Exhaust is busted but don't know where....HELP

[crazchris72087]

I was ran off the road the other day by an 18 wheeler and totally bottomed out my maxima on a ditch. I noticed that since its cold outside that smoke (just from being cold) was coming out from i guess my y-pipe where that cross-hatched string looking crap is at? (Sorry if soo confusing I dont know anything about cars but learning haha.) I was wondering should i buy the new exhaust headers and y-pipe from e-bay since so cheap ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...sting ) and the complete exhaust system? How do i know where the holes are at exactly since it is warming up now and i can only see by eye where they are and what do you recommend doing if in my shoes? Just replacing the whole exhaust system including exhaust headers and y pipe or just the y-pipe and exhaust headers (since they come as a deal)? I just want to get my maxima up and running again for my secondary car and i have a very small budget to work from and want to learn to fix these things on my own. Thanks.

[brizanden]

reweld the holes? dude find a welder it would be fine if it just cracked. if thts really not an option just buy a new y pipe i guesss.

[crazchris72087]

would there be any way that the exhaust system itself beyond the y-pipe going to the rear could be punctured with holes? if so how would i be able to tell? Thanks briz

[brizanden]

& i mean it ould be, but u said when it was cold u couldnt see it anywhere else. i say buy the pieces u need then if it still seems to be leaking, buy the other pieces that are left. i mean this is just suggestion someone else might give u a better idea, or know a way to test. hope i helped

[MinisterofDOOM]

I'd get the car up on a lift and take a look at it. Take it to an exhaust shop and ask them to have a look at it for you. Can't really decide what to replace or not until you know where the problem is for sure.

[crazchris72087]

Yeah i was just trying to avoid paying just to even have the car looked at...appreciate your help though guys....what i think im going to do is just buy the y-pipe and headers and crank the car then and then take it to a repair shop or dealership to get my inspection...that'll tell me if i fixed all the holes in my exhaust lol.

[brizanden]

^i dont think ur header would have cracked....

[turbospotter]

just have someone rev it to like 3K and listen to the exhaust you should be able to get a idea where its comming from. You should see if its cracked or w/e.