How many hours does it take to replace exhaust system?
Most exhaust system replacements on a typical passenger car take about 3 to 5 hours in a shop, with shorter times for a muffler swap and longer times for a full front-to-back install or heavily rusted components.
Time ranges by scope
Here's a practical guide to how long you can expect the work to take depending on what is being replaced.
- Muffler replacement: approximately 1 to 2 hours.
- Catalytic converter replacement: approximately 2 to 4 hours (bearing in mind sensor removal and accessibility can add time).
- Front-to-back exhaust replacement (full system): approximately 3 to 6 hours; larger or newer vehicles with tight spaces may run longer.
- Dual exhaust or high-performance systems with fabrication: approximately 4 to 8 hours, or more if custom work is required.
Note: Time estimates assume standard bolt-on parts and typical shop workflow. Welding, sensor work, or severe corrosion can extend the job.
What affects installation time
Several factors determine how fast or slow the job goes. The main variables include the following:
- Scope of work: single-component replacement (muffler or converter) versus a complete front-to-back system.
- Vehicle design and accessibility: some cars have easier access to the exhaust path than others.
- Condition of the exhaust: heavy rust or seized fasteners can require cutting, drilling, or extra effort.
- Oxygen sensors and other components: removing and reinstalling sensors adds time and requires care to avoid damage.
- Fabrication vs. bolt-on: welded systems or custom exhaust work take longer than simple bolt-on replacements.
- Tools and shop equipment: having the right tools and a comfortable workspace can speed up the job.
In practice, the duration can swing by several hours depending on these factors, especially when rust and corrosion are present.
What to expect at the shop
During a typical service, technicians will inspect the current exhaust layout, confirm the parts to replace, and provide a written estimate of labor hours and parts. Expect to keep your vehicle at the shop for a few hours if the replacement is straightforward, or longer if additional work is needed.
Summary
In short, replacing an exhaust system spans a broad range: roughly 1–2 hours for a muffler swap, 2–4 hours for a catalytic converter, and 3–6 hours for a full front-to-back replacement on a standard car, with longer times possible for heavy rust or custom setups. Always obtain a written estimate that breaks out labor and parts before authorizing work.
How much should it cost to replace an exhaust?
Exhaust replacement usually costs between £300 and £600, depending on your car, the parts, and labour. Smaller cars are cheaper, while larger or luxury models cost more. Most of the time, only sections after the catalytic converter need replacing, as these are more prone to rust.
How long does it take to replace an exhaust system?
Replacing an exhaust system can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the vehicle and the complexity of the job. A simple muffler replacement on a modern car might take under an hour, while a more complex job involving rusted parts or a full system replacement can take two hours or more. Professional mechanics can complete a basic replacement in about one to two hours.
Factors that affect replacement time
- Complexity of the job: A simple replacement of the rear section or a muffler will be faster than a full system replacement, which can include the catalytic converter and headers.
- Vehicle model: Newer and more common vehicles often have straightforward systems that are quicker to replace. Older or high-performance cars can have more complex, custom, or dual-exhaust setups that take longer.
- Condition of existing parts: Rusted, seized, or broken bolts and hangers will significantly increase the time needed to remove the old system. If other parts are damaged, they will need replacement too, adding to the labor time.
- Tools and equipment: An experienced mechanic with a lift and the right tools can do the job much faster than a DIYer working with basic tools and no lift.
- Shop efficiency: A busy shop might have delays if the technician is called away to other jobs, extending the total time.
How long it takes in different scenarios
- Simple muffler or rear section: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Professional shop, basic replacement: 1 to 2 hours
- DIYer, cat-back system: 1 to 2 hours, or up to 7+ hours if complex and doing it alone
- Full system replacement with complications: 3.5 hours or more
How much is a full exhaust system replacement?
On average, a complete exhaust system might range from $300 to over $2000.
How much is labor for exhaust replacement?
Labor cost for an exhaust replacement is typically $75 to $200, but can vary based on the specific job, your vehicle's make and model, and your location. Simpler repairs, like replacing a muffler, might be on the lower end, while complex jobs, such as replacing a catalytic converter or exhaust manifold, will be more expensive, Reddit users suggest.
This video explains how the cost of exhaust repair is affected by the specific part that needs to be replaced: 1mLearnToDIY360YouTube · Dec 6, 2024
Factors affecting labor costs
- Complexity of the job: A simple weld or muffler replacement can be cheaper than a full system replacement.
- Vehicle make and model: Some vehicles have more complex exhaust systems, or their parts are more difficult to access, which can increase labor time.
- Shop type: Local, independent shops may offer lower labor rates than large dealerships or national chains.
- Parts: Some jobs require welding new parts, which can increase labor time and cost compared to a simple bolt-on replacement.
Examples of labor costs
- Muffler replacement: Can be as low as $100 to $200, and sometimes even less depending on the shop and the vehicle, as noted by SPELAB and AutoZone.com.
- Exhaust manifold replacement: A more complex job, with labor costs potentially around $500 for the entire repair, including parts, according to SPELAB.
- Flex pipe replacement: May take 1 to 2 hours of labor, which adds to the total cost, as discussed in a Facebook post.
