Exhaust System Repair in Omaha | Gateway Auto

Your exhaust system removes combustion gases from the engine, reduces noise, and cleans emissions. Failed exhaust components cause loud noise, poor performance, and failed emissions tests. We repair mufflers, catalytic converters, exhaust leaks, and oxygen sensors.

Jump to section:

• Exhaust Components
• Muffler Replacement
• Catalytic Converter
• Oxygen Sensors
• Exhaust Leaks
• Schedule Service

Exhaust System Components

Exhaust manifold - Collects exhaust from cylinders
Catalytic converter - Converts harmful emissions to less harmful gases
Oxygen sensors - Monitor exhaust gases for emissions control
Resonator - Reduces specific sound frequencies
Muffler - Reduces overall exhaust noise
Exhaust pipes - Connect all components
Hangers and heat shields - Support and protect exhaust system

Muffler Replacement

What it does: The muffler reduces exhaust noise using internal chambers and baffles that cancel sound waves.

Signs you need a muffler:

• Loud exhaust noise
• Rattling from muffler area
• Visible rust or holes in muffler
• Exhaust dragging on ground
• Failed emissions test (if muffler has internal leaks)

What causes muffler failure:

• Rust from moisture and road salt
• Age (typical lifespan: 5-7 years in Nebraska climate)
• Impact damage from road debris
• Internal deterioration

Our muffler replacement service:

• Inspect entire exhaust system
• Remove old muffler
• Install new muffler
• Check exhaust hangers
• Verify no exhaust leaks
• Test for proper sound level

Muffler options:

Direct-fit muffler:

• Matches original specifications
• Bolt-on installation
• OEM sound level

Universal muffler:

• Requires custom pipe work
• Can be louder or quieter than stock
• Less expensive

Performance muffler:

• Larger diameter
• Less restriction
• Louder exhaust note
• Slight performance gain

We recommend direct-fit OEM-style mufflers for most customers. They provide proper sound level and bolt on without modification.

Catalytic Converter Service

What it does: The catalytic converter contains precious metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) that chemically convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful emissions.

Converts:

• Carbon monoxide (CO) → Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx) → Nitrogen and oxygen
• Unburned hydrocarbons (HC) → Carbon dioxide and water

Signs of catalytic converter problems:

• Check engine light with catalyst efficiency codes (P0420, P0430)
• Rattling noise from underneath vehicle
• Sulfur/rotten egg smell from exhaust
• Loss of power or acceleration
• Poor fuel economy
• Failed emissions test
• Glowing red catalytic converter (visible at night)

What causes catalytic converter failure:

Contamination:

• Oil consumption (worn piston rings)
• Coolant in exhaust (head gasket failure)
• Rich fuel mixture (fouled spark plugs, bad O2 sensor)

Physical damage:

• Impact from road debris
• Bottoming out over bumps
• Stolen (catalytic converter theft is common)

Overheating:

• Misfires sending unburned fuel to converter
• Running too rich
• Exhaust leaks before converter

Age and mileage:

• Typical lifespan: 100,000-150,000 miles
• Gradual deterioration of catalyst material

Catalytic Converter Replacement

Our replacement service:

• Diagnose cause of failure (important to prevent repeat failure)
• Remove old converter
• Install new converter
• Replace oxygen sensors if needed
• Clear fault codes
• Test drive to verify proper operation
• Verify emissions are within spec

Catalytic converter types:

OEM converters:

• Original equipment manufacturer
• Best quality and longevity
• Expensive
• Average Cost: $800-$2,000+ depending on vehicle

Aftermarket converters:

• Direct-fit designs matching OEM specifications
• EPA-approved
• Less expensive than OEM
• Good quality options available
• Average Cost: $400-$1,200

Universal converters:

• Require custom pipe work
• Least expensive
• May not last as long
• Average Cost: $200-$500 plus labor

California vs. Federal emissions:

• California has stricter standards
• California requires CARB-approved converters
• Federal converters don't meet California requirements
• Nebraska follows federal standards

We typically recommend quality aftermarket converters for most vehicles. They meet emissions standards and cost significantly less than OEM.

Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention

Catalytic converter theft is epidemic. Thieves steal them for precious metals inside.

Vehicles most targeted:

• Toyota Prius
• Honda Element
• Honda Accord/CR-V
• Ford F-150
• Any truck or SUV with high ground clearance

Prevention options:

Catalytic converter shield:

• Metal plate protecting converter
• Makes theft more difficult and time-consuming

Etch VIN on converter:

• Makes converter traceable
• May deter thieves
• Cost: Free or low-cost programs available

Park in garage or well-lit areas:

• Most thefts happen in dark parking lots

Security cameras and motion lights:

• Deter thieves from attempting theft

We can install catalytic converter shields on high-risk vehicles.

Oxygen Sensor Replacement

What they do: Oxygen sensors measure oxygen content in exhaust gases. This data allows the engine computer to adjust fuel mixture for optimal combustion and emissions.

Types of O2 sensors:

Upstream sensors (before catalytic converter):

• Monitor exhaust from engine
• Used for fuel mixture adjustment
• Most critical for performance and economy

Downstream sensors (after catalytic converter):

• Monitor catalytic converter efficiency
• Used for emissions monitoring
• Trigger check engine light if converter fails

Signs of failed oxygen sensors:

• Check engine light with O2 sensor codes
• Poor fuel economy
• Rough idle
• Hesitation or stumbling
• Failed emissions test
• Black smoke from exhaust (rich condition)

What causes O2 sensor failure:

• Age and mileage (typical lifespan: 60,000-100,000 miles)
• Contamination from oil or coolant in exhaust
• Silicon contamination from improper RTV sealant use
• Physical damage
• Corrosion from road salt and moisture

Our O2 sensor replacement service:

• Scan for fault codes to identify which sensor(s) failed
• Remove old sensor (often requires special socket)
• Apply anti-seize to new sensor threads (if specified)
• Install new sensor
• Clear fault codes
• Test drive to verify repair
• Check fuel economy data

How many O2 sensors?

• 4-cylinder: typically 2 sensors
• V6/V8: typically 4 sensors (2 per bank)
• Some vehicles have more

Should you replace all O2 sensors? Not usually. We replace failed sensor(s) only unless vehicle has high mileage and multiple sensors are old.

Exhaust Manifold Repair

Cracked exhaust manifolds:

Some vehicles (especially trucks and SUVs) are prone to cracked exhaust manifolds. Causes:

• Thermal expansion and contraction cycles
• Corrosion
• Design defects on certain vehicles

Our repair options:

• Replace with new OEM manifold (expensive)
• Replace with aftermarket manifold (less expensive)
• Install header (performance upgrade)

Cost: $400-$1,200 depending on engine configuration and accessibility

Exhaust Hanger Replacement

What they do: Rubber hangers support the exhaust system and isolate it from vehicle body to reduce noise and vibration.

Signs of worn hangers:

• Exhaust rattles or clunks over bumps
• Exhaust hangs low or touches ground
• Exhaust buzzes or vibrates against body
• Visible torn or broken hangers

Our hanger replacement:

• Inspect all exhaust hangers
• Replace worn or broken hangers
• Verify proper exhaust alignment
• Check heat shields

Cost: $50-$150 depending on how many hangers need replacement

Simple repair that prevents exhaust damage from dragging or excessive movement.

Heat Shield Service

What they do: Metal heat shields protect vehicle floor, fuel lines, and wiring from exhaust heat.

Signs of heat shield problems:

• Rattling noise from underneath (especially when cold)
• Burning smell inside vehicle
• Heat in floor or transmission tunnel

Our heat shield service:

• Inspect all heat shields
• Tighten loose shields
• Replace or repair damaged shields
• Ensure proper clearance from exhaust

Don't ignore rattling heat shields. They prevent fires and protect components from heat damage.

Exhaust System Maintenance

Extend exhaust system life:

1. Fix exhaust leaks promptly - Leaks before O2 sensors cause check engine lights and damage sensors
2. Address check engine lights - Ignoring misfire codes damages catalytic converters
3. Don't ignore rattles - Loose hangers or heat shields cause bigger problems
4. Watch for rust - Nebraska's road salt accelerates exhaust rust
5. Avoid short trips - Cold exhaust systems accumulate more moisture and rust faster

Schedule Exhaust System Service

Loud exhaust? Check engine light? Failed emissions test?

We'll diagnose and repair exhaust problems.

Call 402-932-0500 or schedule online at gatewayauto.co

Two Omaha locations - gatewayauto.co/locations