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hanhan2008
New User
Aug 1, 2008, 8:30 AM
Post #1 of 6
(2692 views)
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Hi Every buddy,
My car is 2002 Ford ZX2, ~51k miles.
It has a larger-than-normal noise (not too loud but seems get louder over time in a progressive manner, the progression was so slow that I myself didn't even notice it until my friend reminded me of that).
Sent it to a dealer (Vision Ford in Rochester, NY) saying it was a suspected muffler problem. After inspection, other problems were also found, including but not limited to, transmission fluid leakage.
It's time for annual inspection but my budget was really tight. So I asked the mechanic what items need to be dealt with if just to pass annual inspection. He listed 2 items that were necessary for this purpose but have nothing to do with either muffler or transmission fluid leakage.
I'm confused because bad muffler could fail an emission inspection. Could the muffler still be ok but the mechanic simply wants to replace it just because I raised a concern? About 6 weeks ago, I got a free inspection in the same shop (the 1st owner passed on VIP membership to me) and the report showed that exhaust system was good (good, fair, or bad) and transmission fluid level was normal.
What's the normal life span of a muffler? My car has been in Rochester (cold, long, snowy winter), NY for a straight 6 years since its creation. So, I guess the muffler is probably quite close to a breakdown, if not yet. But still, given some seemingly conflicting information, I wonder if the dealer could have claimed too many or exaggerated problems. The mechanic sounds nice over the phone though.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 1, 2008, 10:39 AM
Post #2 of 6
(2684 views)
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Re: muffler question
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It's possible to need exhaust work on this at perhaps 7 years in NorthEast type conditions. Most OE stuff lasts a long time and this is a long time. It might be corroding baffles inside the muffler that you notice and looks good on the outside. If tight and not too loud that alone should pass inspection. Just looked and the parts weren't all that expensive on this for muffer and exhaust pipe which may need to go with it. You might even hear stuff inside tapping on it with a rubber hammer or similar test.
What's with the trans leak? You should be sure to maintain proper level and at least know exactly where it's leaking. Some minor oil staining from a gasket might be acceptable but some other problems could be a warning and need attention! I can't guess what it is from here.
If you aren't happy with the dealer or place you are going talk to them about it or change shops. It's not always exagerated or two tech's have different opinions on something - ask,
T
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carjunky
Enthusiast
Aug 1, 2008, 10:41 AM
Post #3 of 6
(2683 views)
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Re: muffler question
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Hi There,
Does NY offer any free inspections? Here in NJ I could go to a state run inspection station for free or a private one for a fee of about $50-$75. The advantage to the private ones is that they will be able to fix the issue and pass the car, where the state run one is simply pass / fail.
As for the car having many problems, as our cars get older things start to break down. If I brought my 1992 BMW with 245K miles to a shop and asked whats wrong, I'm sure he would simply give me his copy of the wat ads opened to the newer used cars... lol
So are you looking to save money:
If you can get a free inspection I would do this. Then if you fail take this report to a repair shop and tell them I simply want the car fixed to pass this.
Otherwise you may want to try another repair shop for a second opinion, it doesnt hurt to shop around.
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carjunky
Enthusiast
Aug 1, 2008, 10:42 AM
Post #4 of 6
(2682 views)
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Re: muffler question
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HaHa Tom beat me to it....
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hanhan2008
New User
Aug 1, 2008, 2:05 PM
Post #5 of 6
(2676 views)
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Re: muffler question
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Quick responses!
Thanks a lot!
Good to know the life of a muffler. Yeah, I definitely would pay attention to the trans leak. I have decided to replace the muffler in another place for probably ~$100, instead of $265 parts and labor (seems that labor is ~$180).
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 2, 2008, 2:45 AM
Post #6 of 6
(2670 views)
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Re: muffler question
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You shouldn't need to buy OE mufflers and pipes as long as they are designed exactly for the car which is what showed when I looked. Most are LLT (last one you'll pay for minus labor) so ask about that.
The trans leak concerns me more right now,
T
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