96 850 GLT sedan - So I had the entire exhaust system and O2 sensors replaced ($1500), and the car was still rather loud. So mechanic then tells me I need a new exhaust manifold, so had that done (another $225), and car is still louder than pre-new exhaust system. Mechanic checks system and tells meno leaks, problems, but says aftermarket mufflers can be louder than original equipment. Car is not bad when idling, coasting, but louder than I'd expect when accelerating. Sounds louder from the rear. Any thoughts?

 

It's fine, just deal with it unless you want to spend more money.

 

What kind of loud is it?

Is it a deep hum, because a lot of people go for that...
Especially if you have a turbo, you will probably get a deep sounding hum. Personally, I like it...(Not the fart can type though).

 

Hi,

Operationally, it would not hurt anything (unless it's vibrating so much that it's rubbing against peripheral components) but if it's annoying you (which is probably the reason why posted question), visually inspect to see if the job was done right. If you hear it from the rear, check the rear half of the exhaust line. If you can do this at a shop where they let you do it while the car is up on a lift, perfect. If not, run the engine and let it idle (parking brake fully applied, shifter in "P" if automatic gearbox, a pair of wheel chocks would be perfect, though), while you watch for water dripping; get down onto the ground and see it from the side\rear of the car.

Also, with the engine cold, try grabbing the tail pipe and shake it up&down and sideways to see if it's loose and hitting something due to worn out rubber hanger.

I am curious as to what brand of muffler was installed. There are plenty of poor-quality auto parts lately floating around in the market.

Good luck,


JPN

 

It is more of a roaring/humming sound that gets louder with acceleration. Not a turbo.Definitelyis annoying, particularly since the car didn't sound like that before I dropped almost $2K. JPN, thanks for the suggestions, which I will look into. Thenew manifold isVolvo (salvage in almost new condition).As for the brand of muffler, etc., I'll check that out and let you know. I'm concerned that I received less than ideal replacement equipment, and have a feeling that I willhave to live with it (grudgingly).

 

Hello again,

I just checked FCP Groton to see what brand of muffler they had, and they sell Bosal, which is a good name-brand mfg. The one for non-turbo is $200, turbo is $265. I am not sure if Bosal was the OEM, but they are well-known in the industry. If the shop you used did put a Bosal muffler, then it might have been installed poorly, or the muffler might have had manufacturing defects. Check to see if the muffler has warranty on it.

For your future reference, if you can find a shop that specialises in Swedish/European cars andis willing to accept parts from customers, it may save some $. FCP Groton of Connecticut carries OEM & high-quality aftermarket parts and I've been happy with them so far (though I no longer live in the States and am Volvoless right now).

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850exhaust.htm

Also, when you have your car serviced, make sure to let the shop show you the parts that they take off of the car to see if they actually needed replacement.

Wish you luck,


JPN

 

Since we are on the exhaust topic, is it normal for the 850s to have a rumble sound to the exhaust. Mine is not quiet like the usual luxury car but has a little rumble like a muscle car lol. I had the exhaust checked by a shop and they said there was no leak.

I am not complaining since it sounds awesome when the turbo kicks in. Just wondering if its normal.

Also the BOSAL exhaust sound awesome in my opinion if you want something a little louder than stock. Dont know how they would sound on a 850 but it sounded sweet on my integra.

 

The 850 I used to drive was turbo (B5234T), and at idle it was as quiet as a Lexus. Even under hard acceleration/full throttle, it did not have any low rumble and I loved the exhaust note. At cruise/coast, it was still quiet; the wind noise was more noticeable than the exhaust. I personally avoid low-tone rumble muffler (especially the one with large diameter tail pipe), as I like to listen to music while driving.


JPN