Exhaust noise after undercarriage wash...

[masshead87]

Hey guys, I took the Q to the local touch free wash last week, and I noticed that after I drove it out there seems to be a loud exhaust buzz at low speeds (from 30 - 40 mph) coming the area underneath the center console. It doesn't seem to be driving any different, and from what I can tell without access to a lift there are no loose or rusted through sections in the exhaust system. I'll be doing the rag-up-the-tailpipe trick later on today just to make sure. Is it possible that water could have gotten in the wrong spot/ the blowers blown something in the wrong spot to cause this noise? Hints, tips, tricks appreciated...

Also....I still haven't received my O2 sensor yet (driver's side post-cat), it seems that no matter where you order the NTK ones from, they take at least 3 weeks to get here. But I would think that if I had melted my cat I wouldn't just start hearing this buzz all at once.

And just as a side note...I really love the difference the K&N filter makes. Quicker response from a stop, and an appreciable improvement in MPG. Definitely an improvement over my disgustingly clogged paper filter that was in there when I bought it.

Another side note: my valve seals are going. Not enough to add oil between changes but it is a little smelly after a long drive. I'm at 96,300 now. I'll keep an eye on it but unless you guys say it's a bad idea, I'm going to wait till that number 1 rolls into view and deal with it and the rest of the 100k service when that happens.

[maxnix]

Oiled K&N filters are death to hot wire MAF.

Have fun!

[Locknut]

Your steering rack and transmission are underneath the center console. Can't see any water getting too far up your exhaust...you'd burn that out pretty fast anyways. I hope your rack boots aren't damaged cuz you probably just filled them up with water. Check your rack boots asap and get any water out and get some grease in there today. Not a big fan of undercarriage washes.

[maxnix]

The steering rack is most definitely at the front of the car and nowhere near the console.

I would suspect pinpoint exhaust penetrations from corrosion. I am a real fan of under carriage washes where there is salt.

[masshead87]

Oiled K&N filters are death to hot wire MAF.

Have fun!

Wow, thanks! Ever think about moving to MA? Your quick sarcasm and snide little responses would fit you right in up here. Just work on dropping your Rs.

Your steering rack and transmission are underneath the center console. Can't see any water getting too far up your exhaust...you'd burn that out pretty fast anyways. I hope your rack boots aren't damaged cuz you probably just filled them up with water. Check your rack boots asap and get any water out and get some grease in there today. Not a big fan of undercarriage washes.

Had a new steering rack installed back in September, so that's unlikely. However, a transmission flush probably is a good idea, although the fluid looks clean, and it still shifts smooth.

And I don't care too much for the undercarriage wash either, however in this climate if I don't get the salt off I'd be changing every corrodible part underneath every other spring.

[qship96]

99% chance is the noise is caused by a rusted loose heat shield around part of the exhaust system- very common on older cars, and the high pressure water spray probably busted free a shield that was hanging on by a thread.

[Locknut]

Yes ur right maxnix, the rack is a little far forward of the console area (and yeah Tokico struts fit my my car not a 1998) sorry about that...i've been spending more time underneath my car...than in it lately. I just figure most people forget about bad rack boots and don't do much about it....particularly if their tie rods are rusted up. Replacing the rack is one job I would like to avoid. I was just trying to give a heads up. I'd still be afraid to power spray my undercarriage though...i got too many loose heat shields, frozen bolts, bad rubber, and exposed electric connectors as it is...to start now (maybe my next car...i promise). You really think pinpoint penetrations would let a substantial amount of water into the exhaust system...and not burn off when the car heated up?

Good call on the heat shields Qship

[maxnix]

They do let sound out. I doubt water is the issue.

Sorry the truth hurts OP. But if you read some of the previous posts here.......many mistakes and wasting of funds can be avoided. As Q45tech says, most vehicle damage comes from unknowing owners.