jeober
New member
Over the past year a rattle became increasingly worse, from the spring-loaded exhaust coupling. This rattle occurred only at light engine lugging at 1100 rpm -- such as in 5th gear locked torque converter at 37-38 mph under a light throttle. At this condition a natural resonance in the V6 powertrain caused this joint to vibrate and rattle. I could also cause the rattle by using in gear brake torquing and this is how I identified the source.
I fixed this rattle by replacing the exhaust gasket 17451-74051 in the joint; discount price is $16.50 plus shipping. The replacement procedure is quite simple. The only real work involved is breaking loose the two 14mm bolts. Here a 1/2" drive 10" extension using a 18" breaker bar does the trick. Remove the two bolts with the springs, release a couple of exhaust hangers, push backward with a foot on the cat converter, and the joint will open up.
The ball-in-cup type gasket is designed to accommodate engine roll with the exhaust system. However, I had to break loose the old gasket to remove it using a very large screwdriver and a mallet Apparently, the gasket was seized within its cup and therefore not doing its job. I put some anti-seize lubricant on the new gasket - not sure if it will hold up to temp. but it certainly won't hurt.
This is the first non-maintenance type repair for me in 64,000 miles.
I fixed this rattle by replacing the exhaust gasket 17451-74051 in the joint; discount price is $16.50 plus shipping. The replacement procedure is quite simple. The only real work involved is breaking loose the two 14mm bolts. Here a 1/2" drive 10" extension using a 18" breaker bar does the trick. Remove the two bolts with the springs, release a couple of exhaust hangers, push backward with a foot on the cat converter, and the joint will open up.
The ball-in-cup type gasket is designed to accommodate engine roll with the exhaust system. However, I had to break loose the old gasket to remove it using a very large screwdriver and a mallet Apparently, the gasket was seized within its cup and therefore not doing its job. I put some anti-seize lubricant on the new gasket - not sure if it will hold up to temp. but it certainly won't hurt.
This is the first non-maintenance type repair for me in 64,000 miles.
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