What does car exhaust resonance feel like?
2 Answers
Car exhaust resonance feels like the vehicle's floor is vibrating, accompanied by a buzzing sound. This resonance significantly affects the comfort of the vehicle. Causes of exhaust resonance: Most factory-installed exhaust systems do not exhibit resonance; it is typically observed in aftermarket or modified exhaust systems. Purpose of modifying the exhaust system: Upgrading the exhaust header can enhance performance, particularly noticeable in turbocharged engines. The exhaust header contains a component called the catalytic converter, which reduces the levels of pollutants in the exhaust gases. Other causes of exhaust resonance: Vibrations generated by the engine's operation. Generally, bellows are installed in the front and middle sections of the exhaust system. Proper design can effectively eliminate most of the exhaust vibrations, but some residual vibrations may still remain inside the vehicle.
When I was driving, I encountered an exhaust resonance issue, especially when accelerating around 2000 RPM. The steering wheel vibrated so much that my hands went numb, and the entire cabin buzzed like there was a subwoofer under the car. Driving slowly in city traffic, the vibration felt like a phone constantly buzzing, with the rearview mirror shaking. The most annoying part was the stuff in the trunk rattling loudly, and after long drives, my ears would feel uncomfortable. At first, I thought the exhaust pipe was loose, but after inspection, I found out it was due to aged exhaust hangers—the rubber components had lost their elasticity, causing vibrations to transfer directly to the car body. This kind of resonance can also gradually loosen screws, and over time, even the dashboard might start rattling. It’s something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
