i know my exhaust is on its way out at 70k. the car is no longer quiet and under visual inspection there is absolutely no rust on the muffler or any holes, no holes in the b-pipe, nothing. the whole system from the cat back is fine. However, there is a clanking noise coming from within the muffler on bumps and my car is giving off a horrible drone. im assuming the components within the muffler are messed up. but how did that happen?? any1 else experience this??

-dave

 

I havent heard of this, but dont forget that this may be covered under the 8/80 Emmissions warranty!
I had my main Cat replaced under this warranty.. The main Cat had broken components and I could hear a rattling noise from inside, but no drone sounds...

 

Most likely you have a muffler flange rusted out causing both, the bumping noise as well as the drone. Others have posted about their rusted muffler flanges in the past. It would pretty simple to overlook that area if you were looking for actual "holes" vice a break in the exhaust system.

 

Exhaust system is not part of emissions warranty
The Cat is.

 

My muffler cracked right at the flange and caused a similar situation. Just give the tailpipe a bit of a push towards the ground and if it moves more than a few centimeters you know you have a problem. You will know if it is done for TRUST ME. Otherwise it is possible for a baffle plate/tube to be dislodged, and that also means a new muffler.

 

it's definitely the flange....see this posthttp://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=445956&highlight=muffler

I'll post some pics up tomorrow.

 

Thats what I meant to say! Was I wrong?? haha