salimshah

My '99 RX is sounding like a motorcycle. I did a quick look and was not able to see a split. I could not feel any leak around the flex coupling.

There seem to be three areas of interest.

I am looking for suggestions how to approach it. Is there a typical spot which may not be easy to spot visually. Soapy water ... nah.

Worst case is to open up all the flanges.


Salim

SChema

iTrader: (2)

Are you wanting to try something else other than this method? I'd say the use of soap and water is your best bet to find the exhaust leaks.

rx300mm

Strange .. I was on this forum for the same issue, I was under my RX (2001) trying to find out where the noise was coming from while my wife raving the engine, took some pictures but nothing that pin points it.

salimshah

Has any one tried this successfully? The good thing is that it would help keep the exhaust cold. It is going to be hard to get between the the radiator and the engine.

Other thing that came to my mind was choking the exhaust to increase blow out, but I dont want to oil up the spark-plugs.

Salim

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

on a lift or on jack stands? wait the RX has enough clearance anyway lol.

listen to where u think the area is, then place ur hand NEAR the pipe to feel if any exhaust gases is hitting your hand.

Lexmex

That's exactly what I do.

Any place near where there are welds or junction are the suspect point. The gaskets at the junctions can and will go and when they do...under acceleration only...the junction will expand and farting or motorcycle like noise can ensue. Often, tighening the bolts (they're 14mm) on the junctions, will help ease this issue temporarily.

That's the reason I recommend listening while someone else hits the accelerator even in park, because some exhaust leaks one cannot find in idle or park alone.

salimshah

I found it.

Front WarmUp Three Way Catalytic converter [WU-TWC] near the bottom flange.

If I replace the WU-TWC, the leak will be fixed. The WU-TWC has a heat shield. If I manage to take it off, I might be able to put a clamp or have it welded.

Any suggestions?

Salim


Update: It is not a major leak ,.. I can barely feel the exhaust escaping, but as I push the pipe around (has 1/8") slide, the exhaust tone changes.

Salim

Lexmex

I found welding to be the easiest thing. Do you have photo of the affected area?

salimshah

I will try to get a photo. The flange end is sliding in out. I think the flange should be rigid with the WU-TWC. [after market wu-twc are sold without the flange and the OEM has a flange]. The heat shield necks down near the flange so it will be hard to get a clear picture. There is no hole/gap .. just the flange end is not secure in the wu-twc.

Salim