Do I care if exhaust leak before muffler?

Swapped from trd back to stock exhaust on my 17 and discovered leak at joint before muffler. Can this damage anything?

 

It won't damage anything. Do you feel air coming out or just condensation? If only condensation don't worry about it. The factory clamp sucks, if you play with it you might be able to get a better fit. I installed an aftermarket v band clamp and it seals much better. You don't have to, I'm just anal like that..

 

I'm not sure about your state, but where I live if exhaust leaks from anywhere upstream of the outlet it's an immediate emissions fail.

 

It will damage your mpg. It's a hassle, but it's worth it to figure out why it's leaking and to fix it.

 

@Berettafan disregard my post! I thought it was after the muffler that was leaking. That clamp I spoke about is for the tail pipe. Try loosening all the bolts, moving the pipes around then tightening all the bolts little by little. Maybe the gasket fell off?

 

Thanks al. I reused the gaskets so I'm guessing that's it. Will pick new ones up at parts store and do it right.

 

All fixed. Napa had gaskets in stock. Only one pipe was leaking but I replaced both gaskets since both pipes had to be separated. Easy job, didn't have to fool with hangers.

 

They also had a gasket for the rear clamp part. Bought that but don't feel any leak there so I'll just hold it for a while.

 

Is the gasket paper too? I’m loOkig for a metal one w no luck.

 

Funny enough, I just fixed the same issue. Autozone had metal gaskets where I am at. I ended up ordering the replacement gaskets from vendor on Amazon though. Just put them in today, sprayed the flanges with soapy water to see if it was leaking and it is not. I am hoping this will make my aftermarket exhaust sound batter as well. Perhaps I will get more power or better MPG, unlikely but you never know. Here is the link for the gaskets I bought:

$17 Genuine Front Pipe Exhaust Gasket 90917-A6002

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FWPEW9I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

@Berettafan
I’m curious why you returned your exhaust to stock?

 

Blue the rear gasket is metal and kind of ring shaped. Clamp seems to be doing its job fine tho. Didn't use the soapy water trick, just put my hand near each joint.

It does sound a bit quieter now that it's fixed.

Go solo I swapped back for two reasons. Firstly I was becoming convinced I lost some bottom end power with the pro setup. Secondly the sound is nice but I don't always want it there. About as mellow as can be really but I personally only wanted to hear the growl at startup and on wot.