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My wife was driving the car the other day and hit a bad bump. The intermediate pipe bottomps out and cracked at the flange joing to the muffler pipe. It appears heavily rusted. The flange on the muffler and intermediate pipe looks like it was on its way out eventually. Any ideas on a fix vs having to replace both the muffler and intermediate pipe? I was considering grinding off what was left of the flanges on both and placing a v band clamp over the join. Any thoughts?
I'm not a fan of repairing pipes and mufflers the repair usually doesn't last very long. You might be able to salvage the muffler with some welding or maybe a hatchet job with some clamps. When I have exhaust problems I bite the bullet and replace the parts, if it's a car I plan on keeping indefinitely I go OEM, aftermarket never fits as well.
Here's some part numbers
OEM Muffler 17430-20140
OEM mid pipe 17420-20380
bolts: 90105-10023 x2 94185-61000 x2 (2nd ones will need two additional nuts if you don't use the OEM muffler)
OEM bolts are much better and don't cost more than generic at a parts store.
I would also check local parts stores to save on shipping. Another option is a good exhaust shop if you know of one. Replacing exhaust parts is easy if you have a torch even propane will work you'll just have to heat the bolts for a longer period. For gaskets any parts store will have them, do not use any gasket that is solid aluminum they gall into the muffler steel and ruin the pipe.
Normally I dont look for the cheapest way out either. Unfortunately times are tough so i was looking for a repair til i could get it done properly. The pipes themselves are solid. It is just the flange on the end of each pipe that has failed which i find very unusual. That is why i was looking at the possibility of the v band clamp as the end of each pipe was flared. I dont have a local lexus dealer and my normal mechanic wanted to just clean it up and weld it together.
As always though I do appreciate the detailed reply. Thank you.
Where are you located? Does NL mean the Netherlands (the condition of the exhaust is not what I would expect in that location)? Location can dictate options.
Where are you located? Does NL mean the Netherlands (the condition of the exhaust is not what I would expect in that location)? Location can dictate options.
Hi there, no I am not in the Netherlands although I can understand why you would think that. I an from Newfoundland and Labaradir in Canada. Salt can be an issue here.
04-30-18, 06:29 PM
Exhaust 2004 es330
