lexus300rb

Hi, starting out I have a 1997 ES300 with 101,000 miles. At about 98,000 miles the flex pipe had a leak so I decided to replace flex pipe w/catalytic and center pipe w/resonator and muffler at the same time due to the mileage on car. So, I went the inexpensive route and replaced exhaust system with Walker parts. Since then the car sounds like a cheap 4 banger when accelerating through all gears. I also noticed I have a vibration felt in the gas pedal at 3000 RPM whether it's in 1st, 2nd or Drive. Is all this vibration and cheap noise the result of the Walker exhaust?

LeX2K

Could be a combination, cheapo exhaust and worn engine mounts. Also the hangers on Walker parts tend not to line up very well so the exhaust doesn't "float" and causes vibration. The metal is not as thick as OEM either, I know original parts are much more expensive but there's a reason.

lexus300rb

Hi Lexus2000, thanks for your reply. I'll put the car on a hoist and check the hangers with the rubber disconnected and see if hangers line up with hangers on car. Also I'll look into the engine mounts even though the vibration wasn't noticed prior to the exhaust replacement, but mounts still a possibility. One thing I did do since new exhaust, I replaced muffler with a used ES300 muffler and it seemed to quiet down the cheap noise or change the pitch a bit. I've heard before of exhaust resonating problems with non OEM parts.
Thanks for your FYI.

LeX2K

Problem is the catalytic and downpipe are one piece so to go OEM costs $2000. Auto wrecker is not usually an option because they take a giant pair of snips and hack off the converter to sell for precious metals, also in most places it is illegal to sell a used converter. Best option is get a muffler shop to repair the OEM system if at all possible obviously not an option for you at this point.

The OEM muffler is so much better than Walker or Bosal it's not even funny.

lexus300rb

Well, guess that will be the last piece (down pipe w/catalytic) to be replaced if needed. Ouch on the price. The center pipe w/resonator is about $320. The new muffler around $600-700. But from your previous post I'll check the motor mounts. If I decide to replace center pipe next, there will be no need to check hanger alignment.

By the way, I went to a large auto salvage to locate center pipe with muffler for my ES300. I even would have settled for same items from a Camry around same year or even newer, but most cars were missing the cat along with center pipe. They cut off right before muffler. I was there for three days with no results. All the other auto yards in Wisconsin won't even sell exhausts parts after the manifolds.

wmj259

Salvage Yards can't sell the catalytic converter because they have to be tested and certified against pollution/smog. The equipment costs thousands, and its much easier to scrap then test.

lexus300rb

Hey Lexus2000, I broke down and ordered the center pipe and muffler for my 97 ES300. Probably will be here next week, but on a side note, I happened to weigh a 99
ES300 muffler that I purchased from Ebay awhile back and it weighed 22lbs. I also weighed the Walker Quiet flow muffler that I originally purchased and it weighed
12lbs. So when you said there is no comparison between aftermarket mufflers and Lexus mufflers, that sold me, so I decided to buy the Lexus muffler.

To go back a ways in time when I replaced the whole exhaust system with Walker components, that is where the raspy 4 banger sound started. Then I replaced the Walker muffler with the 99 ES300 muffler (had to modify muffler flange to mate with the center pipe flange}. That is where the vibration at 3000rpm started. Since then, not too long ago, I replaced the 99 ES300 muffler with a 99 Solara muffler (high mileage muffler). The vibration changed a very little but also had another vibration around the 2000rpm. So, now I am going to replace center pipe w/resonator and muffler with new equipment. I'll give you updates when project is completed.

LeX2K

That says it all. The aftermarket mid pipes are usually the ones I have to fight with the most I either have to torch and bend the hangers or tweak the entire pipe.

lexus300rb

Hi Lexus2000, well the new center pipe and muffler came in last week. Replaced the components, but, with aftermarket gaskets from Bosal. Don't ask me why aftermarket gaskets. I wasn't comfortable with the gaskets so I have 2 Toyota (90080-43026) OEM gaskets coming next week. Anyway, in the meantime the raspy 4 banger noise disappeared. Now it sounds like a Lexus. I did notice the hanger position on the center pipe was different as I did a before and after measurement from the hanger to a reference point on the body. The position of the rubber hanger mount at the down pipe (catalytic) location changed also when all pieces bolted together.
But the vibration close to 3000 rpm is still present. Almost has a moan (low bass) sound at the same vibration rpm.
I'll keep you updated after the gaskets are replaced. Might look at the condition of the rubber hangers at the down pipe and center pipe locations.

lexus300rb

Appears. to be stretched
Hi Lexus2000, this is what I have. The down pipe w/catalytic is a Walker brand. The center pipe and muffler are Lexus brand. The gaskets between center pipe and catalytic and center pipe and muffler are Lexus # 90800-43026. The raspy noise is still gone and much quieter. The vibration is still present between 2750-3000 rpm.
I have a question as far as the center pipe hanger. Is it normal for the rubber mount to appear stretched as shown in the picture.

LeX2K

The exhaust system should "float" that hanger is stretched way out.

lexus300rb

Thanks for the reply. Guess I'll order a new (Lexus) hanger for the center pipe. Might as well order the catalytic hanger also. Do you happen to know the difference between the 90800-43026 and the 90800-43036 gaskets? Different websites say they will fit and then again they say different. Thanks again for helping me out. I would be playing the guessing game the whole time on my own.

LeX2K

Part numbers are here
http://www.japan-parts.eu/lexus/us/1...2_exhaust-pipe

A new rubber hanger won't help you if the front pipe is misaligned which I'm guessing is what's going on.

lexus300rb

Hi Lexus2000, hangers and gaskets are coming next week. Even a used down pipe. Can't afford $1400 plus for a new one. Found one on Ebay for $70 (135K mile) out of a 1997 ES300. Hope it does me well.
Anyway, in your pictorial you sent me, what is the item # 17569B. Explanation says (Stay Exhaust pipe support, No.2). Do you have a real picture
of that piece? I don't recall seeing anything like that on my car through this whole ordeal. Much appreciated.
Regards,
Ron

LeX2K

Looks to be part of the heat shield.