Muffler / Tail Pipe Separation - Rodeo '99

[solarisdx]

Earlier this week, I heard a rattling noise from the back of my car. The noise would only occur when turning my car on, driving a low speeds, and over anything bumpy. When inspecting the back of my car, I noticed that I was able to swing my tailpipe to and fro in a left and right direction. I looked underneath my car and this is a diagram of what I saw:



As you can see, the tail pipe had separated from the muffler at a joint (I guess that's what it's called) and would hit the top of the muffler part to make the sound I was hearing.

I was told that I need to purchase an exhaust gasket. I did a little research online... and I think it is part #H4000-106843. Is that correct? Additionally, how do I install this gasket?

[solarisdx]

I got a quick inspection by someone whom is more savy with cars than I and was told that I needed a new muffler. The gasket and other things were still on. Thanks anyways if you read it!

[rheteric]

Are you getting the OEM muffler??? I know a lot of people have elected to go with Dynomax or Flowmaster because of their smaller size, performance increase (arguable), and competitive pricing. Anyone have any thoughts?

[solarisdx]

I don't know anything about buying a muffler. I know that the one on the car currently is the factory one. Does anyone have any tips on muffler brands or related information before I get the repair done?

(BTW, I am looking to get the repair completed during the week starting 8/15).

[amigo-2k]

The OEM muffler cost something like 450 bucks.

The hot muffler use to be PowerVault, but they closed up. I know of a couple Trooper owners who are running dyomax muffler (not sure which one).

-Ryan

[2eyefishclaw]

why dont you just have it welded any muffler shop should be able to take care of this for $20

[solarisdx]

Do you really think they would weld it? That would be wonderful! I am afraid that when I go in there and ask for that.... they will mess my muffler up on purpose and want me to buy a brand new muffler.

If you know of a national repair chain that would do this, let me know! Else, if anyone is from the Metro Atlanta area (I'm in Alpharetta), let me know if you have recomendations on where to go.

[rheteric]

Dynomax Super Turbo #17748 is the muffler of choice 95% of the time. It provides a nice mellow note, not ricey, and not overbearing. I've found this site has a decent price: http://www.a-1performance.com/super_turbo/. It's only like $50.

[rheteric]

BTW: the inlet diameter of this muffler is 2.5". You can get a shop to bend you the pipe and install everything for (usually, a lot) less than the cost of the stock muffler. I only know this from other people's experiences, but I'm going this route too when the time comes.

[2eyefishclaw]

yes it can be welded check midas if available in you r area

[solarisdx]

I finally was able to get a repair on my muffler. I took my car to Meineke and one of the guys working in the shop welded the tail pipe to the muffler for $20. He even invited me to watch, which was really cool.

I drove my rodeo too long with the tail pipe separation. I really thought I was going to have to buy a new muffler. Eeck, glad I didn't.

[highlandlake]

You did well to get a repair for so cheap. Many muffler places will stay on the side of caution and recommend a complete replacement.
I had a local guy who would do inexpensive repairs to save money for the car owner, but after six years he went broke and sold the shop. Nice guys finish last, I guess. I did get a few $20 repairs out of him though during that time. I just replaced the tailpipe and muffler on my Rodeo, bought the parts at NAPA for $131. It was a bugger cutting the old one off, took me longer than it should have but I saved about $80.
thought I'd mention this if your exhaust system needs replacement in a ywear or two.
Highland Lake

[95.5 Rodeo]

I looked at my Rodeo yesterday and I have the same problem although not nearly as bad. I'll have a friend of mine weld a bead on it.

Dale