Exhaust on 98 Pathfinder

Ben B · Oct 26th, 2003, 05:52 PM

Hi,

I've got a 98 Pathfinder with a rusted exhaust pipe between the primary muffler and the "silencer box" (or whatever you call that second little muffler). The exact point of shearing is right at the apex of the bend coming over the rear axle - where there is a clamp to hold it in place (I think the main and rear components are separate entities and connect there but I'm not certain.) For all intents and purposes, the muffler still appears to be working just fine. (Just yesterday I had it at Nissan for a complete inspection/tune up and they missed this completely).
Here are my questions:

1) Is the rear ("silencer box") muffler a separte piece or am I looking at a entire new exhaust system?
2) Is this second "muffler" truly required? (I've seen this question raised before but no firm answer that I could see.)
3) If the rust isn't too far gone, should I consider having a muffler shop just reconnect themufflers with a new piece of custom pipe?4) Is there anything else I should know about this?

Thanks in advance.
Ben

Spddracer · Oct 29th, 2003, 10:31 PM

Have it welded . Much cheaper !

rattler · Oct 30th, 2003, 04:45 PM

If a portion the pipe was rusted, chances are the rest of it is too. Spot welding is only a band aid fix and should be used only if money is a problem, otherwise do it right or the problem will keep coming back

Ben B · Nov 1st, 2003, 10:16 PM

Hi,

Thanks for the advice. I ended up taking it back to Nissan and getting the entire system replaced. (they covered the labour as a customer service gesture so it wasn't too painful.)

Thanks again.

Ben