Land Rover Repair: 1995 disco muffler rattling, rubber grommet, muffler shops

Question
John,

What causes the loose muffler rattle?
Expensive or easy fix?


Thanks so much for your time. Your
knowledge and insight always gives
me tremendous peace of mind.

Sincerely,
Danielle

Answer
Hi Danielle,

a noisy or loose muffler may be as simple as a broken rubber support attachment.  The exhaust system is attached to the underside of the Disco by the use of rubber grommets.  

These grommets provide both support and reduce vibration.  Over time, they can crack (aging process of rubber) and thus the metal bracket arm then comes free.  Sometimes, under terrible road conditions (spring time) the exhaust bracket arm can wiggle itself out of the rubber grommet OR the grommet falls off.

If it is a rubber grommet, replacement is easy but you need a strong arm to install it.

If its not the grommets, it could be that corrosion has eaten away the muffler or support arms and you are hearing the result of this.

You should take the Disco to someone you trust and have the exhaust inspected.  If its the rubber grommets, it can be as low as $50 installed (labour included).  The grommets are about $10 each.

If its your exhaust pipes or brackets that are rusted, it could get expensive.  If you have the two piece exhaust, a Y pipe followed by the resonator and muffler, it could be about $600 plus labour and taxes.

If you have the three piece exhaust system, it could be about $300 plus labour and taxes.  Only the section that is corroded is replaced.  The Y pipe, the resonator or the muffler.

The Y pipe is expensive: $800+  it has 2 catalytic converters attached to it.  Then there is the O2 sensors, if they are salvageable or not.  Usually around $1200+ for this part.

SO...I hope its only the rubber grommets that need replacing.  Most muffler shops should have these parts or try your local auto parts store.

Best of luck,

JohnMc