2006 XC 70 Exhaust Replacement

bill b · Post by **bill b** » 12 Feb 2018, 19:06

Hi, Everybody,
I want to change the exhaust from cat back. I asked at a local shop who like to weld everything and decided I'd try this since it's a bolt-on I think. That's the question.
If yes, it's a snap with no chance of unforeseen problems, which brand? Bosal, Starla, Walker, etc., and there is a heat shield hanging down right now- are there any special parts needed to reconnect that?
Thanks for any advice and encouragement.

Post by **mrbrian200** » 17 Feb 2018, 00:52

The Walker (Vehicle specific OE equivalent-not universal type) is made out of stainless steel instead of aluminized and should last longer. It is more expensive though. I can't vouch for how accurately they duplicated the (quiet) sound quality and flow characteristics of the OE setup though. The product info seems to imply it should at least be close enough to pass.

http://www.walkerexhaust.com/catalog/wa ... okup/52347

Post by **Rattnalle** » 17 Feb 2018, 01:07

A new OE exhaust is not the same as the car was fitted with from the factory. The replacement is delivered in two parts as opposed to one and I've heard several reports of poor life span. Luckily the originals last as long as the car in most cases.

Post by **mrbrian200** » 17 Feb 2018, 09:36

Rattnalle wrote: 17 Feb 2018, 01:07 A new OE exhaust is not the same as the car was fitted with from the factory. The replacement is delivered in two parts as opposed to one and I've heard several reports of poor life span. Luckily the originals last as long as the car in most cases.

I've caught that the replacement exhaust systems tend not to be as good as the factory originals. Part of the reason I would be more likely to go with stainless instead of coated carbon steel. They're not going to ship those parts from wherever they're made in northern Europe. We're probably dealing with lower grade coated steel sourced from China. Either the base steel is of lower quality or that coating isn't as thick/durable. Any minor flaw or damage to the aluminized coating during stamping/fabrication/shipment that might expose the base steel would be detrimental if that base steel isn't of high quality and fairly resistant to rust and corrosion.

Don't rip on China-- they're well capable of making high quality steel. US importers/manufacturers looking to maximize profit to shareholders aren't interested in buying it any more than they're interested in high quality domesticly sourced steel that costs more.

I'm keeping an eye out for a cat back in clean condition at the pick and pulls for my sis' XC90. PO had a cheap replacement installed. It's one of those universal type cylindrical mufflers modified to have the inlet port on the side. It's welded together instead of clamped meaning it likely came from one of those corner/franchise muffler shops. It's objectionably loud with a constant rmmmmmm heard inside the cabin that gets annoying on a long drive. When she starts it in the morning to let it warm up I can hear the exhaust drone inside the house. Not so with my S60 that has the original exhaust system on it that's still in good shape. Supposedly installed in the year before she bought it (1-2 years ago). The midpipe resonator is starting to look 'sorry' and will probably start leaking in the next year or two. The rear muffler isn't far behind.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 17 Feb 2018, 10:04

The replacements you get in Sweden aren't as good as the originals either. I'm guessing they're about the same as what you can get. Not sure where they're made.

Post by **mrbrian200** » 17 Feb 2018, 22:18

Rattnalle wrote: 17 Feb 2018, 10:04 The replacements you get in Sweden aren't as good as the originals either. I'm guessing they're about the same as what you can get. Not sure where they're made.

Interesting to know.