Loose mufflers

[UOENO]

Thanks everyone in advance for any suggestions/ideas.

Both of my mufflers are loose on each side. They are both not going anywhere (I've wiggled them to make sure and they seem to be clipped in well), but they wobble which causes a rattle when backing out of my driveway - for example. They both seem to look like a clean cut/break from where they should be attached to... the rest of the exhaust....? Bare with me I'm not the most knowledgeable. Pic below should help visualize. I was thinking about having one of my good buddy's weld them back on for an easy fix, but when I was getting an oil change the other day I asked about that.... out of curiosity..... and they made it seem like that would not be possible.

Long story short, do you guys think having them welded would be a good idea? Or is there another feasible way?

[Ilya]

If they are no longer part of the exhaust, your car should be pretty loud. Is it? You would hear a lot more than just a rattle, IMO.

As for welding, that's totally fine.

[EdBwoy]

Got video or pictures from your car?

I'm guessing from the picture, that the mufflers have separated at the flange. If so, reweldling the pipe shouldn't be too bad. Check your rubber hangers as well to see if they're all secure and why both sides should fail.
But wait, do you live in a rust-prone area? That would make rewelding a ltitle more challenging.

[steve_c]

Same thing happened to my M several years back.
My passenger muffler separated at the flange, right along the weld line.
The drivers side muffler lasted over a year longer! It cracked at the flange also.
The OEM flange assembly is very cheap stamped steel Was not worth trying to weld it back together.

An OEM muffler cost about $500.00 each. I bought a pair of Megans (axle back) for about $400.00 a pair.

[UOENO]

@Ilya - It is definitely loud, but not as bad as you would think. For what it's worth it actually sounds pretty good lol. Rattle was a bad word to use though..... More of a clunk due to them wobbling back and forth.

@EdBwoy/@steve_c - You're both right, the flange is definitely where both sides are disconnected from. Hangers seem to be good, they are holding up each side just fine. Down the road I plan on getting an aftermarket exhaust put in, but for right now I'm looking for a temporary quick/cheap fix. It does look a bit rusty down there. I live in Wisconsin so rust is expected unfortunately.

I had my buddy check it out quick last night and he did bring up the rust, but that it wasn't too bad as far as what he saw. He also said the welding would be pretty close to the frame and he wasn't sure how he felt about that. Any thoughts?

[EdBwoy]

Furnace weld from Autozone etc.. Comes in a tube like toothpaste and has worked wonders for me in the past. My buddy introduced me to it in school. He used to patch exhaust holes with it, then we graduated to doing full circles... then we graduated from school, lol.

EDIT: Not saying this is how exhaust systems should be fixed, but it could be a good and strong temporary (permanent to be honest) solution while you wait to get the new setup.

[steve_c]

If you opt to weld the flange back on, your friend is correct.
the only way to do it correctly is to remove the muffler & flange assembly from the vehicle.
If you have deep rust around the areas to be welded, you may not have much luck!