New Exhaust question

[Manarius]

Well, I've been driving around lately and noticing a slight roar coming from the back driver's side of my car at certain RPM. I believe it's the outside heat shield of my muffler rattling to hell (It's stock equipment). So, my question is as such: What do I need to do to fix this problem? Can I just get a muffler and shove it on or do I need to go with an axle back?

If I need to go with the axle back option, what's my best bet? Does a WRX axle back fit and is it cost-effective? Or should I go with another axle back? Mind you, I'm on a small budget, so cheapest is best.

Any help is appreciated

[jnorion]

I had a heat shield at the front rattling like crazy and I stopped by Meineke and they spot welded it for free to stop the rattling. I would think a similar thing could be done at the back.

[realfinn]

I don't think either of my NA's had heat shields on the exhaust from the axle back. I am fairly sure that the heat shield was bolted to the bottom of the car. I did notice when I pulled my 93's exhause that the muffler itself had started coming apart at the seams, I ran a small bead of weld over it to keep it together until I could get a new mufler. Its fairly simple to drop the back of the exhaust to the ground so you can inspect it. Pull the four hangers off the back of the exhaust and lower it so that you can look to see whats going on. You shouldn't need to unbolt any exhaust parts just to inspect.

[Manarius]

Well, the problem is as such: My muffler has two layers. The outer layer, which is silver in color, has rusted at its seams and is rattling like crazy. I was tempted to just rip the shield off, but that leaves no further protection for the inner layer (which I assume is the last before I get holes).

So, shall I attempt to just tie the shield up for now to keep it from rattling or look around for an axle back? Or, if I can find a meineke, would they be willing to tie it up for me?

[realfinn]

If there isn't too much metal missing (rusted away) it can be welded up easily. You could have someone with a mig do it for you (local exhaust shop). But for the money of an axle back and if your pipe is in good condition, you could probably go to your local auto parts store and buy a cheap generic muffler that will do the trick. have a muffle shop weld that on. It will probably cost the same to have them weld either (if there a reputable shop).

Of course if you can get a cheap JY axle back that fits that would work too.

I would check the JY and see what they think on price (all you will probably need is a new gasket and some hardware after you buy an axle back). Then call the exhaust shop and ask them how much it would cost to weld a pipe to a muffler. Probably will be about the same price either way (I'm guessing).

[Manarius]

Well, I took it out to Midas and they just cut the rusted piece off. Now, granted, the muffler itself is getting to the point where it's going to rust to pieces eventually but I guess that fixes it for now.

Add to that they did it for free

[realfinn]

Keep me informed on this. When yours goes let me know. I am having a lot of problems with the front exhaust on my 93 NA. I have been welding small holes up every other month or so (axle back is in pretty good shape). But if the front leaks again I am going to put the entire exhaust from my 91 NA to EJ22T swap on. That will free up one axle back. I would probably let you have the axle back. Just pay for the shipping, shouldn't be much from NY to PA. I am just north of Bradford and about 1.5 hours outside of Erie.

[The Scooby]

i vote for JB welding the outer skin until it stops rattling, about $5 bucks and will out last the muffler.