I bought a 1995 Ford Ranger about a year and a half ago. The exhaust system had a rust hole in it so the dealer had the muffler, exhaust piping and (I think) the catalytic converter replaced. Since then, I can sometimes hear rattling under the truck while driving down the road and a loud rattling hum when I back up.
I am new to this DIY stuff and while I was under the truck two weeks ago replacing the fuel filter, I noticed that there is a leather strap about half way down the exhaust piping that has been severed. I think it may have been cut when the new exhaust system was installed and not replaced. Could this be the source of the sounds I am hearing and what would be a good remedy? I was thinking about finding some leather straps and using them to support the middle section of the exhaust. I am thinking they chose leather to avoid corrosion? Will direct contact with the exhaust pipe cause them to burn?
Thanks!
Matt Asheville, North Carolina