Hello all,


Happens under acceleration, in neutral not really there much.
Just a hint of it. So guessing when under load the crack expands.

And if so, what is the best replacement part for it?
We live in California and parts must pass smog inspection.

Thanks greatly!

 

Update on this, sound is getting worse. Took it to an muffler shop previously the first time and they could not find any obvious leaks.
So we just let it be. Now it's getting worse.
Other than the sound car is normal. Do not hear it when in neutral.
Anyone experience these sounds before?...

 

Couldn't hear a hiss, sounded like an exhaust rattling. Or is that a different issue than what you are asking about?

 

It started out a hiss a year and a half ago, we learned to live with it since there was no obvious leak found, now it's that odd rattle.
Maybe that means it will be easier to find a leak. If it's is the exhaust.

 

While it is running, have an assistant hold a rag over the tail pipe, plugging it temporarily & see if it makes the sound (leak ?) more noticeable with hood open.

 

How about somebody opening the hood and sticking their head in there while a lovely assistant revs the motor?

A broken flex pipe would produce a distinct odor.

I don't hear a hiss, more like a belt or bearing.

 

I"ll try putting rag on the tail pipe tomorrow, I think that might simulate a load on the engine. It won't make the sound in neutral.

 

Use the rag in the tail pipe, power brake the engine in gear, open the hood and look. Emergency brake on. Chock the tires.
If you can put it on a lift, that's even better.
Under the car you might be able to put your hand near the flex pipe and feel the leak.
Can't believe a muffler shop couldn't locate it if it is the flex pipe.

 

Sorry. I get nothing from the videos. ( What is the year, model, engine and mileage of this HHR )
But, you say it started out as a hiss and now is a rattle. Maybe if the repair shop couldn't find anything then possible it's not an exhaust leak.

A different guess would be a broken air filter housing bracket. Been a number of those posted over the years. I seem to recall a few that had this part broken and mistook the noise for a broken exhaust flex pipe. Take a look at that bracket. Its on the back/firewall side of the engine.
There should be some older threads about this also.

 

Great thanks to all that replied.

Took three of us, put a towel against the pipe and revved the engine.
I could not see an exhaust leak but we all could smell it, strong smell from
engine compartment and inside.

Will report back once a shop has had at it.