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Things You Should Know About Resonator & Pipe Assembly

Do I require a resonator on my exhaust? In most cases, yes. A resonator is a device that helps to keep the sounds from your vehicle's exhaust system from becoming overly loud or annoying. You can drive without a resonator, but you might get a check engine light or other problems. If part of your exhaust system is missing, your car may fail its annual emissions check. Read along to know more about the functioning of your vehicle’s resonator and pipe assembly system.

What Is Car Resonator & Pipe Assembly?

The resonator is a part of your automobile’s exhaust system. It is sometimes known as a pre-muffler because it is installed in the car exhaust system after the catalytic converter and before the muffler. Some automobiles will have them and some will not. Both the resonator & pipe assembly are part of the exhaust system and integrated into one assembly on modern vehicles. The pipe assembly serves the simple function of removing the exhaust gases and transferring them to the muffler.

If you are searching for more information about Car Resonator & Pipe Assembly, then you should visit our “What Is A Resonator?” section.

How Does My Car Resonator & Pipe Assembly Work?

Are you not sure about the difference between the exhaust resonator and muffler? Then, don’t worry. Though these components look alike they serve different purposes. The specific sound frequency created by the engine is canceled by the resonator, whereas the overall engine noise is lowered by the muffler.

The resonator is a type of echo chamber that is perfectly designed to create a pleasing exhaust note. Though the noise which comes out of the engine alters, it does not reduce. Sound waves will keep bouncing or resonating inside the engine until the undesirable noise cancels each other out. This process is essential for the tone of the exhaust before it enters inside the muffler.

The sound waves will enter the muffler to reduce noise. Engine noise will be lowered when the exhaust gases pass through or around a series of tubes and baffles. For further noise reduction, you can also use mufflers that contain sound-deadening materials, like fiberglass. The tailpipe noise will be drastically reduced, every time the exhaust gases make a turn or directional change inside the muffler.

Both the resonator and pipe assembly are part of the exhaust system underneath the vehicle. In some vehicles, the resonator will be found before the muffler, but on most modern cars, both the components are integrated into one assembly. Because of its location, the resonator is sometimes known as a “pre-muffler.”

How To Choose The Right Resonator?

What Are The Symptoms Of Bad Resonator & Pipe Assembly?

A faulty exhaust resonator will not just be noisy alone, but it will show a lot more problems. If it is not checked at the right time, it will prevent your car from starting and can even endanger your health. Here are a few symptoms of a faulty exhaust resonator.

  1. Engine performance and fuel economy suffer - The engine must be able to breathe easily to provide adequate performance, If the resonator is collapsed it will start choking the engine, resulting in a lack of power which in turn reduces the fuel economy.
  1. The check engine light is on - At times, a damaged resonator can affect the engine’s performance where the check engine light comes on.
  1. The engine stalls or won’t start - In a worst-case scenario, a collapsed resonator may create enough back-pressure that the engine stalls or won’t start. The oxygen sensors will read lean when there is excessive back-pressure.
  1. Excessive noise - A damaged or failed resonator can result in unwanted noise coming from the vehicle’s exhaust. Typically, the sound is described as a high-frequency buzzing.
  1. Unusual smell - A leaking resonator can allow noxious fumes to escape from the vehicle’s exhaust. Not only can this cause an unpleasant odor, but it can also cause a health hazard.

The entire exhaust system is a torture chamber for steel. Mufflers and resonators rust from the outside in, because of rainwater, snow, and road salt, while simultaneously rusting from the inside out because of corrosive exhaust by-products and extreme temperature changes.

The steel quickly rusted out and was a regular auto repair in those days. Today, federal emissions regulations require that emission components are built to last. This forces manufacturers to use expensive nickel-steel alloys that last much longer. But they’re still not lifetime components. Inspecting the rubber exhaust hangers and motor mounts can go a long way in reducing exhaust component failures.

Symptoms Of Bad Pipe Assembly

Internal combustion engines produce fumes known as exhaust in their normal operation. The exhaust fumes exit the engine’s cylinders after combustion and flow through the vehicle’s exhaust system for expulsion from the tailpipe. The exhaust system comprises a series of metal pipes that transport the exhaust fumes to the rear, or sides of the vehicle where they can be safely released. While the exhaust system is relatively simple in its operation, it plays an important role in engine performance. Any issues with the system or its pipes can cause problems with the drivability of the vehicle. Usually a bad or failing exhaust pipe or tube will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential issue.

  1. Excessively loud exhaust making hissing sounds - One of the first symptoms of a problem with the exhaust pipe is an excessively loud exhaust. If any of the exhaust pipes or tubes break or crack, they can cause an exhaust leak that will cause an excessively noisy engine. Damaged exhaust pipes produce a loud noise. The exhaust may produce a hissing or tapping sound that may become more pronounced during acceleration.
  2. The smell of raw gasoline from exhaust - Another common symptom of a problem with the exhaust tubes is a noticeable exhaust smell. If any of the exhaust systems pipes or tubes become damaged and leak, the exhaust fumes may find their way into the cabin, giving off a smell of raw gasoline.
  3. A decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency - Engine performance issues are another symptom of a potential problem with the exhaust tubes or pipes. If the pipes become damaged or corroded, they can sometimes produce an exhaust leak that can cause the vehicle to experience performance issues. An exhaust leak from a broken pipe can cause the vehicle to experience a decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency because of the loss of backpressure.
  4. Hanging or dragging exhaust pipe - Another more serious symptom of a problem with an exhaust pipe or tube is hanging or dragging exhaust pipes. If any of the pipes break, they can sometimes hang or drag underneath the vehicle. The pipes may be visible from the sides of the vehicle or may make noise if they contact the ground.

While exhaust systems are built specifically to withstand the high stress and heat conditions associated with engine exhaust, they are still prone to corrosion and rust.

Which Tools Do I Need To Repair My Car Resonator & Pipe Assembly?

Are you thinking of repairing your car resonator & pipe assembly on your own? Then there is one thing which you must have, that is the right tools needed for repairing your car resonator & pipe assembly. It is essential to make sure that you are outfitted with the right tools to get the work done properly. Have a look at some tools which you might need to get started with your repair work:-

  • Jack
  • Jack stands
  • Tire iron
  • Reciprocating saw
  • Metal reciprocating saw blades
  • Gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Hearing protection

Which Top Brands Resonator & Pipe Assembly Parts Should I Choose?

If you know which car parts brand suits the best for your Resonator & Pipe Assembly then it would save a lot of your decision-making time. What we believe is that picking a particular brand would always help reduce the clutter, and would make it easier for the customers to find what they are looking for. That’s why we have listed out some top brands for Resonator & Pipe Assembly below as follows:

  • Walker USA Resonator and Pipe Assembly
  • Dynomax Resonator and Pipe Assembly
  • Flowmaster Resonator and Pipe Assembly
  • Bosal Resonator and Pipe Assembly

To know more about the top brand Resonator and Pipe Assembly, visit our “Which Popular Brand Of Resonator Should I Choose?” section.

Which Parts Are Related To My Car Resonator & Pipe Assembly?

The brighter you are, the more you have to learn! That’s why we are here to provide you with more knowledge about the related parts of the car resonator & pipe assembly. They are mentioned below:-

What Is The Repairing Cost Of My Car Resonator & Pipe Assembly?

Car Resonator & Pipe Assembly replacement cost can differ widely depending on the application, the brand of the Car Resonator & Pipe Assembly as well as who does the work. All you have to do is to replace your faulty Car Resonator & Pipe Assembly with us online and then you can leave your car to the mechanic and pick it up a few days later. Just be sure that the car mechanic is highly skilled and has an excellent reputation. Sometimes the additional service level might cost you more than what you have expected. We also recommend you to take pictures of your car before you leave it with them so that you are sure that later on it is returned to you in an unharmed condition. A replacement resonator and pipe assembly can cost you anywhere from $35 to less than $400. The price largely depends on the part’s brand, replacement type, quantity, material, and compatibility with your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

What Are The Steps Of Changing My Car Resonator & Pipe Assembly?

An exhaust resonator on a car acts like a preliminary muffler. It mounts after the catalytic converter and silences the exhaust an extra step before the muffler. Some people like this, but others prefer the sound of a vehicle with a bit more exhaust rumble. For them, one option is to remove the exhaust resonator from the system, which will make the exhaust louder. This should take around an hour to do so.

Step 1

Lift the vehicle with the jack and put it onto a set of jack stands. Make sure there is enough room underneath the vehicle for you to work with the reciprocating saw.

Step  2

Locate the exhaust resonator, which is mounted after the catalytic converter, and is typically just before the muffler. Put on your eye and hearing protection, as well as the gloves.

Put the metal reciprocating saw blade into the reciprocating saw. Cut the exhaust pipe 2 inches forward of the resonator and 2 inches rearward of the resonator with the reciprocating saw. Take the resonator out from underneath the vehicle.

How To Install A Resonator?

Step 3

Determine the diameter of the resonator that will fit in your exhaust system. To reduce the droning caused by the car exhaust system, install at least the minimum diameter that corresponds with your exhaust system’s major diameter. You can always go as close to 1:1 with your exhaust diameter to improve the effect, but you can never go less than the minimum.

Step 4

Find an installation location on the exhaust system as close to the engine as possible. Then select the longest resonator that will fit comfortably in the installation location. Avoid any direct contact with the body of the car to avoid rattles and unnecessary vibration or noise once the resonator is installed.

Step 5

Determine what material steel from which your exhaust system is made. Stainless Steel: Mild Steel or Aluminized Steel.

Step 6

Use a Hole Saw with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the resonator to place a hole in the exhaust system where your resonator will be installed.

Step 7

Weld your resonator in place using MIG or TIG welding processes. It is not recommended to use a torch and flux to install.

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FAQ

To restrict the sounds coming from your vehicle's exhaust system from becoming too loud or irritating, you'll need a resonator. You can drive without a resonator, but you might get a check engine light or other problems.

A particular spectrum of sound frequencies is canceled out by resonators. You may think of it as a type of echo chamber for the exhaust of your car. Resonators prepare the loud noise from your engine to be silenced by the muffler. A resonator not only helps to remove sound but also modifies it.

The backpressure can be affected when the exhaust resonator is removed and replaced with a pipe. It will lower your car's efficiency, resulting in you burning more gasoline and hearing a louder noise.

One of the most prevalent signs of a faulty exhaust resonator is rattling. Perforated tubes or baffles are welded or pushed into place inside the resonator. It can make a lot of noise if one gets loose. A rattling resonator may only rattle under specific operational circumstances or while travelling over specific routes.

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John Framigllia
Technical Writer
Our technical writer is known for simplifying automotive parts and services. Intuitive with various vehicles and manufacturers, he knows how to simplify complicated problems.