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P0420 and break squeaking. How can I test if it is exhaust leak or not.

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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 01:11 AM
  #1  
MrMercury's Avatar
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Default P0420 and break squeaking. How can I test if it is exhaust leak or not.

I just got my first car (honda accord 2017 sport se, 60k mileage) half a year ago and I have a couple of questions about what to do now. I had a p0420 code for a while and wanted to know if it is actually the catalyst or exhaust leak. I have noticed that the engine has become louder, sometimes there is a gas smell when the car just started, and some "blump" sound when I am trying to park, pointing to an exhaust leak (but it might just be me hearing things). I saw people finding exhaust leaks using a shop vac and spray. However, I do not really have access to an electric socket near my car. What are some ways in which I can test for exhaust leaks without a shop vac? Or should I try to get a cordless shop vac?

My brake is also making some squeaking noise after I installed a new set of front struts in a repair shop. It had happened right after they installed them and I have to drive back to the repair shop, where they told me that they didn't properly install some kind of clip back. The clip is scratching the rotor and making a squeaking noise and they installed it back. The noise went away for 1 or 2 weeks and now it came back. Just wondering what clip is the shop talking about and if is it easy to try to install a new set of clips on the brake?

Also is it a good investment to buy a car jack or ramps? From where I park my car, the hill is an incline. Would it be dangerous to use a car jack?


 
Old Nov 6, 2022 | 01:18 PM
  #2  
PAhonda's Avatar
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From: Houston, TX
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An obd2 scanner that can read live data can help narrow down root causes. You can get a cheap bluetooth connector and use a program like torque pro to read sensor data.

You can try spraying down a cold exhaust with soapy water or leak detection fluid you can buy at chain stores like home depot. Start the engine and look for bubbles. There is even a chrisfix video on youtube showing how to do look for exhaust leaks.

The clip they are talking about is likely the brake pad clip that sits in the caliper bracket. The clip is stainless steel, so it shouldn't corrode. The caliper bracket can get rust buildup and cause the clip to come loose. There are a ton of southmainauto videos on youtube showing honda brake jobs that are excellent.

Jacking up the car should only be done on level surfaces. It is not worth the risk of having the car fall on you while working on it.
 
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