Adamjeeps

I am trying to diagnose what sounds to me like an exhaust noise and saw this part and have no idea its purpose or name.

Can someone tell me what it is and what it does?



It's the black round part attached to the exhuast pipe and that looks kind of like an oil filter. I am NOT talking about the hanging plastic, I stole this picture I found here while searching.

Thanks!

salimshah

Opinion is that the weight at that location is there to counter the harmonics set up in the section of exhaust. Harmonic damper.


Salim

Adamjeeps

Hmm, I wonder if I removed it, would it cure the noise I am hearing. I don't think my problem is speed related, I heard the same noise backing out of my driveway in deep snow, so I think it is an exhaust noise when some strain is placed on the engine or at a certain rpm. Any thoughts on this or has anyone removed or adjusted this piece?

salimshah

No, do not remove it. The harmonic is setting up of standing waves on the length of the exhaust pipe. These waves are almost like vibration on a string instrument, and can cause damage to the hangers (suspension of exhaust) or the joints. These vibrations may or may not be in the sound spectrum but can be seen or felt.

If the noise is when the RX is not driven, you can investigate by crawling under the RX and some one with the foot on the gas pedal.. I highly discourage trouble shooting on hunches [although there are times that you have to resort to it].

I have not lived in snow belt, but I would suggest let the things warm up and the let the accumulated ice melt away [may be in garage if the outside is going to remain below freezing]. Then try to reproduce the problem.

In all seriousness, the exhaust outlet can get stuffed by snow and make a difference in the note. In the same token the pipe can be bent it the snow did not give.

Salim