Today I discovered that my wife's 00 RX has a leak on the underside of the muffler. Her RX has 74K on it. Kinda sucks not to get at least 100K out of it. My 92 Acura Legend that had 110K and still had the original exhaust system when I sold it in September. 13 years old!

I don't suppose that this is covered under her CPO program, is it? If not, does anyone have a clue what the dealer charges for a new one or know of a cheaper alternative?

 

That is kind of strange underneath the muffler. The only thing I can think offhand is the federal emissions warranty that I believe runs until 80K.

If not covered by dealer, I would get a better flowing muffler such as a Magnaflow or Flowmaster (not as loud as some of the stuff on my RX We can talk about that if that that ends up being the option.

 

Yeah...I guess I could let it get a little worse and see if I could get hers sounding like yours! When I was doing a search, I ran across your sound link and saw the pics of your muffler. Looks (and sounds) great. I'm off work tomorrow (President's Day - thanks Abe and George) so I'll probably call the dealer and make an appointment for next weekend to get 'er in and have it checked out. In the meantime, I'll look over her CPO papers to see what kind of chance I have for getting it taken care of that way.

 

LOL. Yeah Mexico does not care at all about noise one bit. That muffler I have is double inlet/exit and it gets really loud at full blast like you heard, but normal driving is just a low rumble.

I had an APC direct flow muffler and that was not too bad for sound. Having direct flow will give you some more horsepower, but again since you have CPO don't spend a cent until you get a definitive answer. Muffler should not have issues like that, though my original main catalytic converter got dinged on the highway down here.

 

There are three reason to spring a leak.

1. Corrosion, where the metal pipe just rusts through, ends up with leak and soft metal around the leak. This happens from outside in and from inside out. Inside out happens as by burning fuel, we produce water. If the vehicle is used for short runs the water stays condenced and starts rusting the pipes. It is reccomended that vehicle is run for longer distances so as enough heat is built in the system to vaporize the condenced water. Out side in rust, is due to elements and can be worse if the vehicle is used say around shore (salt from sea water) or where salts are used on the roads (cold country). If you scrape or scratch the exhaust system the rust formation is hastened. Keep in mind all things want to come to thier natural state and the iron products would end up as iron ore.

2. Joint/flange leak. It has to do with how things were put together and also if things got misaligned. The hangers used in the systme allow the assembly to float under minimal stress. Accidents or mods may cause the problem too.

3. Vibrations/movement: Engine is supposed to move and or vibrate on the uni-body. RX has more than what is considered normal isolation (achieved by letting engine float more) and thus stresses the some-what fixed exhaust. If you scan the forum, you are bound to discover the much maligned exhaust flex coupling. This is the object which is stressed the most and can spring a leak.

Hope the above will help in getting to the root of the problem. A fix without getting to the bottom of the problem is usually short lived.

Unfortuately in the exhaust sytem problems one is left with very few options.

Salim

 

It cost about $500. at Lexus dealer. For the flange at rear axle to the tailpipe, it just bolt on.

 

Go to junk jard to pick up an used one or aftermarket mufflers, $500 will get you a SUS304 stainless steel one, lighter, better resistent to corrosion and higher flow.