Modified exhaust issues

[mfesi Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mfesi]

G'day to all.
I would like some input regarding a issue that I have with my newly fitted performance exhaust system. After fitting (approx 1000km ago) I noticed that when turning to the left (usually at full lock) and either pulling off or under power, I would hear and feel a knocking/shudder/vibration on both the clutch pedal and also on the steering wheel while accelerating. It is very pronounced at low speeds. I took the vehicle into Toyota to see whether I had a CV joint/brake problem with the RHS front wheel. Turning to the left has no effect. After checking the vehicle over and replacing the all thefront stabiliser rubbers Toyota advised that the "aftermarket" exhaust system was at fault. The bolt/clamp of the steering down-link to the steering rack is hitting the now larger diameter turbo dump pipe in certain steering positions. One of these being at full lock to the left. I can also get the same effect during a left turn at speed on a corner - steering has to be in a specific position though. At all other times the Prado drives great. Steering is true with no vibrations. I have checked out what Toyota found and can verify that the linkage will hit the dump pipe. Toyota advised that I get the exhaust converted back to standard.
As the supplier of the exhaust is reputable and was recommended, I feel that I can't be the only one who is or has experienced this problem. Any advise for a solution will be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.
Mfesi

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Modified exhaust issues

As the supplier of the exhaust is reputable and was recommended, I feel that I can't be the only one who is or has experienced this problem. Any advise for a solution will be greatly appreciated.

Don't be shy... tell us what brand it is.... and a picture of the dump pipe/steering would be good too :wink:

I hate to state the obvious; but isn't this an issue you should be taking up with the exhaust supplier? if there's nothing wrong with the vehicle and the exhaust design is at fault they should make it right....

Mick

[mfesi Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mfesi]

Re: Modified exhaust issues

It's a Beaudesert Exhaust system. I will post a few pics over the weekend detailing the problematic area. One thing I did notice while lying under the car was that at full lock left the steering rack moved on its rubber mounts to force the downlink towards the dump pipe. I can't tell whether this will be the case while driving or turning to lock while moving as there will be less resistance from the tyre.
I want to find out if mine is an isolated case before I approach BE with a claim.

[rossy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rossy]

Re: Modified exhaust issues

hi mfesi,try fitting new steering rack bushes. you may be surprisied to find the rattle gone and the prado may even drive/steer better.? cheers rossy.

[mfesi Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mfesi]

Re: Modified exhaust issues

Hi Rossy. Thanks for the input. Will the rack bushes need to be replaced by Toyota (special tools, etc?). Also will this affect alignment? cheers, mfesi.

[rossy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rossy]

Re: Modified exhaust issues

hi mfesi,it depends on which bush is worn if it,s the left hand side,then it,s easy to replace just a d rubber. the right hand side, the bushes are a ferm fit in the housing depends on who worn the bushes are as to how easy they come out. the toein should not change but the steering wheel centre may change because of the position of the rack when tighten up with the new bushes.it would be a good idear to get a wheelalignment. cheers rossy.

[MUMSRIG Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MUMSRIG]

Re: Modified exhaust issues

I couldn't really see that the rack bushes/rubbers would be a high wear item. What year model and kilometres are on you vehicle?

If you fit an aftermarket part and then have an issue directly relating to that part then I would suggest that you need to talk to the manufacturer of the exhaust. Take it back to the place that fitted it (if it was fitted at a shop) and ask them to put it on their hoist and take a look for you. It may be simple to make a minor modification to rectify the prob.

Either way, I would still run it by the manufacturer first.

Mitch

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Modified exhaust issues

Worn steering rack bushes are actually quite common on the 90 and has also started to show up on early/high K 120's. The bushes anchor the rack to the chassis and are under stress everytime you turn.

The bushes are easily available as an aftermarket part (Nolathane make a kit for example) and there is even a regular listing on Ebay. Not an expansive part.

Mick

[MUMSRIG Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MUMSRIG]

Re: Modified exhaust issues

Worn steering rack bushes are actually quite common on the 90 and has also started to show up on early/high K 120's.
Mick

I'm going to have to start closing my gob I think :mrgreen: Obviously I have been out of the trade for far too long.

On another note and a bit off topic. We had our first Landcruiser Tray Back V8TD engine blow up this week at work, they are only $14500 grand for a long motor... :roll: Guess we better start stocking these as we have around 20 of them on site....

[mfesi Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mfesi]

Re: Modified exhaust issues

Thanks for all the input. To answer some questions, year is 2000 and kms are approx 170000.

I got under the front to take a few pics this eveing and found that the rack moves by up to 3mm on the RHS through mount when turning. The pics don't really show the movement all that well and even the lines I drew with whiteout didn't reflect the movement - must be the camera angle?

I also took a few pics of the down link to the the rack to see if I could show it touching the dump pipe but couldn't show it actually hitting the pipe as it didn't, even with the steering under load (turning when stationary).

It does look as though the top of the securing bracket of the down link has rubbed against the dump pipe as it looks quite beat up, but this could have been this way from new. I think my next test is to wrap some masking tape around the securing bracket and see if it gets damaged after a drive. This will prove that the link is actually hitting the dump pipe.

My gut feel is that something else is wrong hence the initial post and I feel that Toyota might have taken the easy way out by blaming the aftermarket exhaust system. Who knows - after the drive with tape I'll maybe have a better idea.

Cheers,
Mfesi.

[mfesi Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mfesi]

Re: Modified exhaust issues

G'day to all,

Well the tape test shows that the steering drop arm bracket is definitely hitting the dump pipe. I could see that the tape has been damaged and worn away by striking the dump pipe. I will contact BE about rectifying the problem. I will ask them to add a support bracket to strengthen the dump pipe and reduce cracking at the same time as mentioned in an earlier post (see "larger turbo pipe?").

I took a picture of the damaged tape but will have to work out how to attach or insert it.

Many thanks to all for the advise and input.
Cheers,
Mfesi

[jjgsxr1000 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close jjgsxr1000]

Re: Modified exhaust issues

Was just wondering how good the performance gains were out of the dump pipe?

Regards, Jay.