loud muffler????

[rimfire,22]

Hello to all,

My 89' Camry developed a very noisey muffler sound just yesterday while driving to have brunch with the guys. The only problem is it doesn't appear to be coming from the muffler BUT from somewhere under-neath the drivers area of the car. Question, could it be my CAT? It's never been changed since bought brand new back in 89'.

This Friday I'm taking it to the Toyota dealership. Can anyone tell me the most likely problem? I hope it's not another 500 dollar repair again.


rimfire,22

[JOET/CAMRY]

Originally Posted by rimfire,22

Hello to all,

My 89' Camry developed a very noisey muffler sound just yesterday while driving to have brunch with the guys. The only problem is it doesn't appear to be coming from the muffler BUT from somewhere under-neath the drivers area of the car. Question, could it be my CAT? It's never been changed since bought brand new back in 89'.

This Friday I'm taking it to the Toyota dealership. Can anyone tell me the most likely problem? I hope it's not another 500 dollar repair again.


rimfire,22

Hey rimfire22,

I have a 1989 camry like yours and just replaced the muffler and the ( middle pipe (resonator) of the exhaust system. I bought them from Auto Zone and they have a lifetime warranty on them. they were OE fit (bolt on) and were easy to install.

I believe the exhaust system comes in three sections. the front section, the middle section called the resonator, and the back section which includes the muffler. the catalytic converter is located in the lower engine compartment directly below the exhaust manifold so I doubt it highly that the cat is gone considering where you said the noise is coming from.

wait just a minute........ I just looked at my chiltons repair manual and if you live in California your exhaust system is different and your catalytic converter is located near the middle of the car so yes, your catalytic converter might be toast.

the center pipe (resonator) does have a tendency to let go because of rust. there is one part of this pipe (near the front of it) where toyota used thinner gage metal and as a result this pipe is famous for rusting out in this area. I think toyota designed it this way so it wouldn't last. I can't think of any other reason toyota would design it this way. if it wasn't for this one weak spot on this center pipe it would last many many many years.

shame on you toyota!!!!!


I would get under the car with it running to see what part of the exhaust system is rusted out and go from there. if it is difficult to pinpoint where the exhaust leak is, have someone hold a rag against the tail pipe when the car is running. you will be able to discover the leaky exhaust real fast. good luck with your car.

Regards,

JOET/CAMRY

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by JOET/CAMRY

Hey rimfire22,

I have a 1989 camry like yours and just replaced the muffler and the ( middle pipe (resonator) of the exhaust system. I bought them from Auto Zone and they have a lifetime warranty on them. they were OE fit (bolt on) and were easy to install.

I believe the exhaust system comes in three sections. the front section, the middle section called the resonator, and the back section which includes the muffler. the catalytic converter is located in the lower engine compartment directly below the exhaust manifold so I doubt it highly that the cat is gone considering where you said the noise is coming from.

wait just a minute........ I just looked at my chiltons repair manual and if you live in California your exhaust system is different and your catalytic converter is located near the middle of the car so yes, your catalytic converter might be toast.

the center pipe (resonator) does have a tendency to let go because of rust. there is one part of this pipe (near the front of it) where toyota used thinner gage metal and as a result this pipe is famous for rusting out in this area. I think toyota designed it this way so it wouldn't last. I can't think of any other reason toyota would design it this way. if it wasn't for this one weak spot on this center pipe it would last many many many years.

shame on you toyota!!!!!


I would get under the car with it running to see what part of the exhaust system is rusted out and go from there. if it is difficult to pinpoint where the exhaust leak is, have someone hold a rag against the tail pipe when the car is running. you will be able to discover the leaky exhaust real fast. good luck with your car.

Regards,

JOET/CAMRY

JOET/CAMRY,

Thanks for your swift reply. In detail I'm hoping the problems just the resonator as I've never heard of anyone losing the converter despite how many miles I have which is about 217,000 miles. If it is then I can assume it's gonna be about a good 500$ to fix unless it's both the converter AND reasonator. Can you tell me how much the reasonator was?? In either case I'll find out this coming Friday.

rimfire,22

[Mike Gerber]

Once the dealer gives you a quote on what needs to be replaced and what the cost will be, call around to independent muffler shops in your area to compare prices. They are generally a lot cheaper than the dealer.

Mike

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

Once the dealer gives you a quote on what needs to be replaced and what the cost will be, call around to independent muffler shops in your area to compare prices. They are generally a lot cheaper than the dealer.

Mike

Mike,

Thanks, I'll let you know what happens afterwards.

rimfire,22

[JOET/CAMRY]

Originally Posted by rimfire,22

JOET/CAMRY,

Thanks for your swift reply. In detail I'm hoping the problems just the resonator as I've never heard of anyone losing the converter despite how many miles I have which is about 217,000 miles. If it is then I can assume it's gonna be about a good 500$ to fix unless it's both the converter AND reasonator. Can you tell me how much the reasonator was?? In either case I'll find out this coming Friday.

rimfire,22

The middle pipe (resonator) for my 1989 camry 4 cyl. was $87.99 not including tax. I noticed the advanced auto website calls this middle a pipe a resonator but the auto zone website just calls it a center pipe.

The muffler I installed cost me $102.99 not including tax. I bought both the muffler and the middle pipe (resonator) at Auto Zone. both have lifetime warranty on them. they cost more than the universal generic clamp on type but these were the bolt on type with the hangers welded on the muffler and the resonator. I wanted the job of replacing these to be as quick and easy as possible considering I was working outside in the cold weather when I got them replaced about week ago.

I highly doubt that both your catalytic converter and the center exhaust pipe (resonator) are both bad on your car. who knows. you might luck out. it might just be an exhaust gasket that has gone bad. wouldn't that be good news.

I would take Mike Gerbers advice and shop around at different shops/garages to get the best price with getting your car exhaust fixed if you don't have the knowledge and/or the time to fix it yourself. with dealerships you are going to pay through the nose most of the time. Good Luck.

Regards,
JOET/CAMRY

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by JOET/CAMRY

The middle pipe (resonator) for my 1989 camry 4 cyl. was $87.99 not including tax. I noticed the advanced auto website calls this middle a pipe a resonator but the auto zone website just calls it a center pipe.

The muffler I installed cost me $102.99 not including tax. I bought both the muffler and the middle pipe (resonator) at Auto Zone. both have lifetime warranty on them. they cost more than the universal generic clamp on type but these were the bolt on type with the hangers welded on the muffler and the resonator. I wanted the job of replacing these to be as quick and easy as possible considering I was working outside in the cold weather when I got them replaced about week ago.

I highly doubt that both your catalytic converter and the center exhaust pipe (resonator) are both bad on your car. who knows. you might luck out. it might just be an exhaust gasket that has gone bad. wouldn't that be good news.

I would take Mike Gerbers advice and shop around at different shops/garages to get the best price with getting your car exhaust fixed if you don't have the knowledge and/or the time to fix it yourself. with dealerships you are going to pay through the nose most of the time. Good Luck.

Regards,
JOET/CAMRY

JOET/CAMRY,

Your advice is well taken. With any luck my bill will be simular to yours based on the fact that I live in a warmer/dryer climate.

If it is indeed the same parts as you describe then this would be my Camry's first. The muffler was already replaced early on back when I had about 30K If I remember correctly. The first one was considered cheap by dealership standards and the replacement has a lifetime warranty.

The middle pipe with reasonator is a likely spot to look for. My guess now is that you are right it toast but that remains to be seen.


rimfire,22