You should know that the exhaust manifold is designed to allow maximum airflow from the cylinder. This enhances the car’s performance and efficiency and protects it from emitting toxic fumes out of the exhaust pipe.

Plus, you do not want to spread toxic fumes to the environment around you! Therefore, repairing or replacing the exhaust manifold is important when you notice some wrong symptoms.

However, you should first know the signs that show you need to replace the exhaust manifold.

Signs Of a Damaged Exhaust Manifold

One of the main reasons for replacing an exhaust manifold is a cracked manifold. Sometimes, the crack is visible, and sometimes, it is not. A cracked exhaust manifold might produce unwanted sounds from the engine section.

Moreover, you might also sense an unusual smell from your vehicle. A cracked exhaust manifold will rapidly decrease the engine’s horsepower and acceleration, resulting in poor acceleration.

The Replacement of Exhaust Manifold

If the exhaust manifold is damaged, you must replace it, as your vehicle is intended to work properly when everything is fine. However, the exhaust manifold is a large and complicated part, and therefore, it is expensive to replace!

Moreover, the labor cost of replacing the exhaust manifold is high, too. There are very complicated parts, and only experts can replace them. You should know that the exhaust manifold is directly connected to the engine.

Further, the engine is very deep inside the vehicle, which makes it hard to access. Unfortunately, the exhaust manifold is a very complex component of your vehicle.

What Is the Approximate Cost of Exhaust Manifold Repair?

There are a few reasons why the exhaust manifold can fail. Therefore, the repair cost will fluctuate depending on the reason behind the failure. Further, the repair cost depends more on the damage to the exhaust manifold. The repair cost also depends on the amount of manifold you need to remove for repair.

There are limited reasons for the exhaust manifold failure. However, we can walk through some scenarios and clearly understand those situations. This part is essential to know how much to replace the exhaust manifold.

Scenario One

A 2012 Ford Focus with a 2.0L engine variant was making a tapping noise during cold start. The inspection revealed carbon marks on the manifold. Further, the conclusion says the manifold has been warped from heat cycles. However, it is capable of being machined flat.

The removal and reinstallation of the manifold took 4.9 hours. The mechanic charged $80 per hour, so the total labor cost was $392. The Manifold machining costs around $40. The cost of gaskets and Hardware was around $50. Plus, some supplies cost around $15, which sums up to $497.

Scenario Two

A 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 with a 5.3L engine was present. The engine always made a tapping sound, which only increased when the vehicle was cold. Further inspection revealed a crack on the left-hand side of the exhaust manifold.

The labor cost of removing and installing the manifold again was around $104. It took around one and a half hours, and the labor charge was $80 per hour. As the old exhaust manifold was broken, the new one cost around $95. The gasket and hardware cost around $50, and some supplies cost around $15. Therefore, the total cost was $264.

Scenario Three

A 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 had a 5.9L engine. The engine was making a whistle most of the time and lacked acceleration, which caused torque loss. The owner took the vehicle to the mechanic, who inspected it. They concluded that the bolts on the exhaust manifold were broken. Further, those bolts were situated on the cylinder head.

The removal and installation process took around 4.5 hours, and the labor charge was $80 per hour. Therefore, the total labor cost was $336. The two-bolt replacement took around 2 hours, and the labor charge was $80 per hour for that.

Therefore, the labor cost was $160. Further, the mechanic had to machine the exhaust manifold, which cost $40. The gasket and hardware replacement costs were $60. Moreover, some shop supplies cost $15. Therefore, the total replacement cost was $611.

Scenario Four

This was the last scene in our research. It was a 2016 BMW 328i, a 2.0L turbocharged variant. It showed mostly the same symptoms as the Dodge Ram 2500.

Moreover, the vehicle was making a whistling noise and lacked torque, which caused a rapid decrease in acceleration. The vehicle was diagnosed with leakage from the manifold to the turbocharger flange, which was caused by a crack.

The removal and reinstallation of the turbocharger cost around $560. The turbo flange cost around $150. All other accessories, like the manifold gasket and hardware, cost around $40. Some supplies cost around $15. Therefore, the total cost of the whole replacement and labor was $765.

Hopefully, these three scenarios will give you a clear picture of how much to replace the exhaust manifold.

What Leads to Failure of Exhaust Manifold?

The exhaust manifold experiences tremendous pressure and heat because it is connected directly to the engine cylinders. Further, the combustion engine produces enormous heat, and the hot gases have to pass through the exhaust manifold to exit the exhaust system.

Heat and pressure hamper the longevity of every product. However, the exhaust manifold is made to withstand those harsh conditions. But no one can defy the laws of physics.

Therefore, we can say that the exhaust manifold, its bolts, and all other parts might fail during the vehicle’s lifespan. Note that the manifold bolt, stud, or main manifold might fail during the car’s lifetime. Further, there might be gasket leakage, too.

You can easily identify if the exhaust manifold in your vehicle failed. It might make a tapping sound or whistling noise. Moreover, you might experience power loss in a turbocharged car. A damaged manifold might make a sound while giving your vehicle a cold start.

This is normal to fail, and you need to know how much to replace the exhaust manifold to replace it, which we have answered above.

How To Purchase the Best Quality Exhaust Manifold?

There are many ways to identify and select the best exhaust manifold for your vehicle. A good-quality exhaust manifold will last a long time. However, a bad manifold will need frequent replacement, significantly increasing vehicle maintenance costs.

Further, you might be willing to spend a lot of money after knowing how much to replace the exhaust manifold. However, it is important to know the best manifold for you. Some essential points to consider when purchasing the best exhaust manifold are listed below.

• Thicker Casting

A thicker casting manifold is stronger than a thinner casting manifold. Further, a thicker wall will withstand better pressure and heat, enhancing the exhaust manifold’s durability. Moreover, a thicker exhaust manifold is less prone to wear faster and tear. Therefore, we recommend you look for a thicker casting exhaust manifold.

• Being Vigilant with Remanufactured Equipment

You might consider buying remanufactured parts. However, you need to be careful while buying them. Further, extra attention should be paid to the ball-and-socket mating point, which is located between the head pipe and the manifold.

Make sure that the ball-and-socket joint is strong enough. Look for any possible cracks or wear and tear on the parts. Make sure that the parts are fresh and work properly as intended.

Conclusion

The exhaust manifold is an essential part of your vehicle. Replacing it will not only save your money from further costs, it will also save you from the vehicle emitting toxic fumes from the exhaust. The repair cost of the manifold is important to you. Hopefully, you know by now how much to replace the exhaust manifold.

By replacing the exhaust manifold, you will get better fuel economy. Further, the car will retain its original acceleration and performance. Therefore, if you love vehicle performance, you will love the experience of driving your vehicle.

However, note that the exhaust manifold is expensive to repair, thanks to its complex parts. It also takes a lot of time to repair because the manifold is deep inside the engine chamber, making it hard for the vehicle mechanic to access. If you are looking to replace the manifold yourself, then you are out of luck! Only professionals can handle such complex vehicle parts.