2002 I35 experiencing increased noise from transmission

[mattwoods4]

I've had my '02 I35 for about a year now and have not minimal problems with it. It's maintained by a Nalley dealer here in Atlanta and they have only said good things about its condition.

It's normally a very quiet-driving car, but for about a week now, and escalating up to today, the drive-noise has been getting louder and louder up to the point where it sounds like I took the muffler off it to make my engine sound bigger. I hear no other sounds regarding cracking or metallic pinging, so I'm not sure whether my muffler needs replacing or something else. Thoughts?

[NutriaforBreakfast]

I am assuming you have an automatic transmission. Check your transmission fluid to see if it is low. Also look at it to seeif it is brown or discolored (it should be red). Smell it to see if it smells burned or smells like varnish. If it is not low on oil, is not shifting poorly, or is not slipping then it may not be the transmission.

Check your CV axles to see if they are worn and if the CV rubber bootsare cracked. There could be old grease around them as the spinning actionwould throw it all over the place under the car. The CV axles would be loud if the car was moving, not sitting still.

Check for an exhaust problem.

Sounds like either the exhaust manifold or gasket, muffler, catalytic converter, or some part of the exhaust has come loose. Since it is an 02 it sounds unlikely to be a rusted hole but I guess thats possible.