Exhaust Pipe Off Road Trouble

[adkinsadam1]

So yesterday we took our stock 2006 4runner limited up Lake Como road to Jaws one. We couldn't get by that insanity so we backed into a parking space. There was a big muddy lip at the edge of the space that we had to back over and the tail pipe got smashed into it. It was hanging low after we parked, and it looked like the piece that sticks into that rubber thing (you know what I'm talking about? That rubber piece that holds the muffler up?) had been knocked back 2 or 3 inches. We tried to pull it back into place but it was hopeless and we had to drive back that way. Well, today we looked at it and the exhaust pipe is obviously ending 2 or 3 inches more forward than it did before we backed into it sooooo, we took a long bolt and stuck that through the rubber thing and the piece that is supposed to go through the rubber thing - filling the gap. We think the pipe has been bent somewhere - but can't see it. When the engine idles at a certain rpm, we BARELY hear some vibrating from the pipe. But my question is, is this going to be detrimental in any way to our car or do we need to bring it in to be looked at? Thanks so much!

 

[Black06Limited]

Personally, I would take it in to get looked at. An exhaust is not something that you want to mess around with. Also, its not that easy to tell what is wrong with it. Someone at a shop will be able to hook it up to a machine and see if something is wrong with your exhaust. Best of luck!

 

[galactic_04]

Just look and see if any tubing is crushed at all. if it's not round any more, then you may want to have it looked at. if it looks ok, then I wouldn't worry about it. Chances are you just lost the tip... the tip is pretty but has NO function other than that.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Just look and see if any tubing is crushed at all. if it's not round any more, then you may want to have it looked at. if it looks ok, then I wouldn't worry about it. Chances are you just lost the tip... the tip is pretty but has NO function other than that.

I agree and would add if there is a kink/crush spot get it fixed. Depending on how much it's kinked it may restrict the exhaust. Over a few days of easy driving it wouldn't hurt anything but over the lifetime of the vehicle it wouldn't be good.

Click on the tailpipe mod link in my sig. This may be the perfect time for that

 

[diamondplate]

There is quite a bit of movement allowed based on the exhaust hangers. My initial guess is that it is shifted forward and nothing is too terribly wrong. Like the others have said have it put on a hoist and give it a good look. I bet you could go to an independent exhaust shop and slip the guy $10 or $20 just to check things out.
Good luck.

 

[adkinsadam1]

Can someone real quick post a photo of your 4runner's exhaust pipe?

It would be extremely helpful because if we are missing a part we could save a lot of money by not having it looked at. And we are leaving soon!

 

[the4Rdan]

Can someone real quick post a photo of your 4runner's exhaust pipe?

It would be extremely helpful because if we are missing a part we could save a lot of money by not having it looked at. And we are leaving soon!

See attached. If there's something else you want a photo of, let me know!

 

[adkinsadam1]

That is extremely helpful! My pipe must be very bent because the piece that goes through that rubber thing is about 3 inches away from it! I think I'd better have it looked at after all, although I don't think airflow is being restricted. But, at least I'm not missing any parts! Thanks so much!

 

[jetboy1975]

Also check where the pipe connects to the converter. This is usually where it will flex the most. I got hit from behind and it pushed the exhaust forward similar to yours. Couldn't see any bends in the pipe but the garage found the flex point had bent and broken several of the springs holding it. This caused a small exhaust leak in a bad (unsafe ) place.