I'm new here, and I'm none too familiar with car maintanence, and even lesser so with Hondas. I just got an '02 accord coupe EX 4cyl, and I have noticed a few things. I've had the car about 3 months now, and as far as I know, neither of these problems existed when I bought the car.

The first is an exhaust leak. I know for sure it's got an exhaust leak, as it's pretty obvious while driving. It isn't too big of a leak, because it takes other people riding with me a minute to distinguish it, but it's there, and it bugs me. Before this car, I had a 93 Jeep Grand cherokee with 287k miles on the original engine and tranny, and it ran great with an exhaust leak that didn't bother me one bit. I loved that thing. However, I feel that after only having this car for 3 months, an exhaust leak just won't do. Now I worked on the exhaust system of the Jeep because 1.) it was simple and 2.) it was incredibly easy to get to. After all, I could lay on my back and scoot underneath the jeep with ample arm room and working space. This small Honda makes that nearly impossible! I couldn't get under the thing if I tried. So what would be the first step to finding this sucker and fixing it? Also, are there any key spots in the exhaust system that are prone to leaking sooner than others? I'm thinking maybe a loose bolt, or maybe a gasket somewhere. Any help would be appreciated.

The second question is a bit easier. My brakes squeek. Simple as that. I'm driving, I slow down, they squeek. Sometimes louder than other times, sometimes not at all. It's actually quite sporadic, and I have no idea what's causing it. I've been told that some squeeking is common, but I'm pretty sure this squeeking is not suppose to be occuring. The pads look fine, and like I said, I've only had the car for 3 months, and the dealer did a full inspection before selling it as they do on all trade-ins.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

 

Put your car on the ramps. Leave it running. Its very easy to figure out where the sound coming from. If not use your hand and run it along the exhaust, you'll feel the fumes hitting your hand. Dont rush into buying stock parts. In salty states they only last for a year. Check out some performance exhaust systems. Best bet to go with stainless or aluminized piping. Last a lot longer. Trust me. I work at the Monro Muffler/Brake

Hondas exhaust is notorious for leaking at the flanges in my state (OH) Usualy the spring bolts get weak or rust off. Or pipes rust around the hangers and break off.

For the brakes squeak. Someone used cheap *** pads on your ride. Go with ceramics or OEM pads. Cost a little more, but worth every penny.
Stay away from AZ and Advance Auto brands. Or I should say any HOUSE brands.
If you need to know how to change pads on your ride. Use the search button. Lots of info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck.

 

just spend the extra money and get some aftermarket exhaust and save the trouble. The hp gain is not huigely significant, but you can feel a difference.