Exhaust leak

[Paaool]

I have a 2021 ram 1500 5.7 e torque. I kept hearing an odd sound from the passenger side on a cold start. Thought it might have been the exhaust manifold. Turns out I have an exhaust leak where the exhaust pipes connect. Before the muffler and after the Y bend. Any idea if this is something I can just tighten back up? Buy new bolts? Currently have 41000 miles

 

[50Front]

Had this happen on mine, need new bolts and probably the gasket.

 

[Paaool]

Had this happen on mine, need new bolts and probably the gasket.

Sounds easy enough. Have you done this?

 

[EJ84]

I did mine, had to heat up the old bolts to get them out. I bought a new gasket but the old one wasn’t to bad.

 

[theblet]

My bolts broke in the spot a shop drilled them out and put new ones

 

[Ickabod]

My bolts broke in the spot a shop drilled them out and put new ones

Ditto

 

[6of36]

Very common. Dissimilar metals causes them to corrode. If you can get the old bolts out, it's an easy fix. You may need a torch, to heat them. Put anti-seize on the new bolts, to slow corrosion.

 

[Jako]

Had some bad experience with stainless steel and aluminum.

Galvanic corrosion - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[6of36]

Had some bad experience with stainless steel and aluminum.

Galvanic corrosion - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

View attachment 179151

Yeah, most people don't know about these things. I used to be a sheet metal worker, and have a handbook that shows the degree of incompatibility. Aluminum to copper is the worst, followed by aluminum to stainless. Being that neither rusts on their own, most people don't think they would corrode at all. Whenever we hung stainless ductwork, we would put a layer of duct tape, between the duct, and the hangers.

 

[Jako]

Yeah, most people don't know about these things. I used to be a sheet metal worker, and have a handbook that shows the degree of incompatibility. Aluminum to copper is the worst, followed by aluminum to stainless. Being that neither rusts on their own, most people don't think they would corrode at all. Whenever we hung stainless ductwork, we would put a layer of duct tape, between the duct, and the hangers.

Wiped out a sillcock using ss screws to galvanized house attachment with aluminum inside. The aluminum took the brunt and was the sacrificial metal. I knew about galvanic reaction years ago from a plumbing leak. The sillcock gave me a refresher along with aluminum valve caps on my Ram.

Valve stem caps - beware of aluminum

Purchased a second hand set of 20" Laramie wheels for my Bighorn. The tires came with aluminum valve stem covers. Didn't put any thought into the valve stems at the time. Today I went to check the air pressure and "galvanic reaction" had set in. Not a good moment. I managed to get them off...

5thgenrams.com

 

[Jmacnorth]

I have a 2021 ram 1500 5.7 e torque. I kept hearing an odd sound from the passenger side on a cold start. Thought it might have been the exhaust manifold. Turns out I have an exhaust leak where the exhaust pipes connect. Before the muffler and after the Y bend. Any idea if this is something I can just tighten back up? Buy new bolts? Currently have 41000 miles

How did you realize that’s where the leak was, I may have the same problem, I just took a look at the clamp today and it’s definitely not even alway around, one side of clamp is larger then other

 

[Morenar]

How did you realize that’s where the leak was, I may have the same problem, I just took a look at the clamp today and it’s definitely not even alway around, one side of clamp is larger then other

I've seen people spray soapy water on it and then start the truck.

 

[6of36]

How did you realize that’s where the leak was, I may have the same problem, I just took a look at the clamp today and it’s definitely not even alway around, one side of clamp is larger then other

With the truck running, just put your had an inch or so away from the pipe, so you don't bur your hand, and you will probably be able to feel the exhaust coming out, besides hearing it.

 

[Paaool]

How did you realize that’s where the leak was, I may have the same problem, I just took a look at the clamp today and it’s definitely not even alway around, one side of clamp is larger then other

I started the truck. First checked the exhaust manifolds. Was thinking it could be that. They seemed fine and not broken. Went under the truck. Went to the flange and can hear the exhaust coming out and can feel it. As well as some moisture. As the truck heats up the sound sort of goes away. Waiting for the bolts and new gasket to be delivered

 

[kuba]

Could you share part numbers you ordered.
Following for any updates too. I recently just noticed the same issue with my 2020.
I have a feeling we will start seeing more people with this issue.

 

[Paaool]

Could you share part numbers you ordered.
Following for any updates too. I recently just noticed the same issue with my 2020.
I have a feeling we will start seeing more people with this issue.

06104416AA bolts
68505222AA gasket

One bolt was complete snapped and seized inside. Second bolt snapped as soon as i tried to take it off. Ended up having to bring it to a muffler shop to drill out

 

[6of36]

06104416AA bolts
68505222AA gasket

One bolt was complete snapped and seized inside. Second bolt snapped as soon as i tried to take it off. Ended up having to bring it to a muffler shop to drill out

A muffler shop shouldn't have had to drill. Just heat, and remove. Even if it's flush, a good muffler man, should be able to blow it out with a torch. I used to manage a muffler shop, in my past life, and used to blow out a half dozen Chevy exhaust manifold bolts a day, without damaging the threads.

 

[show723]

I have a 2021 ram 1500 5.7 e torque. I kept hearing an odd sound from the passenger side on a cold start. Thought it might have been the exhaust manifold. Turns out I have an exhaust leak where the exhaust pipes connect. Before the muffler and after the Y bend. Any idea if this is something I can just tighten back up? Buy new bolts? Currently have 41000 miles

Exact same issue here. Just assumed the ticking sound and smell that I heard on cold starts was the exhaust manifolds until a forum member suggested I check these flanges. Checking tomorrow first thing.

I had my drivers side replaced about a year ago when I cold started my Ram and sounded like I had open headers! Easy fix for my exhaust guy.

 

[GM26J]

For anyone following this topic - exact same issue at 42K on the odometer.

 

[SD Rebel]

I would take it to my muffler shop and point it out, should be a quick and cheap fix.