Finding and treating an exhaust leak in 4th gens.

Drove to breakfast this am and heard more noise than typical. I guessed exhaust leak and did this Chrisfix test with a shop vac.

https://youtu.be/N-exs1iMLFU

I felt the leak with my hand immediately. I could hear the vac, and got soapy bubbles here. It is right under this piece of metal. I can feel it and rest of exhaust is not leaking. But area behind it is too small to see clearly.




Question is can I grind off this piece/flap?
Is it necessary? It doesnt attach to anything but the exhaust pipe. It looks like it has 2 spot welds. I would cut about 1/2 inch above them, avoiding further damage to the pipe. I cant see behind it but I know the leak is there. Then going to use JB weld exhaust putty, as shown in Chrisfix video.

More pics to show location, near rear of passenger front door.

 

Well I took a chance and ground it off. You can see the hole & crack near lower weld. Additionally there there is a fissure closer to the weld. There is also one above but hard to get on camera.

The welds are clearly weak points. If youve got an exhaust leak check here.

JB welded both areas and used a heat gun. 100°F in Charlotte. Now we wait.

 

I haven't had much luck with patching exhaust leaks in my previous cars. Luckily my 2005 4runner exhaust is still looking strong.

The only exhaust stop leak in the Chrisfix video that would work IMO is the metal sleeve with the two bolts.

Wouldn't cutting out 3 inches of leaking pipe, and welding in a new 3-1/2s of pipe work better?

 

Covering the rust is only a temp fix.

You gotta get rid of the cancer to stop it.