Infiniti Q60 Bad Exhaust Sound: Reasons and Best Fixes

The Infiniti Q60 has such a unique exhaust sound that makes it stand out amongst luxury cars. A lousy exhaust sound in an Infiniti Q60 impacts the overall driving experience very unpleasantly and can be caused by resonator problems, leaking exhaust, or a damaged or worn muffler. To fix this issue, options like resonator replacement, exhaust system inspection, or muffler replacement.

In this article, we will be exploring the following topics:

• Why does my Infiniti Q60 have a bad Exhaust Sound and how can I fix it?
• What causes raspy exhaust in Infiniti Q60?
• Can I drive with this sound?
• How to check if your used Q60 has stock exhaust

Why does my Infiniti Q60 have a bad Exhaust Sound and how can I fix it?

There are several reasons why your Infiniti Q60 may produce a bad exhaust sound. While some can be tended to with some do-it-yourself tips, others require the technical expertise of a mechanic. Some of the reasons are as follows:

1) Resonator Problem

A common issue that can cause an abrupt exhaust sound in your Infiniti Q60 is a resonator problem. The resonator is located in the exhaust system and helps control the abnormal sound frequency to make the driving experience enjoyable. It also optimizes the performance of your Infiniti Q60 engine.

Fix: A resonator problem is not always common to the Infiniti Q60. However, when it occurs, a careful resonator replacement is advised. A resonator replacement is best done by a technician because it is located within the exhaust system.

After an expertly conducted resonator replacement, the engine sound is stabilized and your Infiniti Q60's exhaust sound becomes pleasant.

2) Leaking Exhaust

The Infiniti Q60 undeniably has a very good build. The exhaust system, with a dual exhaust, is one of the many components that contribute to its aesthetics. When either or both of the exhaust has a leak, the exhaust sound becomes very abrupt.

A leaking exhaust may be caused by openings in or around the gasket, manifold, or joint of your Infiniti Q60 exhaust. When this occurs, the gases from the exhaust system flow out without reaching the tail of the pipe.

Fix: To fix a leaking exhaust in your Infiniti Q60, an exhaust system inspection is recommended. With this inspection, you tend to identify probable leaks, and broken parts within the exhaust system or other issues.

Having identified them, you can then proceed to a technician to mend the gaps or holes. After a fix, you will notice that the sound is back to normal.

3) Damaged or Worn-out Muffler

Another reason for a bad exhaust sound from your Infiniti Q60 is a damaged or worn-out muffler. A muffler is a part of the exhaust system, consisting of baffles and chambers. The essence of the muffler is to reduce the intensity of the noise that is emitted by your car's tailpipe.

When a muffler is damaged or worn out, its basic functions, which include controlling the flow of exhaust gases and fumes from your Infiniti Q60 and noise reduction, cannot be performed. This causes the sound emitted by the car to be very unpleasant and disturbing. Likewise, it also demeans the aesthetic feel that the car gives when it is in motion.

Fix: A muffler replacement is the lasting solution to a damaged or worn-out muffler. A worn or damaged muffler can cause more noise, and installing a new one will bring back optimum noise reduction and enhance overall exhaust flow. It requires an expert's skill to carry out this replacement.

4) Engine damage

Unfortunately, sometimes, the bad exhaust sound is not the consequence of exhaust problems. It may be the issue with the engine that triggers this sound. There are no DIY methods to check this. The best thing to do is to go to the shop and have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.

5) Catalytic converter death

Your Infiniti Q60 has a set of catalytic converters. If they are dying or dead, they may contribute to bad engine noise and exhaust sounds. They may vibrate, bog, or have a leak of exhaust gases. Inspecting them visually will most likely help you understand that they are the culprits of your problem.

Can I drive with this sound?

It is not advisable to drive your Infiniti Q60 with unusual exhaust sounds. This is because this sound might cause more complex issues within the exhaust system or framework and in other parts of the vehicle. These issues in turn affect the overall well-being and health of the car.

When you notice an unusual sound from your exhaust, it is best to have it checked by a skilled mechanic. Preferably, if you can get it across to the nearest dealership for more specialized inspection, it is advisable to do so.

Other than the aforementioned side effects, your car may also develop more issues like strange noise caused by leaking exhaust and broken parts which tend to result in a lack of safety or a breakdown of your car.

What causes raspy exhaust in Infiniti Q60?

A raspy exhaust is the result of an increased and uncontrolled flow of exhaust gases from your Infiniti Q60. There are several reasons you can get a raspy exhaust one of which includes the presence of a muffler or resonator.

As earlier identified in the preceding paragraphs, mufflers and resonators are part of the Infiniti Q60's exhaust system. They are built in such a way that they make the exhaust sound system emit a crisper tone.

Similarly, tending to or servicing your car's engine may also cause a raspy exhaust. At a first test drive, after your engine servicing exercise is completed, a raspy sound can be emitted from your exhaust system. There is even a higher chance of getting this raspy sound from your exhaust when modifications such as the addition of a high-catalytic converter or header are made to the engine of your Infiniti Q60.

How to check if your used Q60 has stock exhaust?

To check if your used Infiniti Q60 has a stock exhaust, one of the many steps to take is to inspect the exhaust system. A physical inspection entails checking to see if the components have a muffler or resonator. The essence of this inspection is to know if it has been modified or altered by the dealer or manufacturer.

Secondly, you can also check your car papers. If your Infiniti Q60 has a stock exhaust, it will be stated in the document. Your owner's manual is your one sure guide to determining whether any part or component of your car, especially the discrete ones such as the exhaust system, has been modified.

Another way to know if you have a stock exhaust is to ask for a review from an expert. A proficient mechanic will be able to detect, after a review of the component that makes up the exhaust system, if it has a stock exhaust or otherwise.

You can also reach out to the nearest Nissan Infiniti Store. The store usually has expert technicians or some other members of staff who can tell whether you have a stock exhaust or not.

By adopting either of these methods, it becomes easy to know precisely whether your used Infiniti Q60 comes with stock exhaust or if changes have been made.