My active exhaust no longer functions.
Got dealer to check and they said it was the actuators.
They are not covered by warranty since it’s exhaust. However I’m wondering if they are not part of the box and so should be covered.
What is are these exactly?

 

The exhaust valves/actuators are integral to the muffler. If they go bad, the whole OEM muffler needs to be replaced. (The advantage of a VAP muffler, is that the valves can be replaced). Here in the U.S., the warranty covers the muffler. I don't see why it wouldn't be covered in the U.K.

 

Thanks Lance.
I’m not bothered about the sound. Just that I paid a lot of money for extended warranty and would like to get my money’s worth. They won’t pay!

 

I get it. I thought you were still on the OEM warranty. Even here in the U.S., the extended warranties generally don’t cover anything related to the exhaust system.

 

I'd check for a vacuum leak. There are vacuum pots on both sides of the muffler. I'd be surprised if both of them failed at the same time.

 

Thanks but the mechanic said that the things in the photo were broken. I think he meant that the straight bit was supposed to be attached to the other bit.
I tried to post a video but although it’s the right size it won’t play for me on the forum.

 

I was able to play your 4s video. I had forgotten there’s a linkage connecting the vacuum actuator to the valve shaft. If warranty doesn’t cover a new muffler, I’d try drilling it and using some kind of fastener to hold them together. It’s pushing against a strong spring, so it would need to handle decent torque. And heat.

 

Thanks for your reply. In the video which is the actuator and which is the valve shaft?

 

An Indy muffler shop should be able to tack weld that back together.

 

Ah, sorry, got it. I had an issue with the valves squeaking and had to replace the whole unit. JLR sent me 3 mufflers because the actuators kept getting damaged in shipment and as you know there is no way to replace them as a single component.

 

Except the joint has to pivot.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/szc3vze5ol...haust.pdf?dl=0

 

I just looked at my OEM muffler to see the detail, and you are correct. However, a competent shade tree mechanic should be able to fix it with a drill and tiny pivot bolt. Time to pull that muffler off and get to work on it.

 

Yes I guess there’s a diy solution but I stopped working on my cars 50 years ago. That diagram posted by DJS has enabled me to understand how it works and what has failed. I’ll wait a few years until the muffler needs changing. Pity the warranty doesn’t cover it but I’m too old to care about changing the exhaust sound. Looking at the diagram and the mechanic’s video I think the valves are stuck open but I can’t tell since I can’t change the noise.

 

With a bit of baling wire you could have someone wire the broken valve permanently in the open position.