Tuning the exhaust system of Lada Vesta: solutions to the problem

“Kozlevich opened the muffler, and the car released a plume of blue smoke, which caused the dogs running behind the car to sneeze.”

I. Ilf and E. Petrov

By the way, have you ever wondered why the heroes of our classics had to open the muffler? But the fact is that the muffler created a fairly large resistance to the exhaust gases, and in order to briefly increase the parameters of low-power engines of that time, it was necessary to open a special damper and release the gases, bypassing the muffler.

Exhaust system

Let me note that in the book “Dismountable Car” by the Leningrad publishing house in 1929 it is written like this: a muffler is a noise suppressor.
Let me note that in the book “Dismountable Car” by the Leningrad publishing house in 1929 it is written like this: a muffler is a noise suppressor.

Problems to be solved

It is obvious that at first the exhaust system performed only two functions: it removed gases away from the driver and passengers of the car, and also reduced the noise level. Modern systems also have to perform the function of neutralizing harmful components of exhaust gases. Let's consider what measures are provided on modern cars to ensure all system requirements are met.

How to use springs correctly?

• set of nuts;
• a spring from a classic drum brake, two pieces;
• several clamps.

1. Install and secure a pair of clamps at the front and rear of the muffler.
2. Pull springs between them on opposite sides. Thus, the corrugation will be tightened.

Both methods cause controversial opinions among car enthusiasts. Some believe that you can effectively get rid of unpleasant sounds on your own. But some owners are still confident that it is better to address the problem to specialists who will carry out the work according to a well-established scheme.

Exhaust system

Exhaust system Renault Duster 2.0 4x4: 1 - sealing gasket connecting the exhaust manifold and cylinder head;
2 — exhaust manifold; 3 - control oxygen concentration sensor; 4 — sealing gasket of the exhaust manifold and metal compensator flanges; 5 — metal compensator; 6 — catalytic converter suspension cushion; 7 - catalytic converter; 8 — diagnostic oxygen concentration sensor; 9 — suspension cushion for additional muffler; 10 — additional muffler; 11 — suspension cushions of the main muffler; 12 — main muffler Exhaust system Renault Duster 2.0 4x4: 1 — sealing gasket connecting the exhaust manifold and cylinder head; 2 — exhaust manifold; 3 - control oxygen concentration sensor; 4 — sealing gasket of the exhaust manifold and metal compensator flanges; 5 — metal compensator; 6 — catalytic converter suspension cushion; 7 - catalytic converter; 8 — diagnostic oxygen concentration sensor; 9 — suspension cushion for additional muffler; 10 — additional muffler; 11 — suspension cushions of the main muffler; 12 - main muffler

Engine Lada Vesta

Products from the Dustershop77 range on the topic of the article:

Exhaust system

Renault Logan exhaust system of the first generation: 1 - exhaust manifold;
2 — pressure plate for fastening the exhaust pipe to the exhaust manifold; 3 — exhaust gas catalytic converter; 4 — additional muffler; 5 — main muffler; 6 — system suspension bracket Exhaust system of Renault Logan of the first generation: 1 — exhaust manifold; 2 — pressure plate for fastening the exhaust pipe to the exhaust manifold; 3 — exhaust gas catalytic converter; 4 — additional muffler; 5 — main muffler; 6 — system suspension bracket

Such a system is the simplest, cheapest and, as long as it is not damaged by corrosion or an accident, seems absolutely optimal. But replacing, say, a burnt-out muffler is quite problematic. The manufacturer has provided places where the system can be cut, but, for example, on the entire Duster pipe, four meters long, there are only two such places.

Exhaust system

A repair coupling used to connect pipes.
A repair coupling used to connect pipes.

But the catalytic converter on Renault cars is located in such a way that troubles from its destruction, which we will discuss below, do not threaten engine damage.

We will show the design of the exhaust gas system, which is much more convenient to repair, using examples of cars of German and Korean design. Thus, in the Volkswagen Polo sedan, the system consists of three large parts. In this case, the pipes of the additional and main mufflers are connected by a special coupling, similar in design to the Renault repair coupling.

What needs to be improved in the exhaust

If the car owner notices the presence of uncharacteristic sounds or vibrations when driving, the corrugation can be replaced. Instead of the standard part, install a longer one, which will provide reliable vibration isolation.

If the driver notices rattling or creaking, the exhaust can be modified using clamps or springs. Opinions of car owners regarding such modifications vary. Some themselves correct the existing shortcomings of AvtoVAZ, others fundamentally turn to the official dealer with a requirement to carry out repair work under warranty.

In terms of finalizing the look, you can use a muffler attachment. It will make the car more beautiful in appearance and its exhaust sound better. The attachment will make Vesta stand out from similar cars. Many Lada Vesta drivers install a new nozzle, since the standard model looks, to put it mildly, modestly. There can be many options. It is best to choose products made from stainless steel with chrome. Chrome plating provides shine that lasts regardless of age.

Nozzles come in various shapes and prices. You can order the part online. Buying a nozzle will cost from 600 rubles to 3500 – 4000 thousand. Each driver can install the nozzle independently. It is enough to put it on the pipe and secure it with screws.

Exhaust system

Exhaust system of Volkswagen Polo: 1 - sealing gasket between the cylinder head and the catalytic collector;
2 — catalytic collector; 3 - control oxygen concentration sensor; 4 — sealing gasket between the catenary collector and the pipe of the metal compensator with an additional muffler; 5 — diagnostic oxygen concentration sensor; 6 — suspension cushion for additional muffler; 7 — additional muffler with metal compensator; 8 — suspension cushion of the main muffler; 9 — main muffler; 10 — coupling with two clamps Volkswagen Polo exhaust system: 1 — sealing gasket between the cylinder head and the catalytic collector; 2 — catalytic collector; 3 - control oxygen concentration sensor; 4 — sealing gasket between the catenary collector and the pipe of the metal compensator with an additional muffler; 5 — diagnostic oxygen concentration sensor; 6 — suspension cushion for additional muffler; 7 — additional muffler with metal compensator; 8 — suspension cushion of the main muffler; 9 — main muffler; 10 - coupling with two clamps

But Korean manufacturers do not hesitate to divide the system into four parts, which, of course, makes repairs easier. After all, in all modern cars, a metal compensator is a rather low-resource element, but here it is separated into an independent unit.

Exhaust system

Hyundai Solaris exhaust system: 1 — catalytic converter gasket;
2 — catalytic collector; 3 - resonator; 4 — suspension cushion for additional muffler; 5 — sealing gasket of the pipe flanges of the additional and main mufflers; 6 — front suspension cushion of the main muffler; 7 — main muffler; 8 — additional muffler; 9 — rear suspension cushion of the main muffler; 10 — suspension cushion of the intermediate pipe; 11 — sealing gasket of the flanges of the metal compensator and resonator; 12 — intermediate pipe with metal compensator; 13 — diagnostic oxygen concentration sensor; 14 — sealing gasket of the flanges of the catalytic collector and the intermediate pipe; 15 — oxygen concentration control sensor Hyundai Solaris exhaust system: 1 — catalytic collector gasket; 2 — catalytic collector; 3 - resonator; 4 — suspension cushion for additional muffler; 5 — sealing gasket of the pipe flanges of the additional and main mufflers; 6 — front suspension cushion of the main muffler; 7 — main muffler; 8 — additional muffler; 9 — rear suspension cushion of the main muffler; 10 — suspension cushion of the intermediate pipe; 11 — sealing gasket of the flanges of the metal compensator and resonator; 12 — intermediate pipe with metal compensator; 13 — diagnostic oxygen concentration sensor; 14 — sealing gasket of the flanges of the catalytic collector and the intermediate pipe; 15 - control oxygen concentration sensor

Perhaps, the ideal positioning accuracy of the exhaust gas system elements is ensured by the Korean auto industry. All elements are connected on flanges with high positioning accuracy. And against the backdrop of this, it is very frustrating that the flagship of the domestic automobile industry, the Lada Vesta, uses exhaust system pipe connections that go back to the first G8, presented to the public back in 1984. The scheme with two half-clamps and a centering ring does not actually center anything, the connection is frankly weak and inaccurate, and the diameter of the pipes is very small, as we have already written about.

Exhaust system

Compared to those shown earlier, the connections of the Lada Vesta exhaust system pipes look poor.
Compared to those shown earlier, the connections of the Lada Vesta exhaust system pipes look poor.

At the present stage, repair of exhaust system elements is carried out in most cases by replacing individual elements. Metal expansion joints fail most often, followed by mufflers.

Reasons for failure of the metal compensator:

• increased pressure and temperature of gases resulting from a clogged catalytic converter (if the converter is located behind the metal compensator);
• damage to the corrugation walls under the influence of increased vibration of the power unit;
• mechanical damage from the road.

The metal compensator is replaced with a new one, and when welding it is important to maintain not only the length, but also the angular position of the welded element.

It makes sense to repair mufflers by welding only if we are talking about a mechanical hole from the road surface. A muffler covered with rust cannot be repaired. Workshops can pick up a universal muffler for a reasonable price, while the original for a used car will sometimes cost a quarter of the price of your vehicle.

Time bomb

Now let's talk about the most complex, expensive and insidious element of the exhaust system - the catalytic converter. This device began to be used in the last century to reduce the toxicity of exhaust gases from a spark-ignition car engine. Inside the catalyst there is a porous carrier material - a ceramic block with a honeycomb structure. An intermediate layer of activators is applied to the surface of the ceramic block, and on top of it is a catalytically active layer of noble metals (platinum, palladium and rhodium). This is where chemical reactions occur, in which toxic substances in exhaust gases - carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides - are converted into carbon dioxide and elemental nitrogen, and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water vapor. The degree of exhaust gas purification in a working converter reaches 98%. In most modern cars with Euro-4 and Euro-5 toxicity standards, catalytic converters are located as close as possible to the engine exhaust ports and are secured with studs through the gasket to the cylinder head.

Prices and its impact on the quality of parts

*Prices are current as of October 25, 2018

Exhaust from Stinger

The table shows reliable manufacturers of mufflers for Lada Vesta. The most optimal price-quality ratio is offered by the manufacturer FSA. Silencers last quite a long time (up to 10 years), are not loud, and are easy to install. MUTE products are slightly more expensive, but offer a larger selection of mufflers.