Exhaust sounds muzzled

Eagle7

Member
Location
NY
Car
2005 FX35
Hey everyone, I have an '05 fx35, and for the past two weeks ive noticed it sounds different. The sound coming out of the exhaust sounds muzzled, deeper and a little bit louder. Anyone came across this problem before? thanks!
 
Hey everyone, I have an '05 fx35, and for the past two weeks ive noticed it sounds different. The sound coming out of the exhaust sounds muzzled, deeper and a little bit louder. Anyone came across this problem before? thanks!

I've noticed this too on mine, my best guess (without actually looking) is a hole in the exhaust. When you turn your car off next time, leave the door open and listen for a sputter - if you hear one, it's a hole.
 
Is this happening all the time while you drive ? or does it only happen during a cold start ?

its all the time

---------- Post added at 06:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 AM ----------

I've noticed this too on mine, my best guess (without actually looking) is a hole in the exhaust. When you turn your car off next time, leave the door open and listen for a sputter - if you hear one, it's a hole.

ok, ill try it, thanks!
 
I just had an issue like this over the summer. It was an exhaust leak, right on the rear flange where the muffler bolts up to the mid-pipe. Your situation may be a little bit different, but when I went to the dealership to talk to someone, the service manager was just quoting the repair price to a customer with the same issue. Apparently this is a common problem (according to the service manager). I found a good muffler shop here in town to repair it for about $40.
 
i had the same problem, when disconnected my muffler from the resonator pipe.. There is this oval shaped spacer/ gasket that comes stock.. I lost that, and ever since then the sound is different, muzzled, rattle, loud./ Open it inspect it urself, you need a 14mm deep socket
 
Last week, at my 60k mile service, my Infiniti dealer told me everything was fine except that the tech found a small leak at the flange where it meets the muffler. I was wondering why my exhaust sounded louder than usual lately, and this was why. I mean, I love the sound of the FX35 exhaust, but was getting this annoying drone in the cabin when stepping on the gas on the highway. It was starting to get hard to even listen to the radio at low volumes. Dealer said it would be $1200 because they would need to replace the entire exhaust system, as they would not do a weld repair.

I wasn't gonna pay $1200, so took it to a Midas muffler shop today. They told me they saw this all the time with the Nissans and Infinitis, and that it is a known weakness point (that flange area). They cut the whole flange off, and then welded on a sleeve. Instantly, it was like new again....no more annoying cabin exhaust drone, but still a great sounding exhaust. Pic of the repair below. They told me the sleeve should last 2 or 3 years before it fails, so maybe by then, I'll bite the bullet and spring for a new exhaust. lol...

View attachment 245993
 
^^^ If you are going to do the above repair, I would suggest using a small flex pipe instead of a solid piece. Especially considering it is a known stress point. Probably last a lot longer that way.

David
 
A couple of other owners on another FX forum have also had this same repair done, and one has had no issues for over two years now. I hope I can get the same results. The flex pipe idea sounds smart...I didn't think of asking about that because the original flange connection was not meant to be flexible. I looked at the flange after they cut it off, and the leak was due to rust (flaking) between the two flange connections itself where they meet, not where the pipes attach to each flange.
 
I'd just like to reiterate this fix for a leaky exhaust and thank this board for saving me $1100. I had the dealer check my leak and they quoted me $1200. I came back home, read this thread, and went to my local muffler guy. 30 minutes and $63 later the fx is as good as new. He cut the flange piece just before the muffler and welded a piece of steel for a patch.
 
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