Cooling down noises

[Guest alien]

Hi, I am hoping this is a dumb question!

I brought a 2003 Ti Pathfinder (39000 km) and notice that the exhaust pipes "crackle" very noticeably once the engine heats up and continue to do so for some time after the engine is turned off. It appears to be normal heating and cooling noises but I have never notice this as much on any other vehicle I have owned. Is this common with this model or should I be concerned?

Everything else seems normal and the temp gauge sits just below half way throughout all conditions.

[k9sar]

I have a 95 but can assure you that exhaust creaking during heatup and cooldown is fairly normal in all vehicles especially if they have attached heat shields which expand/contract at a different rate than the exhaust that they are welded onto. It could be that the 03's are noisier due to the configuration but I would not know. Perhaps some of the other forum members with the newer pathys can chime in as well.

 

and welcome to the boards

[Geeky907]

Yeah, its accually pretty normal... depending on the age of the accual exaust system components the creaking will change.... and it also has alot to do with how hot the Cat gets.... also can TECHNICALLY be a sign that the cat is plugged and getting too hot.... but unless you've had problems like running rich or burning LOTS of oil i wouldnt worry about it.... if you can punch the gas and the truck jumps alive.... it aint a plugged cat

 

- geeky907