the Muffler Bracket
The muffler bracket is also known as the exhaust hanger. It is responsible for holding the muffler and related exhaust tubes to the vehicle’s chassis. A muffler is a canister with internal tubular channels designed to minimize the pulsations of flowing exhaust gas systematically.
When you drive a car, back pressure is created in the exhaust system all the way back to the engine. This reduces the engine’s performance by slowing the outflow of exhaust gas from the engine. The muffler is responsible for maintaining a specific level of backpressure for optimal low-speed performance.
A proper functioning muffler allows the engine to produce significantly more horsepower at higher rpms. Thus, protecting the muffler from collapsing is very important.
The muffler bracket prevents the whole structure from collapsing and dragging on the road underneath the car. If this component were to break loose, then the exhaust system would fall from under the car, and this might cause significant damage. When cars are lower to the ground, the exhaust system and muffler are more vulnerable to damage, so it’s crucial to ensure the muffler bracket is set correctly.
Warnings of Muffler Bracket Failure
Muffler brackets are made of steel and rubber. The rubber tends to degrade and crack over time, and this leads to failure. Common causes of muffler bracket failure are accidents, rough roads, speed bumps, bad weather conditions, and lowered suspension. To avoid any significant damage to the exhaust system of your Volkswagen, you should observe the warning signs of muffler bracket failure.
- Rattling Sound or Vibration: If you notice a rattling noise or vibration, this might result from a broken muffler bracket or a loose exhaust.
- Banging Noises: If you notice any banging noise while driving over a rough or bumpy road, this might result from the exhaust pipe hitting the bottom of the chassis.
- Hissing Noise: If you notice any hissing sound, this might be due to a damaged muffler bracket. A broken exhaust hanger can lead to an exhaust leak, which creates a hissing sound.
- Hanging Exhaust: The muffler bracket securely holds the muffler and related exhaust tubes to the vehicle’s chassis. When the muffler bracket breaks, the exhaust will hang under the car.
- Misfiring Engine: When the muffler bracket breaks, the exhaust system faces problems in functioning normally. And this issue with the exhaust system causes the engine to misfire, especially when you are decelerating.
A few other signs might be created due to muffler bracket failures, like low performance and poor fuel economy. Moreover, when a muffler bracket collapses, the exhaust is subjected to additional strain. This can lead to other failures, resulting in a loss of power and performance.
Natural wear and tear may cause the muffler bracket to fail over time. It should be checked regularly for suspected signs of failure. If the muffler bracket in your Volkswagen has already been damaged, it should be replaced by a professional as soon as possible.
It is highly recommended that you do not continue driving your car with a muffler bracket failure, since it can damage more exhaust system components. Opt for either driving or towing your Volkswagen to the service center.
The Import Car Center Will Always Help You!
If you are facing a muffler bracket failure, the Import Car Center is just the right place for you to get your Volkswagen repaired. At Import Car Center, we have been providing top-quality services to our clients since 1978.
With the help of the latest factory-grade tools and equipment available for all services and repairs, our ASE-certified mechanics will solve your problem. After an honest diagnosis, our technicians will handle every repair, maintenance program, and replacement issue your Volkswagen needs.
We are conveniently located at 1010 W Northwest Highway, Grapevine, TX 76051, and we continue to help Volkswagen owners across Grapevine and surrounding regions like Colleyville, Keller, Southlake, and Westlake.
If your car is due for service or if you notice any warnings of muffler bracket failure, then visit our shop today or call us at 817-481-5665 to schedule your appointment!