03/06/2026
⚡️🔥RTR Mobile Mechanics – Field Service Report
Vehicle / Service Type
2015 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L
Exhaust Manifold & Exhaust System Leak Repair
Scope of Work
🔧 Diagnosed exhaust leak using inspection camera
🔧 Identified exhaust manifold leak and exhaust up-pipe fl**ge leak
🔧 Disassembled upper exhaust system and surrounding components
🔧 Supported engine and lowered drivetrain for rear engine access
🔧 Extracted broken exhaust manifold stud from cylinder head
🔧 Installed new exhaust manifold, studs, fl**ge bolts, and gaskets
🔧 Cleaned and serviced secondary air injection and EGR piping
🔧 Reassembled emissions system and verified leak-free operation
Technician Observation
This Equinox came in with a loud exhaust leak following previous work performed elsewhere, where the exhaust fl**ge on the Catalatic Converter had been undone. Initial inspection showed clear leakage from both the exhaust manifold and the exhaust fl**ge connection.
Using an inspection camera allowed us to confirm two separate failure points. The exhaust fl**ge leak was caused by improperly tightened fl**ge bolts during the previous repair. The manifold leak was traced to a broken exhaust stud that had been snapped off approximately 3mm below the cylinder head surface — and based on the rusted fracture on the bolt, it had likely been broken for quite some time.
Access on these 2.4L Equinox engines is tight, especially on California emissions vehicles with additional emissions plumbing. To gain proper access behind the engine near the firewall, we removed the valve cover, the engine was safely supported, mounts were removed, and the drivetrain was lowered approximately 3.5 inches.
The broken stud required welding to build material back above the head surface. After carefully preparing the area, material was welded to the stud, followed by a washer and nut. This allowed the stud to be safely extracted without damaging the cylinder head threads.
Once the stud was removed, the mating surfaces were cleaned and prepared properly. Threads were chased in the head and new manifold studs, gaskets, fl**ge hardware, and a new exhaust manifold were installed. While the system was apart, the secondary air injection and EGR piping were cleaned to ensure proper emissions flow.
Final result: smooth, quiet operation with no exhaust leaks and proper exhaust sealing restored.
❇️Professional Mobile Service
Some repairs are tight, stubborn, and time-consuming. The difference is taking the time to do them correctly so the repair lasts.
Building trust one honest repair at a time.
Contact
Trevor
707-227-4199
[email protected]
Details decide Longevity.
