Exhaust Q re: 98 Pathfinder

Ben B · Oct 29th, 2003, 02:14 AM

I had this question stuck on the "new member" forum - classic newbie error!
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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 separate 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 the mufflers with a new piece of custom pipe?4) Is there anything else I should know about this?

Thanks in advance.
Ben

jadcock · Oct 29th, 2003, 07:25 AM

Ben, that second smaller "muffler" is called a resonator and was installed on most Nissan trucks that I've seen from the factory. However, I don't think I've ever seen a replacement exhaust system (even OEM replacement brands) have this resonator. I had a new exhaust put on my '95, and there was no resonator on that rear tailpipe, although a pictorial diagram in the '95 sales brochure clearly shows this rear resonator.

If I were you, I would first ask an exhaust shop if they can simply weld up the breach in the pipe. Many times, they can cover the area with one big sloppy bead of weld and solve your problem. If they can't do this, I'd purchase a new tailpipe, which should be available separately from the muffler. You or your exhaust shop should be able to either remove or cut the tailpipe from the back of the muffler and bolt or weld the new tailpipe right in its place.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.