Muffler for Nissan AD (11 body): how to choose, repair and replace it yourself

Muffler in Nissan AD with an 11th generation body is not just an element of the exhaust system, but a key component that affects comfort, dynamics and even fuel consumption. Owners of these cars, produced in 1995–2000, often encounter problems: from banal corrosion to cracks in the body, which turn the ride into a symphony of roaring engines. But how do you know if your muffler needs attention? And most importantly, how to choose a replacement so as not to overpay for the brand, but also not to run into a fake that will rot in six months?

In this article we will look at everything you need to know about mufflers for Nissan AD (11 body): from design features to step-by-step replacement instructions. You will find out what original articles suitable, which ones analogues are not inferior in quality, as well as how to extend the life of the exhaust system without expensive repairs. We will pay special attention to typical installation errors and methods for diagnosing faults - because sometimes a “dull” engine sound does not indicate problems with the muffler, but about completely different breakdowns.

Nissan AD exhaust system design (11 body): where is the muffler located and how does it work

Exhaust system Nissan AD It is built according to the classical scheme, but has features related to the layout of the body and engine. The muffler here is the final element of the chain, but its operation depends on the condition of all previous components: manifold, catalyst (if it is preserved), resonator and pipes. In the 11th body the muffler is located under the back of the car, is attached to the resonator through a corrugation and suspended on rubber pads to the body.

Inside the muffler body there is a complex system of partitions and perforated pipes that dampen sound waves due to repeated reflection and absorption. Material - usually aluminized or stainless steel (in original parts). But even “stainless steel” is destroyed over time due to condensation, salt on the roads and high temperatures. Welds and hanger attachment points are especially vulnerable.

• 🔧 Main elements of the system:
• 🔥 Receiving pipe (from the manifold to the catalyst/resonator)
• 🔄 Resonator (pre-silencing)
• 🔇 Muffler (main noise reduction)
• 🚗 Suspensions and fastenings (rubber or metal)

Interesting fact: in some modifications Nissan AD (for example, with an engine SR20DE) the muffler has additional camera for better absorption of low-frequency vibrations. This complicates the design, but makes the car quieter at idle. If you hear a “rumbling” sound when the motor is running, this may be a sign of destruction of this particular chamber.

Signs of a faulty muffler: when to sound the alarm

The first and most obvious symptom is increase in noise from under the bottom. But this is already an extreme stage, when the muffler is practically destroyed. There are earlier “bells” that are worth paying attention to:

• 🔊 Metal clink when driving over uneven surfaces, this indicates a detachment of the internal partitions.
• 💨 Black marks on the body under the muffler - a sign of a burnt-out housing or cracks.
• 🌫️ Exhaust smell in the cabin - a dangerous symptom indicating depressurization of the system.
• 🔥 Increased vibration on the body when the engine is running - may be associated with the destruction of the muffler hangers.

Particularly insidious corrosion from inside. Externally, the muffler may look intact, but inside it has already been “eaten” by rust. You can check this by tapping the body with a wooden stick: a dull sound is a sign of internal destruction. Another test is to start the engine and hold the exhaust pipe with your hand (be careful not to get burned!). If the gas pressure easily presses through your hand, the muffler is burnt out.

⚠️ Attention: If it comes from the exhaust pipe white smoke with a strong chemical smell, this may be a sign of antifreeze getting into the combustion chambers - the problem is not in the muffler, but in the cylinder head gasket or a crack in the cylinder block!

What to do if the muffler shoots?

Popping noises in the muffler are usually associated with improper operation of the ignition or fuel supply system. Causes: delayed ignition, rich fuel mixture, faulty spark plugs or high-voltage wires. In this case, the muffler is only an “amplifier” of the problem, and not its source.

Original mufflers vs analogues: what to choose for Nissan AD (11 body)

Original muffler from Nissan for the 11th body has an article number 20620-4M000 (for models with engine GA16DE) or 20620-4M001 (for SR20DE). The cost of a new original is from 12,000 to 18,000 rubles, which seems unreasonably expensive to many. However, there are nuances here:

Muffler type	Article	Material	Service life	Price, rub.
Original (Nissan)	20620-4M000	Aluminized steel	5–7 years	12 000–18 000
Analogue (Bosal)	099-0227	Stainless steel	4–6 years	6 500–8 000
Analogue (Walker)	20624	Aluminized steel	3–5 years	5 000–7 000
Budget analogue (Phenox)	ES20620	Regular steel	1–2 years	2 500–3 500

Among analogues they have proven themselves well Bosal And Walker - they are cheaper than the original, but are almost as good in quality. But cheap mufflers from Phoenix or Craft They often rust after only a year of use. When choosing, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Metal thickness (for high-quality parts - at least 1.2 mm).
• 🔗 Quality of welds (there should be no sagging or cracks).
• 🔧 Complete set (the kit must contain new hangers and fasteners).

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing an analogue, check the conformity pipe diameter And flange size! For some modifications Nissan AD (for example, with automatic transmission) the exhaust system has unique mountings.

Step-by-step replacement of the muffler on a Nissan AD (body 11) with your own hands

Replacing a muffler is a moderately difficult task that requires an inspection hole or a lift. It will be extremely inconvenient to work without them. Tools you will need:

• 🔧 Socket set (10, 12, 14 mm)
• 🔨 Extension and ratchet handle
• 🔥 Gas torch or WD-40 (for stuck nuts)
• 🔪 Hacksaw for metal (in case the bolts cannot be unscrewed)
• 🛠️ New rubber suspensions (usually included with a muffler)

Replacement process:

1. Removing the old muffler:
   • Spray all fasteners with WD-40 and wait 10-15 minutes.
   • Unscrew the bolts of the flange connection between the resonator and the muffler.
   • Remove the rubber hangers that support the muffler (a pry bar may be required).
   • Carefully remove the muffler from under the car without damaging adjacent pipes.
2. Installing a new muffler:
   • Check the condition of the corrugation and resonator - replace them if necessary.
   • Install new rubber hangers on the body.
   • Hang the muffler on the hangers and align the flange with the resonator.
   • Tighten the bolts crosswise to avoid distortion.

Cool the exhaust system (run on a cold engine)|

Prepare WD-40 or similar lubricant|

Check for new hangers and fasteners|

Provide access to the bottom of the car (pit/lift) -->

The hardest part is unscrewing the stuck nuts. If they do not give in, you can use a gas wrench or heat them with a torch (be careful not to overheat the adjacent plastic parts!). As a last resort, the bolts are cut off with a hacksaw, and new ones are installed with locking washers.

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the muffler, be sure to check system tightness! Start the engine and coat all connections with soapy water. If bubbles appear, air is being sucked in somewhere and the connection needs to be tightened.

Muffler repair: when replacement is not necessary

It is not always necessary to completely replace the muffler. If the damage is local (small cracks, burnt areas), repairs can be done. Here are some proven methods:

• 🔥 Welding: Suitable for cracks in housing or pipes. Use a semi-automatic machine with stainless steel wire. After welding, be sure to paint the seam with heat-resistant paint.
• 🧲 Clamps and bandages: Temporary solution for small holes. Use metal clamps with asbestos sealant.
• 🎨 Heat resistant sealant: For example, Abro or Permatex. Suitable for microcracks, but cannot withstand heavy loads.
• 🔧 Stainless steel patches: They are cut to the size of the damage and welded or fastened with rivets.

Critical point: if the muffler burns out at the point of attachment to the resonator, repair is pointless - here the metal thins out evenly, and after a short time a new hole will appear. In this case, only replacement.

To extend the life of a repaired muffler:

• Treat it outside anti-corrosion composition (For example, Molykote or Liqui Moly).
• Avoid driving through deep puddles - sudden cooling of hot metal accelerates corrosion.
• Regularly check the condition of the suspensions - a broken suspension leads to mechanical damage.

Is it possible to drive with a hole in the muffler?

Technically, yes, but it is fraught:

1. Increased noise (may attract the attention of the traffic police).

2. Exhaust gases entering the cabin (hazardous to health!).

3. Accelerated corrosion of other elements of the exhaust system due to changes in temperature.

Exhaust system tuning: is it worth changing the muffler to a sports one?

Many owners Nissan AD are considering installation option straight-through muffler or systems with modified sound. But there are pitfalls here:

• 🚗 Pros:
  • Improved exhaust gas removal (theoretically +5–10 hp).
  • Sports sound (not everyone likes it).
  • Reducing the weight of the system (relevant for racing modifications).
• ⚠️ Cons:
  • Increased noise (may not pass inspection).
  • Risk of overheating of suspension elements due to altered gas flow.
  • Reduced engine life due to incorrect selection of the system.

For Nissan AD with engine SR20DE popular straight-through mufflers from Tanabe or HKS, but their cost starts from 30,000 rubles. Budget analogues (for example, SX Performance) will cost 8,000–12,000 rubles, but the sound quality and durability will be worse.

If you still decide to tune, pay attention to:

• 🔊 Noise level: In Russia, the standards are no more than 96 dB (for passenger cars).
• 🔧 Catalyst compatibility: Removing the catalyst without replacing it with a flame arrester will lead to errors on the instrument panel.
• 📝 Documentation: Any changes to the exhaust system must be included in the vehicle title.

Frequent mistakes when replacing and operating a muffler

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to rapid failure of the muffler. Here are the most common:

1. Ignoring rubber hangers. Old hangers crack and tear, which leads to sagging of the muffler and its mechanical damage.
2. Re-tightening of flange connections. Excessive force deforms the flanges and leads to air leaks.
3. No anti-corrosion treatment. Even stainless steel will rust over time where it is welded.
4. Using cheap analogues. Savings of 2-3 thousand rubles will result in a replacement in a year.
5. Driving through deep puddles with a hot muffler. A sharp temperature change destroys the metal.

Another typical problem is misdiagnosis. For example, when the muffler starts to “shoot”, many people blame it, but the real reason is in the ignition system. Or when black smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe, it is often attributed to the muffler, although a clogged air filter or faulty injectors are to blame.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the muffler, whistle at high speeds, check the tightness of the connection with the resonator - most likely, air is being sucked in through a loose flange.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about mufflers Nissan AD (11 body)

Is it possible to drive without a muffler?

Technically yes, but it breaks several rules:

• The noise exceeds the permissible standards (fine under Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code - 500 rubles).
• Exhaust gases can enter the passenger compartment, which is hazardous to health.
• The absence of a muffler accelerates corrosion of other components of the exhaust system.

A temporary solution is to install a "empty can" (a muffler without internal baffles), but this will not solve the problem for long.

Which muffler is better - aluminized or stainless?

Comparison:

Parameter	Aluminized steel	Stainless steel
Service life	3–5 years	5–8 years
Cost	20–30% cheaper	More expensive
Corrosion resistance	Medium (rusts in welds)	High (if high-quality stainless steel)
Maintainability	Easier to cook	More difficult to cook (requires special electrodes)

For Nissan AD A stainless muffler is optimal if the car is operated in aggressive conditions (salt on the roads, high humidity).

Why did the new muffler burn out quickly?

Possible reasons:

• 🔥 Poor quality metal (thin steel or fake stainless steel).
• 🔧 Incorrect installation (misalignment, insufficient tightness).
• 💨 Engine problems (rich mixture, misfires - lead to overheating of the exhaust gases).
• 🚗 Aggressive riding (frequent sharp accelerations increase the temperature of the gases).

Check lambda probe And oxygen sensor — their malfunction often leads to overheating of the muffler.

How to check a muffler when buying a used one?

Checklist:

1. Inspect the welds - there should be no cracks or signs of rust.
2. Tap the body with a wooden stick - a dull sound indicates internal corrosion.
3. Check with a magnet (stainless steel is not magnetic).
4. Inspect the hanger fastenings - they should not be deformed.
5. Ask the seller to start the car - there should be no smoke coming from the cracks.

Do I need to change the corrugation when replacing the muffler?

Corrugation (vibration compensator) is the weak point of the exhaust system Nissan AD. Its resource is about 100,000 km. Signs of wear:

• Cracks on the surface.
• Rust stains.
• Knocking or vibration when the engine is running.

If the corrugation is in poor condition, it is better to replace it at the same time as the muffler, otherwise in 1–2 years you will have to crawl under the car again.