Did you feel or hear something strange recently while driving your Volkswagen? These could be early signs of muffler bracket failure. When it starts to fail, it can affect how your vehicle responds or performs. Let’s look at the main symptoms that can indicate that the muffler bracket on your Volkswagen needs some love.

What is a Muffler Bracket?

This bracket is used to firmly hold the muffler, which is part of the exhaust system of your VW. If the bracket is not present, the muffler would shift around and this would cause some really dangerous and annoying issues. With time, this muffler bracket can corrode or even break, especially if the car is driven over rough terrain or has high mileage.

Symptoms of Muffler Bracket Failure

• Excessive Noise: The first thing that will suggest that you need a muffler bracket is if your car is making loud noises at the rear end. If the bracket becomes loose or is broken then the muffler will shake or hit the undercarriage making loud and unpleasant noises when driving. Initially, it may be faint but gradually it increases, especially when the car is driven at a higher speed or over a bumpy road.
• Vibrations: If your Volkswagen is vibrating more than usual and this vibration is mainly from the back of the vehicle then this is an indication that your muffler bracket is failing. When the bracket is not holding the muffler firmly on the car then vibrations are felt all around the vehicle’s cabin. These vibrations might be slight at first but as the problem progresses, they become terrible and unendurable.
• Muffler Drooping or Visible Movement: Another clear indication that the muffler bracket has failed is if the muffler appears to be sagging lower than usual or if it seems to be swinging as you drive. In normal circumstances, the muffler should fit snugly in place and there should be no loose movements. If you find it hanging or moving from side to side under your VW, then this is an indication that the bracket has either broken or developed some loose screws.
• Exhaust Leaks: The main function of the muffler bracket is to support the muffler; however, a damaged muffler bracket may cause exhaust leaks. If the muffler is not properly fixed it causes the exhaust system to have some holes through which the exhaust gases escape before getting to the tailpipe. If you sense an odor of exhaust while driving, then this could be as a result of an exhaust leak due to a faulty muffler bracket and this is dangerous to your health.
• Decreased Fuel Efficiency: Another example of a component that, when it fails, can indirectly contribute to lowered fuel efficiency is the muffler bracket. If the muffler is not well fitted, it leads to higher resistance in the exhaust system meaning that your engine will work harder than it should. This can result in a significant reduction of the car’s fuel efficiency over time. If you have experienced your Volkswagen becoming less fuel efficient, and if you have some of the other symptoms mentioned, then it would be wise to check the muffler bracket.
• Failed Emissions Test: If your Volkswagen does not pass the emissions check, then a bad muffler bracket can be one of the reasons. An ill-fitted or missing bracket can result in poor exhaust dispersion, and therefore, your car releases more pollution into the atmosphere. If you are planning for an emission test and you have seen any of the signs mentioned above then it is advisable to have the bracket checked and fixed in order not to fail the test.

Where To Go If You Fear That The Muffler Bracket In Your VW Is Bad

If you have observed any of the above signs, it is advisable to take your Volkswagen to a professional mechanic for a thorough inspection. Here at Das European Autohaus, we have the expertise in identifying and solving all sorts of problems related to Volkswagen automobiles, including exhaust system problems.

Our highly skilled technicians will diagnose your vehicle, check if the muffler bracket is the problem, and repair your VW so that it will run as it should and be as quiet as it should be. If you need our help to restore your VW performance, come to any of our two shops in Spring, Houston, TX, or call us to book an appointment.