View Full Version : Horrific exhaust rattle ... please help


sithscripter
01-27-2004, 07:27 PM
A few weeks ago I had a slightly used TRD sport muffler installed. I was perfectly satisfied until Saturday, when I started to notice an increase in overall noise and an annoying exhaust rattle. Annoying except around 2000rpm, when some metal component or another lets out a horrific shudder. I've ruled out the easy suspect -- the license plate frame. I did hit a steeper-than-expected driveway a little bit fast on Friday night but I haven't found any obvious rubbing or damage in the exhaust system. Does anyone have any advice, suggestions or experience? Thanks!

P.S. To all of you who say the TRD exhaust is too loud, I acknowledge all "I told you sos" in advance. :D

scionaraxb
01-27-2004, 07:29 PM
P.S. To all of you who say the TRD exhaust is too loud, I acknowledge all "I told you sos" in advance. :D

I tol..........oh nevermind! :lol:

dinkjs
01-27-2004, 07:31 PM
Look at the actual rubber exshaust hangers make sure they are not stretched....if they are replace them.

01-27-2004, 08:07 PM
make sure the exhaust clamp is tight, sometimes they get loose and rattle.

izzles
01-27-2004, 08:19 PM
I told you the TRD exhaust are crap......

sithscripter
01-28-2004, 12:22 AM
Thanks everyone. I'll check the hangers, clamp, etc. tomorrow a.m. before taking it back to the shop.

Geez, I need a place with a garage ... :cry:

dinkjs
01-28-2004, 12:27 AM
You dont need a garage...just a parking spot some jack stand and a floor jack and your set man....oh and some tools too

sithscripter
01-28-2004, 12:48 AM
Didn't mean to whine ... the fact is I can do some basic work during the daytime but with no good level surface and no lighting I'm kinda limited.

I'd also like to keep my poor little machine out of the sun, smog, marine fog, etc. :cry: Time to go house-hunting I guess!

dinkjs
01-28-2004, 12:50 AM
Or an apartment that offers a garage

sithscripter
01-30-2004, 05:28 PM
Update: You guys were right. I took it to a local muffler shop and they said it was leaking around the clamp due to improper fit. They gave me the choice of welding it or replacing the stock muffler. Given the headaches I've had with the TRD (figuratively and literally) I'm leaning toward going back to stock for the time being.

Maybe when I'm up north later this month I'll drop by Stylis' shop and see what he has to offer ...

I must have been one of the first xBs in their shop ... the employees basically dropped everything to check it out. And they had a JDM Skyline GT-R on the rack. 8)

01-30-2004, 07:27 PM
come on by to the scion central on a saturday, thats when all the crew stops by my place. Just got the new Precisionmuffler.com axel backs, want a test fit? I'll test fit it on your ride for free! (Yet another shameless plug for Precisionmuffler.com ! :D )
http://www.precisionmuffler.com/04780e00.jpg
www.PrecisionMuffler.com

Cheif_Thundercloud
01-30-2004, 09:11 PM
Once the funds come together Im gettin one. Even if I have to drive up from L.A..

sithscripter
01-31-2004, 04:57 PM
Yet another update: This is odd. While I'm still experiencing a horrible racket coming from a vibrating bracket or heat shield or something, the overall engine noise has decreaed again.

Here's one hypothesis: Sunday morning at Chinatown Showoff we had to disconnect batteries by order of the fire marshal (for an outdoor show, go figure). :? Of course that reset the computer settings to factory default. On the way home, the ECU had to compensate for the TRD muffler *and* a leaking clamp, which probably threw its poor circuits for a (feedback) loop. Only now after 140 miles or so is the poor ECU getting a grasp on the situation.

As much as I'd like to find a way to salvage the install I think I'll be happier in the long run with a welded-on full catback. Until then I'll get a bigger tip welded on the stock exhaust and just pretend :D

02-01-2004, 03:35 AM
let me know when your ready to come to nor*cal and I will have the welder ready when you are! :D