Exhaust Leak cont...

[funnyman82]

WOW first post!!! :)

So i had a chance to take my QX4 to Midas today to check out the exhaust leak my service person at the dealer told me about. Midas said it is the resonators, both left and right. He kept it running and told me to put my hand on top of it and i felt a bit of air. Is this common? He gave me a price of $190.00 per resonator + labour + 4 gaskets + 10 bolt + torch and gas use which came to a total of $599.21. Is this reasonable? I went to Speedy and he told me that since it was stainless system he could not touch it? I would appreciate your opinions.

Thanks.

[Dr.Dan]

It is stainless, that's why they don't want to just cut off the old ones and weld in a couple of new ones.
Although, a good custom exhaust shop wouldn't have a problem with that... they work with stainless all the time.
I'm not sure just how far this is from you, but you could try Budget Exhaust http://burlington.701.com/sites/701/HTML/halton/333494.html
They're not as good as they once were, but still better than Midas or Speedy when it comes to exhaust work.
They should be able to weld in a couple of new resonators for you for allot less than that quote from Midas...

Another option is to get rid of the resonators altogether... just have a pipe installed in it's place.
Sure, it'll make the truck a lil louder, but not by much... and this would be even cheaper again since you don't need to buy 2 resonators :)

[funnyman82]

Can i just plug the holes up by welding it up? Or will this make the problem worse?

What happens if you dont use the right weld on stainless and use the weld from regular steel?

[Dr.Dan]

Without seeing it, I can't say... but chances are that would only be a temporary fix... it would only get worse.
Personally, I'd have them cut off and have a piece of pipe welded in it's place. It'll be under $100 if stainless pipe is used.

[funnyman82]

Thanks Doc. If I remove the resonator completely and just put a straight pipe, and if the noise is loud can I add a resonator back? Is it a significant change in sound or will it pretty much sound like it does now becuase it has a leak? Will removing the resonator affect and emissons test (i have to do it this month)?

Thanks.

[Dr.Dan]

No, it won't affect anything other than noise level at idle and just off idle. Probably sound better than the leak itself.
If you've ever listened to the Pathfinder, you'll see there's very little difference... and it's basicly the same except for the resonator.

[funnyman82]

Whats the difference between welding stainless and regular exhaust?

Arent most exhaust systems stainless? If not, what are they?

[Dr.Dan]

Most exhaust systems are made from mild cold rolled steel... about 16 gauge... it lasts about 2 years in our area.
A better OEM exhaust will use a better quality 14 or 12 gauge steel...

But more and more cars today are using a low grade of stainless steel that lasts about 5 times longer than the cheap stuff.

Any good welder can tell you that it's a lil trickier to weld the stainless than mild steel, but it's not hard if you know how to weld properly.
If the shop says they can't weld it, you don't want to do business with them.

[Taz]

Come to London and go to

Jim Cox Custom Exhaust

519-457-6160
2-2089 Jetstream Road,
London, ON N5V 4M7

or maybe he might be able to recommend a shop in your area

[Dr.Dan]

Jimmy is way to busy to deal with small things like this at this time of year... I know, I've talked to him about it ;)

He's got full custom systems booking 3 to 4 weeks ahead all summer long...

But it's a good point... he might know someone in the 'Sauga area to go to...
Budget was the only place most of the guys I know from the GTA go to get custom work done.

[funnyman82]

I got it done at one of the places that I usually go to for my parents vehicles. He charged me $475 with an emissions test.

Although now I hear a weird knocking noise at the back now....grrrr....gonna take it back to him tomorrow.

Thanks for all your help.

[funnyman82]

Well i went back today. It seems like the muffler at the back was hitting something and now it is fixed. It is sooo quiet now...

Thanks for all your help...

[Dr.Dan]

Glad you got it fixed and you're happy now :)