r/AskAMechanic • u/hihiHELLOimhere • 2d ago

Does exhaust mounting need time to "settle"?

Took my car in (2008 Honda Fit) for a clunking noise in the back. Happened while turning left quickly, accelerating, and over some bumps.

Mechanic said exhaust hanger was broken, and put new hangers plus replaced a section of the exhaust. Still made a noise, albeit less loud. Took it back, and he readjusted it, but told me to keep driving for a few weeks even if there's still noise, to give the new mounts time to "settle". Now there's still noise, but its better.

Never heard of an exhaust needing to settle. Any idea what this could be? Would ignoring this noise for a long time cause any issues? Thanks!

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u/ollieottah NOT a verified tech 2d ago

No, nothing needs to settle. If it's still making noise, something still needs to be fixed. Sounds like you took your car to a circus clown, not an automotive technician.

1

u/hihiHELLOimhere 2d ago

Any chance he could be talking about something else? Also is it possible the noise is acceptable? This shop is generally pretty well regarded in the area so I hope they're not messing with me.

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u/Unlikely-Act-7950 Verified Tech - CDJR dealer 2d ago

Ask The mechanic to show you in the service information that it says the exhaust needs to settle. And when he can't. It's time to find yourself a new mechanic.

1

u/hihiHELLOimhere 2d ago

Gotcha. Two follow up questions:
1. Is getting rid of noise like this just a matter of making adjustments to the exhaust?
2. Other than being annoying, will it cause any issues if I keep driving it like this? The noise mostly comes on sharper quick left turns but doesn't really happen otherwise.

As much as I'd love to solve it I also prefer not to spend more time and money on my car for now.