Dodge Repair: 1990 Daytona exhaust, dodge daytona, brake hoses

Question
I have a 90 Dodge Daytona with the 3 l. Mitsubishi engine. I've been getting a rattle from the area of the muffler for a month or so and now the noise is increasing. It's hard to tell if the exhaust system is going bad because, like any 3-l mitsubishi engine, it burns oil. Mechanic who fixed brake hoses and replaced tie rod a couple weeks ago said exhaust will need replacing from the converter back. 1. How can I tell if this is an honest diagnosis? (I've had mechanics tell me that exhaust systems need to be replace when there was really nothing wrong!) 2. If it has to be done, what can I expect to pay?
Thanks.

Answer
Barbara,

It is hard for me to say if you need a new exhaust but here are some things for you to look at.  If you have a rattle under the car this could be comming from the convertor, one way to check this is to lay on the side of the car and tap on the convertor and see if it rattles. The convertor should be located about in the middle of the car.  There should be no rattle sound when you hit it.

Next do the same thing to the muffler. This is located near the back of the car.

Also if you can do this,  have the car running and see if you can feel any exhaust leak around the exhaust pipes. Be carefull not to burn yourself.There should be no leaks anywhere in the system execpt at the drain hole in the muffler.

If you dont see any leaks and you did not get any rattles then chances are you dont need a new exhaust.
You may want to get a second person to look at it for you.
Ask some of your friends who they use and see if there mechanic can just give you a look to see if you need a exhaust.

Good luck and take care,

Steve
SForbes@aol.com