Over the past few months my '00 300M has developed a bit of an exhaust
bark.
I had an oil change today (at a Midas dealer****p, first time ever that
I've not had it done at a Chrysler dealer) and I asked them to look at
the exhaust and tell me what / where the problem is. Went to look
under the car while it was hoisted (have never been under the car like
that before). It looked to be in great condition underneath
(rust-wise). Break lines are rusting in some places - I take it that
brake and fuel lines are steel (not stainless steel?).
Anyways, I've got a printed diagram showing the exhaust system of a
300M (Activant Solutions Inc.)
I believe the system looks like this:
- Left/Right cat converters
- left/right front pipes (2 pieces each)
- resonator (?) 2-inputs, 1-output ($135, $90 labor)
- single center extension pipe ($130, $90 labor)
- muffler ($133, $90 labor)
- short pipe ($36)
- resonator ($174, $90 labor)
Not sure if I've identified the resonator(s) and muffler correctly.
All pipes must be stainless steel (they would have rusted out in 3 or
4 years if they weren't).
Seems that all the components are welded together - not clamped (I
like that). In other words, the pipes are welded to the resonators,
muffler.
So the bark I'm hearing is because the seam running the length of both
sides of the first "resonator" has opened up.
The resonator at the back end of the system has about 1/2 dozen small
holes (1/8" diam or smaller) on it's underside.
Naturally the Midas guy wants to replace everything from the first
resonator all the way to the back end (labor/parts/tax = $905). It's
not really a money thing, but I'm really only focused on replacing the
failing (failed) resonator and keeping the rest of the system intact.
I'm thinking that not only are the pipes made of stainless steel, but
the resonators and muffler must be as well. I don't think any pipes
really need replacing - and I wouldn't trust the quality of the pipe
material that Midas might use anyways (do they use stainless - or are
do these shops use aluminized pipes?).
What's the consensus out there regarding exhaust system servicing on
these 2'nd gen LH cars?
Is the dealer the best place to have this service work done if I'm
concerned about the longevity (craftsman****p, materials) of the
replacement parts, and/or the method of replacement (welding vs
clamping) ??
|
