Prevent Muffler Bracket Failure in a VW with Tips from the Experts of Green Bay

Volkswagen is a widely popular European brand of automobiles well-known for their reliability and efficiency. Unfortunately, they are still a machine and susceptible to problems from time to time as any other vehicle is due to wear and tear and other factors. One problem you may encounter with your Volkswagen is muffler bracket failure. Thankfully, when a broken muffler bracket is detected and remediated in a timely manner, you’ll have your beloved Volkswagen back on the road in no time. Let’s discuss the purpose of the muffler bracket, causes and signs of a broken muffler bracket, and where you can go to get help when dealing with this problem.

Purpose of the Muffler Bracket

The purpose of the muffler bracket in your vehicle is to hold the exhaust pipe in place. It serves as a hangar for the exhaust pipe and is made from tough rubber to serve its duty in keeping your muffler and exhaust pipes in place. Due to its place underneath the vehicle, it is easily vulnerable to damage. A damaged muffler bracket can lead to many problems with your vehicle, particularly with the exhaust, and can even damage the catalytic converter. If you suspect you’ve got a damaged muffler bracket on your hands, it is imperative to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle and costly repair bills.

Causes of Muffler Bracket Failure

Below are the most common causes of muffler bracket failure. While it is impossible to fully protect your vehicle from damage, having an awareness of the causes can help you minimize the chance of dealing with a broken muffler bracket.

• Wear and Tear: The rubber component of the muffler bracket is susceptible to wear and tear, especially in rough driving conditions. Bumpy roads, potholes and dirt roads are common culprits that can disintegrate your muffler bracket and diminish its shelf-life, which is typically 5-7 years. If your vehicle sits low to the ground, it is especially susceptible to wear and tear on your muffler bracket.
• Salt Exposure: When salt is used to treat snowy roads, it can damage the muffler bracket.
• Extreme Weather: Sub-zero temperatures and scorching-hot summer days can damage the rubber of the muffler bracket, drying it out and leading to cracks.

Signs of Muffler Bracket Failure

If you suspect you’re dealing with a broken muffler bracket or other issue, read on to learn the most common signs that point to a need to visit a trusted service center for this problem:

• Hissing: If you hear a hissing sound, it may be due to an exhaust leak, one of the many consequences of a broken muffler bracket.
• Poor Fuel Economy: If you’re filling up at the pump more often than normal, you may be dealing with muffler bracket failure. A broken bracket can damage the exhaust, which leads to poor gas mileage.
• Decreased Performance: Muffler bracket failure puts pressure on the exhaust, which can lead to diminished vehicle performance and power.
• Engine Misfires: Another sign of this problem is engine misfires. Due to stress on the exhaust caused by the broken muffler bracket, your engine may misfire, particularly when decelerating your vehicle.
• Vibration or Rattling: Vibration or rattling sensations felt while driving your vehicle is always a cause for alarm. A loose exhaust system or broken muffler bracket can cause either sensation to occur.
• Low or Loose Exhaust: When the muffler bracket breaks, the components may become loose and hang low to the ground or even drag on it. This can be dangerous if sparks ignite unburnt fuel in a malfunctioning exhaust system.
• Banging Noises: When the exhaust pipe hits the bottom of the chassis, you can hear a banging noise. They most commonly occur when driving your vehicle over bumpy roads.

Dell’s Service Center Can Help

If you suspect you’re dealing with a broken muffler bracket, Dell’s Service Center can help. We’ve proudly serviced the Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sturgeon Bay, WI areas for nearly 50 years. Our mechanics are all ASE certified and have the experience and knowledge working with the Volkswagen brand. We look forward to earning your trust and getting you and your car back on the road safely. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

* Volkswagen Car image credit goes to: emre cabuk.

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