Hello. My car recently became quieter (exhaust sound). I thought maybe it was just my imagination, but my wife mentioned it and then a neighbor. They both thought I must have replaced the exhaust. I did no such thing. Is there something that goes wrong with these things that makes them quieter? I don't want to dismiss it if there's a potential problem.

TIA,

Dale.

 

That's a new one. Does it feel any different? More power? Less power?

Maybe a chipmunk crawled into the muffler and made himself a new home.

 

If I had to decide, I'd say less power. Although, the quieter sound might just be making me feel slower.

 

All I can think of is maybe a clogged up catalytic convertor.

 

Bang on various spots of the exhaust with a hammer and check for a change in sound...

 

Wouldn't less power and quieter sound lead one to believe that a potential blockage occurred within the exhaust system? Perhaps not a chipmunk, but instead might the cat be going (falling apart internally/corroding)? Is the car running any rougher (due to potential increased back pressure from the exhaust)? How would one (easily) test flow-through on an exhaust system?

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Maybe I'll get time to remove the exhaust this week. I'd rather it be a chipmunk than a gerbil in the exhaust...