DIY REPAIR GUIDE — RAM 1500 5.7 HEMI 2009–2023
Ram Hemi Exhaust Manifold Tick Broken Bolt Repair
A ticking sound on a cold start that fades as the engine warms is a classic 5.7 Hemi problem.
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By the Radman Auto Repair team, independent auto repair in Etobicoke since 1999 · Updated November 2026
A ticking sound on a cold start that fades as the engine warms is a classic 5.7 Hemi problem. The rear exhaust manifold bolts snap from heat cycling, the manifold lifts, and exhaust leaks past the gasket.
Quick answer: If a 5.7 Hemi ticks loudly on a cold start and quiets as it warms, look at the rear exhaust manifold bolts on both sides: one is usually broken. Remove what’s left of the bolt (extractor, drill or welded nut) and replace the bolts with studs and a new gasket.
At a glance
- Vehicles: Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi 2009–2023; Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Charger and Challenger 5.7
- DIY difficulty: Advanced
- Time: about 5 hours
- Tools: sockets and extensions, penetrating oil, drill and left-hand drill bits, bolt extractor set, torque wrench, propane or induction heater (optional), mirror and flashlight
- Parts: exhaust manifold studs or bolts, exhaust manifold gasket, thread chaser or tap
- Codes & warning lights: possibly P0420/P0430 or O2 sensor codes from the leak; usually none
- Recalls: check your VIN first; some of these problems are covered by recalls, campaigns or extended warranties
Symptoms
Cold-start tick a loud tick or puff on cold start, sounding like a lifter.
Fades when warm the noise quiets as the manifold heats and expands.
Louder under load ticking when towing or accelerating.
Exhaust smell an exhaust smell in the engine bay.
Black soot soot marks at the rear of the manifold.
Gap at the manifold a visible gap between the manifold and the cylinder head.
What Causes It
Heat cycling the manifold expands and contracts and shears the rear bolts.
Rusted bolts Ontario salt seizes the bolts so they snap.
Warped manifold once a bolt breaks, the manifold warps and pulls away.
Before You Start
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels. Never work under a car held up only by a jack: use rated jack stands.
- Let the engine and exhaust cool before you touch them; coolant systems are under pressure when hot.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves, and disconnect the 12V battery before unplugging electrical parts or working near airbags.
- Check for open recalls on your VIN (Transport Canada or the manufacturer’s site) before you buy parts: a recall repair is free at the dealer.
- Exhaust leaks can let carbon monoxide into the cab: don’t drive with windows closed and a strong exhaust smell.
- Never work on a hot exhaust manifold.
Step-by-Step: Hemi Exhaust Manifold Tick
- Confirm the leak. On a cold start, listen at the back of each manifold. Look for a broken bolt head, soot or a gap.
- Soak the bolts. Spray every manifold bolt with penetrating oil for a day before you start.
- Get access. Remove heat shields and, if needed, the wheel and inner fender liner. Some trucks need the manifold removed.
- Remove the broken bolt. If a stud sticks out, use locking pliers or weld a nut to it. If flush, drill it carefully with a left-hand bit and use an extractor.
- Clean the threads. Chase the threads in the head with a tap or thread chaser.
- Fit studs and gasket. Install studs instead of bolts, a new gasket, and refit the manifold.
- Torque evenly. Tighten the nuts in stages to the torque in the service manual.
- Recheck. Start from cold and listen. Recheck torque after a few heat cycles.
When to Stop and Bring It In
- A drill bit or extractor breaks in the head: stop, it needs a machinist’s touch.
- The manifold is warped and won’t seal.
- You smell exhaust in the cab.
- Unsure it’s the manifold and not a lifter: a Hemi lifter tick needs a different repair.
Not sure, or out of time? Radman Auto Repair in Etobicoke does this repair every week. Book online or call (416) 742-4521.
Also Known As
Owners call this the “Hemi tick”, “Ram exhaust manifold leak”, “Ram 1500 broken manifold bolt”, “Hemi ticking on cold start” and “Durango exhaust manifold bolt”.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell an exhaust leak tick from a Hemi lifter tick?
An exhaust manifold leak is loudest on a cold start and fades as the engine warms. A lifter tick usually stays or gets worse when warm.
Can I drive with a broken exhaust manifold bolt?
Yes, short term, but the leak gets worse, can affect O2 sensor readings and can let fumes into the cab.
Do I have to remove the manifold?
Sometimes. Some rear bolts can be extracted in place; others need the manifold off.
Why use studs instead of bolts?
Studs hold the manifold more evenly and are easier to remove later.
Which side breaks most?
Either side, usually the rearmost bolts, which see the most heat and movement.
See also Exhaust & Catalytic Converter Repair, P0420 Catalyst Code, Engine & Front End Noise, Check Engine Light Diagnosis.
Prefer to Have It Done? Radman Auto Repair, Etobicoke
Independent auto repair in Etobicoke since 1999. We fix what this guide covers, explain what we find, and keep the old parts for you to see.
This Service Includes
✓ Exhaust leak diagnosis
✓ Broken bolt extraction
✓ Stud and gasket installation
✓ Heat-cycle recheck