Muffler issue

2005 TOYOTA SIENNA
105,700 MILES • 3.3L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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PCULQUI
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As per the video, the sound just started today in the morning after the vehicle had been parked overnight for about 8-10 hours. When accelerating, there is a loud sound also. Now, after the car warms up, the sound goes down drastically.
By the picture attachment, I believe the sound is coming from the gap in between the muffler and resonator. Now, my question would be, why didn't they just tighten the screws to avoid that sound and what is that putty type element in between the gap.
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Apr 20, 2020 at 10:15 AM
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KASEKENNY
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Yeah. That is an exhaust leak. The gap between the two joints is filled with a gasket. I suspect the gasket/putty now has a void in it and causing the noise. The cause could be because they didn't tighten it enough but it is not uncommon to see a small bit of the gasket.

If you just had someone perform work on this, then I would return it and ask that they use an actual gasket like the one pictured below. They hold up better then the stuff they used.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
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Apr 20, 2020 at 10:25 AM
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PCULQUI
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This gasket, do I have to remove the muffler and pipe and all or can it be installed as is without removing anything?
Apr 20, 2020 at 4:18 PM
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KASEKENNY
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Take a look at this attachment. You should be able to remove the two bolts where the gasket is, and then remove the exhaust hanger that I circled and that will allow you to drop the system down enough to remove what is there and put the new gasket on.

If you want to try and tighten it first, that may seal it if they just left it loose. Just worth a try.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
Apr 20, 2020 at 7:19 PM
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PCULQUI
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There was no attachment.
Apr 21, 2020 at 4:13 AM
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KASEKENNY
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Sorry. Try it now.
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Apr 21, 2020 at 9:16 AM
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PCULQUI
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Can I use this gasket instead?
Also, which bolt set-up is preferred and what is the purpose of the spring?
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Apr 21, 2020 at 10:08 AM
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KASEKENNY
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Sure can. That seal just sits on the inside of the pipe and seals it when it clamped down. Also, the spring is there to absorb the engine pulses coming through the exhaust so that when the exhaust vibrates and moves around the spring tension keeps the seal better.

If you want to use everything you showed, I would go for it.
Apr 21, 2020 at 11:03 AM
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PCULQUI
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The arrangement below has washers only. The other one I had sent has nuts you can tighten up. Which one would be best.
Now the gasket picture you sent me is different than the one below. Which is best since there might be a problem joining the pipes together and the gasket picture you had sent me earlier could serve as a space filler don't know yet.
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Apr 21, 2020 at 1:23 PM
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KASEKENNY
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They both accomplish the same thing just different designs. I would go with the exact set up that you attached with the pictures. Use the bolts and springs with that gasket. I am sure doing that will solve this issue for good.
Apr 22, 2020 at 9:41 AM