What Are Exhaust Mufflers
We might refer auto exhaust mufflers with different names as auto silencer, car damper and so on but we all can’t really argue over it’s importance for our vehicles. For those who are unaware of its importance, we are happy to enlighten you. The goal of the automotive muffler is to give you a smooth and quiet drive. Also we can’t really overlook the fact that it makes your car less tainted in the neighborhood. This part in your vehicle is responsible for reducing the noise generated by the fuel combustion process.
All You Need To Know About Exhaust Mufflers
Which Type Of Muffler Is Right For Your Car?
Keen on knowing which type of muffler is just the right one for your car? Worried about how to figure that out? Well, we don’t want to discourage you but believe us this will require a lot of research on your part. You can get the information with this regard from your local mechanics, nearby auto garages and car part dealers. Here, we are doing our bit in providing you a little information on different types of auto exhaust muffler. Dig into the information my friends.
Chambered Mufflers - if you are the one who enjoys throaty performance sound then the chambered mufflers are the one for you. Few of the manufacturers even use sound-deadening baffles along with these mufflers.
Turbo Mufflers - These are the S-designed mufflers that make the gas to pass through more tubing for better noise reduction.
Straight Through Mufflers/Glasspacks - If you are that guy who always run after horsepower and performance, then these are the types of mufflers you need for your car. They are ideal for racing. These unique features make it a popular choice among the street rodders and for customized car owners.
Important Considerations Before Buying
Are you thinking of buying one for your vehicle? Do you know what all you need to consider before? Do you really know what all features you should be looking for depending upon your need? NO? Well, stop panicking! We are here to help you out. Here is a small guide that might come handy for your exhaust muffler look out.
- If you are the one looking for race mufflers, then make sure you check the legal exhaust decibel limits for your surrounding area, as these types of muffler along with providing more power, give you the loudest roar.
- Prefer not to use race mufflers on your street as you really don’t want those red and blue flashing lights to pull you over.
- Before you make the final purchase, make sure that you check for the factory warranty, because you really don’t want to install a brand new muffler today and deal with it’s issue tomorrow.
- Also, take into consideration the size of the muffler. Remember the smaller it is, the louder it will be. Reason being they lack sound reducing baffles.
How Do Exhaust Mufflers Work?
When the exhaust valve opens, it rapidly releases high-pressure gas. This sends a strong air pressure wave through the atmosphere inside the exhaust system, which produces a sound we call an explosion. It is the same sound produced when the high-pressure gases from burned gunpowder are released from a gun. In an engine, the pulses are released one after another. The explosions come so fast that they blend together in a steady roar. Sound is air vibration. When the vibrations are large, the sound is loud. The muffler catches the large bursts of high-pressure exhaust gas from the cylinder, smoothing out the pressure pulses and allowing them to be released at an even and constant rate. It does this through the use of perforated tubes within the muffler chamber. The smooth flowing gases are released to the tailpipe. In this way, the muffler silences engine exhaust noise.
When To Change Your Exhaust Muffler?
Wondering when is the time to change your exhaust muffler or what are the warning signs that indicate towards a bad car muffler? Well, where to find it out? Right Here! We have listed out few common symptoms that indicate towards a faulty auto muffler.
- Bad cabin smell
- Loud noises from exhaust
- Lowered fuel economy
- Burning smell from the engine bay
- Foul gas smell
- Hanging exhaust pipe
Having said this all, now you must be wondering what are the most common auto muffler problems? What all you need to be aware about? Talking about the most common problems, the most prominent ones is rusting. The auto mufflers are quite prone to rust due to water being collected in the exhaust system, quite common in Canadian harsh weather (snow storms, heavy rainfall, etc).
And if you are the one who has to drive across potholes or not that well maintained roads on a regular basis, then chances are quite high that you get your vehicle hit by rock underneath that will develop holes in the muffler, leaving you with no other option than to replace it.
Thinking of replacing that bad exhaust muffler and resume to smooth and quiet drive? Worrying about the cost of exhaust muffler replacement? Don’t you worry, we have listed out lowest priced exhaust muffler from top brands for you. Take a look and find the ones for your specific vehicle year, make and model.
Tools You Will Need
If you are that DIY enthusiast guy and thinking of replacing the exhaust muffler yourself, then you might need to get your hands on the following listed out tools and equipment
- Flatbed with rollers
- Wire Brush
- Deep Socket or spanner, size varies
- Pry Bar
- Penetrating Oil
- Muffler Cement
- Torque Wrench
- PB Spray
- Jack stand
Exhaust Mufflers From Leading Automotive Brands
Other Related Parts You Might Need
Total Repair Costs, Time & Efforts Involved
Worried about how much it will cost you to replace that troublesome muffler? Well, it might cost you somewhere around $30 to $600. Talking about the time involved, it typically takes around an hour or so.
How To Change Exhaust Mufflers?
You know that your exhaust muffler is not in good shape and you are willing to replace it with a new one, but how? The question is how do we do that? Here is your do it yourself guide.
Step 1 - Raise up your car with the help of floor jack, also make sure that the emergency brakes are on.
Step 2 - As the muffler is held in place with the help of u-shaped clamps or bolts. To move further you must spray them with penetrating fluid and let that set in for an hour or so, this will prevent any damage to the bolts. In case the bolts are rusted, leave the penetrating fluid on overnight.
Step 3 - Lay out your new muffler and pipe and make sure to line it up.
Step 4 - Use the right size of the socket wrench to remove the bolts. Well, this might take more than you thought of. Due to excessive engine heat, these bolts become hard to remove.
Step 5 - This step is all about removing the old damaged muffler and pipe.
Step 6 - Now you are ready to install the new muffler. Line up the old muffler next to the new one. Make sure you have the orientation of the pipes correctly. Some joints can be tightened before you install the muffler into the car. If you are not sure, don't make any connections yet. Start installing the new muffler on the car. You may also consider upgrading the muffler as this point. Some car owners choose to delete the muffler and go with a straight pipe instead but that may be illegal in some states. Use the rubber hangers to secure the muffler in place. Next, you need to make the pipe connections from the new muffler to the flange on the exhaust system.Continue by putting together the exhaust pipes. Make sure to install the gaskets when applicable. Some exhaust pipes use an o-ring to at the joints.
Connect the new pipe to the old pipe. Make sure to install the gaskets that came with the muffler.