Signs of Muffler Bracket Failure in Volkswagen

Volkswagen vehicles have come a long way in their exterior and interior design, but they have always been safe and reliable. Volkswagen vehicles are sought after not only for their reliability but also for their performance, comfort, and design.

Owners take pride in their Volkswagen and they know that the best way to maintain its performance is by following a certain maintenance schedule. Even when this schedule is followed, there are going to be parts that unexpectedly fail. One such part is the muffler bracket.

Keep reading to find out the function of the muffler bracket, what signs to look for if there is muffler bracket failure, and where to go to get the muffler bracket fixed.

The Function of the Muffler Bracket

The muffler bracket, also known as the exhaust clamp, is responsible for holding the muffler securely in place. The muffler is part of the exhaust system and is connected to the tailpipe. The purpose of the muffler is to muffle the noises that are produced by the engine.

The muffler is at the back of the vehicle so it acts as an added feature that enhances performance while decreasing vibrations. The best way the muffler functions is when it is secured in place by the muffler bracket. Without the muffler bracket, your Volkswagen would have a decrease in efficiency and would produce extreme vibrations every time you drive.

Signs of Muffler Bracket Failure

As you learned above, the muffler bracket plays a crucial role in the overall efficiency of your Volkswagen. This is why it is important to be aware of the signs that indicate muffler bracket failure. The first sign is a noisy exhaust or muffler. As previously stated, the muffler bracket helps to decrease the amount of noise that the engine makes.

When the muffler bracket fails, the first sign is always loud exhaust. This means that there is an exhaust leak. You will hear the exhaust rumble when your Volkswagen is idling, and even louder as you accelerate. A noisy muffler is not something that can be missed.

The next sign to be on the lookout for is loose muffler parts. One of the main functions of the muffler bracket is to ensure that everything is held in place. When the muffler bracket fails, the rest of the exhaust system becomes susceptible to failure. You will know there are loose parts when you physically see them fall from your Volkswagen or when you hear rattling sounds coming from the exhaust. Both of these instances point to muffler bracket failure.

The third sign that points to muffler bracket failure is a failed emissions test. When the muffler bracket fails, the exhaust system and pipes are compromised. This means that there is a greater chance for an exhaust leak to occur.

When there is an exhaust leak, the fuel-to-air ratio your Volkswagen relies on is severely impacted. So not only does the efficiency greatly reduce, the emissions from your vehicle are greater. All of this leads to a failure in the vehicle emission test.

Causes of Muffler Bracket Failure

Now that you know what signs to look for that indicate muffler bracket failure, it is important to know what some of the causes. This way, you will know how to prevent it from happening again.

In a perfect world, the muffler bracket should last you 5 to 7 years. But multiple factors can reduce this lifespan. Some of these factors and causes include salt exposure, impacts, and terrain.

Salt exposure generally happens when you live near the beach or when the salt is used to treat snowy roads. Impacts can be anything from potholes to speed humps. Terrain refers to the condition of the roads you drive on or if you frequent dirt roads.

How to Repair Muffler Bracket Failure

When you notice any of the above-mentioned signs or suspect one of the causes of muffler bracket failure, it is time to bring your Volkswagen in for serving at Hayes European automotive shop.

We are easily accessible from the areas of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Soquel, and Capitola, CA. Our certified technicians use the latest diagnostic tools to determine the extent of the muffler bracket failure. High-quality parts are used to repair or replace your Volkswagen’s muffler bracket quickly.

You will be confidently back on the road with a Volkswagen that is as efficient as you expect it to be. Call us today for service questions or to set an appointment.

* Volkswagen Golf image credit goes to: supergenijalac.