rust on muffler :/

[Katie:)]

anyone else notice rust on their muffler? (it's around the welds on mine)

 

[Katie:)]

also, i've only had it a week and no mods so i know it's not anything i've done.

 

[leaky]

That's typical on any weld, with the exception of really high end work you just aren't going to find anyplace in the auto industry.

Basically with a weld you take metal, similar to what you are welding, add heat, and melt it all together.

The metal that is being added is typically of a lower quality than the actual part and the process of melting the metals burns alloys off (alloys are other metals added to make metals that don't rust).

Anyway I think what you've got is commonly referred to as "surface rust". Typical on any non exotic metal that has exposure to the outside.

Jon

 

[Sonic]

Haha, good eye Katie, but this is completely normal and to be expected of a factory exhaust system. If you don't like it, you can buy an aftermarket stainless steel muffler when they are available.

 

[laborsmith]

I wonder if an after market muffler would need to be welded on?
Probably. I wonder if a full bolt on exhaust would have similar rust problems?
The second is not rhetorical; if anyone knows I would like to see an answer.

Laborsmith

 

[Sonic Boomer]

That type of rust is normal; however, it is unfortunate if a weld is located in a conspicuous area. Is this apparent from a normal viewing angle or were you mucking about underneath?

Thanks (I'm still waiting on delivery of my Sonic)

 

[wasteoffilm]

I wonder if an after market muffler would need to be welded on?
Probably. I wonder if a full bolt on exhaust would have similar rust problems?
The second is not rhetorical; if anyone knows I would like to see an answer.

Laborsmith

From what I remember seeing, the inlet to the muffler has a tight bend and a bracket right before it, trying to clamp a muffler on would be difficult.

crappy phonecam images attached

For aftermarket systems, the only thing I've heard is that the flanges are the weak point, but I have no proof.

 

[LS1notFOUND]

if its stainless even that can surface rust (some grades).

Its most likely surface rust, nothing to worry about

 

[Gimpster]

If you look closely at some of the pictures from my oil change DIY you can see surface and weld rust here/there on the exhaust system. Like others have said, it happens.

 

[Katie:)]

i kinda assumed it could be normal, but i was just a little freaked out because well.. I've had the darn thing a week lol. we were in my boyfriends car pulling in behind it (his is a 2012 malibu) and we noticed it which of course ment i got muddy and got under it because i was ready to flip out on the dealership (lol) but other than MAYBE seat covers i won't be modding ANYTHING until the 7yrs is up (they are NOT voiding MY warranty)

 

[Sonic Boomer]

I wonder if an after market muffler would need to be welded on?
Probably. I wonder if a full bolt on exhaust would have similar rust problems?
The second is not rhetorical; if anyone knows I would like to see an answer.

Laborsmith

Usually the flanges for a bolt-on will be welded, so unless it is painted, I would expect rust or a scarey price tag.
But, I don't have direct experience with aftermarket mufflers, so I may be full of chit!