Can you test if your exhaust silencers/back box baffles have collapsed?

[osiras]

I know this questions seems a little strange, but after a good drive the other day, i swore i heard a something rattle out of my exhaust. Even since, i swear the exhaust is now quieter. Now i' no expert by any means, but if something broke silencer wise, wouldn't it sound louder? Performance seems ok, but im sure we can all relate to the psychosomatic effect when we worry.

Any ideas on how to test/check my exhaust?

 

[blueguy]

Do you still have the dc sports mani mate? If so it might be that the flexi has collapsed. The only way to truly know is to take it off and inspect it.

 

[Rom]

Generally by banging the box, you will hear it rattle.
So from under neath, hit it with the side of your fist a few times and listen.

 

[osiras]

Ok i will try those things, thanks for the replies.
Yes i still have the DC sports mani and will check the flexi. Although if that had collapsed, wouldn't i have noticed a big performance drop?

 

[blueguy]

Ok i will try those things, thanks for the replies.
Yes i still have the DC sports mani and will check the flexi. Although if that had collapsed, wouldn't i have noticed a big performance drop?

Depends on how bad the collapse is.

 

[DopeDragon]

If you think they've collapsed you can shake the back box and listen for a sound like you've got sand or loads of grit swishing around.
Yes performance will be affected (slightly) and your exhaust will sound louder.
Can be repaired by a specialist by cutting open backbox, replacing the material which is like wirewool and re-welding. Might be cheaper to replace the exhaust but check the cost of repair vs replace.
If you have a titanium exhaust e.g. Amuse R1...then forget a repair.