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