ROSCOGX470

I have the classic ticking sound on acceleration. I had a muffler shop check it out and the tech said he thinks the passenger side exhaust manifold has a leak. I have already replaced the whole manifold and cat on the drivers side. Could it be just the gasket? The ticking is coming from the top near the engine and not the cat. Is it a pain to replace the gasket? Any info would be appreciated.

Crispy3M

I'm glad to hear someone else is experiencing this!

I just had both my Exhaust Manifolds removed, welded and replaced for the very same reason. The passenger side took but the drivers side is still leaking.

While I wasn't there, I did see the pictures of how our vehicles are set up and it's not good

Because the OEM Manifolds are so flimsy, I'm now looking to replace them with Headers but I can't seem to find any. I remember PearlPower saying that Headers will work but that they needed to be modified slightly as the Oil Dipstick caused a problem.

I'm looking into Doug Thorley Headers or Pacesetter. I can't tell if the Pacesetter are Headers or just and aftermarket Manifold.

When you replaced your Manifold, did you use OEM?

Cheers!

ROSCOGX470

Yes, they were factory from Lexus

Crispy3M

Thanks for getting back to me.

I love this truck but my X5 definitely required less maintenance

I'm going to give the Lexus another month or two but if it keeps costing me money, I'm going back to BMW.

new2005GX

Same problem here...I think it is the Injectors though and not the exhaust. Getting ready to do the timing belt, will see if there is any improvement (doubtful)

stiles_s

This may be the first time this phrase (My BMW requires less maintenance than my Lexus) has been uttered in the history of the internet. We should mark the occasion

Seriously though, I've had several BMWs (and about 25 other cars), and my GX is far and above the most reliable and well built car I've owned. in 80k, I have had a water pump fail, and also replaced the shocks+struts and the headlight bulbs. That's it (so far, knock wood, yadda yadda). I have a love/hate relationship with this thing: I am completely loyal to the truck because it's so bloody reliable and capable. I continue to not be a "lexus guy", and the thing drives like a tank. But, actions speak louder than words, I've put 80k on this thing in 6+ years. More miles and longer ownership duration than any car I've owned.

Crispy3M

LOL... You are so right!

I know it's hit and miss. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but all things being equal, I did have much better luck with the two BMW's and as you mentioned, there is no comparison in the ride.

In less than 20K I've had both the Suspension & Exhaust. I am driving an 04, so one has to expect these types of repairs. Both normal for an older vehicle but both very expensive and IMHO somewhat poorly designed.

The suspension was $650+ per shock (on the rear) however the ride quality certainly does not reflect the cost.

As for the Exhaust, I think you can always expect to replace the cat-back exhaust from time to time but I was caught off guard when both Exhaust Manifolds failed. After seeing how the Exhaust Manifolds were designed, I can see why many have trouble.

It's all small stuff, really, and I'm hoping that the repairs will subside but just the same, I'm looking

All the best!

Chris

ROSCOGX470

I have heard ticking could be the result of injectors but I had an exhaust specialist use a hearing device and he said it Definetly came from the passengers side manifold. I may just live with it until it throws a bad code(like the drivers side). I hear the same ticking from my neighbors V8 4runner.

ROSCOGX470

Quick question, would my aftermarket warranty cover a manifold or is that considered not covered?

Crispy3M

If any one is interested, I just ordered these for my vehicle.

Pacesetter 750050 & 750051 - Direct-Fit Manifold with Catalytic Converter



I'll post on quality and fit in a couple weeks.

Cheers,

Chris

SCuster

Crispy3M, How did your install go? results? I have a tripped VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, SKID, CEL all on and a tick on cold start up. I'm almost certain 1 or both need replaced given these vehicles history with leaky manifolds. All the codes are pointing to the Bank and 2 CATS as well so I think $450 for both sides is well worth it to keep my FX breathing good.

Crispy3M

I haven't had them installed yet.

I travel extensively for work, which makes it all the more annoying when I come home and have to deal with yet another problem with the GX

I ordered the manifolds from Amazon on August 17th. I'm expecting them some time next week. Can't really complain too much as the price was very good.

I'll be home September 2nd and should have them installed on the 3rd. I'll let you know right away how I make out. I did read a review of the manifolds on Amazon from a gentlemen who had them installed on his Toyota. (same part numbers) He was very impressed.

Cheers,

Chris

ROSCOGX470

Keep us posted

Crispy3M

Sorry I am so late getting back to you on this. I have an aftermarket warranty and it did not cover the exhaust manifolds. I'm guessing it would be somewhat rare for a warranty to cover exhaust components.

Cheers!

Crispy3M

Gentlemen,

Happy to report that the Pacesetter Exhaust Manifolds did not disappoint!

They were priced right, built right and came complete with gaskets and hardware for installation.

The only negative, if you could call it that, was that the left side Cat did not line up exactly with the "Y" pipe. If you have worked with headers before, you know that this is normal. We decided to leave the Exhaust Manifold where it was and make a slight mod to the "Y" pipe so that there was no stress on the Exhaust Manifold. It was only out by about a 1/2"

I've attached two pictures below. One is the new Exhaust Manifold from Pacesetter and the other is the Mickey Mouse setup from Lexus. It's not hard to see the difference in quality!

Cheers!

Chris

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