How to Upgrade Your Maxima's Muffler for Better Sound

How to Fix Muffler Issue

If you're dealing with an exhaust problem on your 2020 Nissan Maxima, you're not alone. Owners often seek to replace or upgrade their mufflers and exhaust systems to address sound issues, performance, or simply to customize their vehicle. The process involves choosing the right parts and performing a careful installation. As one owner shared while researching options: "We'll I was wondering by you guys which one do you guys recommend? Price is no problem because the magnaflow one is $175 each and for the borla he told me it's $175 also." This highlights the common first step: deciding on a replacement.

Symptoms

Owners report a range of symptoms that lead them to address their muffler and exhaust system. A very common complaint is an undesirable exhaust note—either too quiet, too loud, or simply annoying. The stock system can sometimes feel restrictive or not provide the sporty sound many enthusiasts desire. This often leads to the pursuit of aftermarket mufflers or cat-back systems.

Another symptom is visual dissatisfaction. The factory mufflers and exhaust tips may not align with an owner's aesthetic goals. Some find the stock mufflers too visible or their appearance too bland, prompting a change to aftermarket units that offer a more aggressive or polished look while maintaining a factory-style appearance if desired.

Issues during installation of new components can also surface as symptoms of a deeper need for an upgrade. Difficulty removing old, corroded bolts or dealing with pesky hanger brackets indicates the stock system may be wearing or simply difficult to service. Properly diagnosing these frustrations is the first step toward a permanent fix.

Finally, operational quirks can be misinterpreted as problems. For instance, some owners notice exhaust gases primarily exiting one tailpipe at idle. This is often a normal function of a pressure-actuated valve within the OEM system, not a fault with the muffler itself. Understanding what is a genuine issue versus a design characteristic is key.

Most Likely Cause

The primary cause driving 2020 Nissan Maxima owners to address muffler issues is the desire for enhanced sound and performance from the factory 3.5L V6 engine. The stock exhaust system is designed for refinement and noise compliance, which can mute the engine's character. This leads to a perceived lack of sportiness or an exhaust note that owners find unsatisfactory. The solution isn't typically repairing a broken component, but rather upgrading the system to aftermarket mufflers or a complete cat-back exhaust to unlock a more aggressive tone and potentially improve exhaust flow.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing your need for a muffler change is straightforward and primarily involves your senses and goals. First, listen to your car at idle, during acceleration, and at highway speeds. Is the sound too tame, overly boomy, or does it have an undesirable rasp? Recording the sound can help when comparing to aftermarket exhaust clips online. Next, perform a visual inspection. Look at the mufflers and exhaust tips from the rear. Are they rusted, damaged, or simply not appealing to you? Check the condition of the hangers and flange connections for any signs of severe corrosion that might complicate a future removal.

If you suspect an actual leak (a less common reason for upgrade among enthusiasts), have the car safely raised on jack stands. With the engine cold, start it and carefully feel around the muffler seams and connections for pulses of air. You can also spray a soapy water solution on these areas; bubbling will indicate an exhaust leak. However, most owners in the data are diagnosing a desire for change, not a failure. As one owner noted regarding a common query: "Quote: Originally Posted by kgallerie There were a couple threads about this recently. They said its normal for the exhaust to come out of one tip under normal idling." This kind of research helps rule out non-issues.

Step-by-Step Fix

Replacing the mufflers or installing a cat-back system is a manageable DIY project with the right tools and preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide based on successful owner experiences.

1. Gather Parts and Tools: Before starting, ensure you have all necessary parts (new mufflers or cat-back kit), a penetrating lubricant, high-temperature grease, a breaker bar, sockets (including a 16mm), jack stands, and safety glasses. Let the penetrating oil soak on the exhaust flange nuts and hanger bolts for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting removal.

2. Safely Raise and Support the Vehicle: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks. Use a floor jack to lift the rear of the car and support it securely on jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

3. Remove the Old Exhaust Section: Start from the rear. Unbolt the mufflers from the mid-pipe or resonator section. The bolts can be stubborn. As one owner who installed a Stillen system shared: "Ended up using a breaking bar with a 16mm socket to pry them loose." Unhook the rubber insulator hangers by carefully twisting and pulling the muffler free. A flathead screwdriver can help pry the hanger out of the rubber bushing. If removing a full cat-back, work from the front connection back.

4. Prepare and Install the New System: Thoroughly clean the mating flanges on the new and existing pipes. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature exhaust sealant or a new gasket if provided. This is critical to prevent leaks. When installing the new components, start from the front and work backward, loosely connecting all flanges and hangers first.

5. Final Tightening and Alignment: Once everything is loosely in place, ensure the entire system is centered and has proper clearance from the underbody. There should be no contact points. The same owner emphasized a key tip: "Ensure that with any new exhaust system that you lube the insulator hanger mounts with some decent high-temp grease." This prevents squeaking and makes future removal easier. Finally, tighten all flange bolts evenly to the manufacturer's specifications in a criss-cross pattern. Double-check all hangers are fully seated.

Parts and Tools Needed

The parts you choose define the outcome. Popular muffler brands among Maxima owners include Magnaflow and Borla, which offer direct-fit or universal options. A full cat-back system from manufacturers like Stillen is a comprehensive upgrade. While specific 2020 Maxima part numbers vary, research based on model year is essential. You will need a complete gasket kit for the flange connections; never reuse old, crushed gaskets.

For tools, you will need: a floor jack and at least two jack stands, wheel chocks, safety glasses, gloves, a breaker bar, a ratchet, socket set (16mm is frequently mentioned), wrenches, penetrating oil (e.g., PB Blaster), a flathead screwdriver for hangers, and high-temperature grease for the rubber insulators. A torque wrench is recommended for final tightening to avoid damaging flanges.

Real Owner Costs

Costs vary dramatically based on the path you choose. Replacing just the mufflers is the most budget-friendly option. As noted in the data, individual performance mufflers like Magnaflow or Borla can cost around $175 each. For a pair, you're looking at roughly $350 for parts alone.

A full cat-back exhaust system represents a larger investment but replaces more components. One owner researching a Greddy system mentioned, "I'd really like to know what it sounds like before dropping $700 on one." This $700 price point is typical for a quality, brand-name cat-back system. Custom fabrication is another route. An owner planning a custom system stated, "I am having them build a custom exhaust system from the cat back, eliminating the resonator and using larger diameter stainless steel tubing." A custom job like this at a reputable shop could range from $800 to $1,500+ depending on materials and complexity.

For DIY, your costs are limited to parts and tools you may not own. Professional installation at a muffler shop for a cat-back system typically adds $150-$300 in labor. For custom work, labor is built into the total quote. Always get multiple estimates.

Prevention

Since this "issue" is largely about upgrading rather than repairing a failure, prevention focuses on maintaining your new investment. If you install an aftermarket system, especially one with polished tips, clean it regularly with appropriate products to prevent corrosion and maintain its appearance. Periodically check the tightness of the flange bolts after the first few heat cycles, as they can settle. Inspect the rubber hangers for cracking or wear every year or during oil changes. Applying high-temperature grease to the hanger points during installation, as owners recommend, will prolong the life of the rubber and prevent noise. Finally, listen for any changes in sound that could indicate a loose connection or leak, addressing it promptly.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from NISSAN owners:

Success Stories

"Ended up using a breaking bar with a 16mm socket to pry them loose 2) Rear section was much easier, although a few bolts were pesky as well. Install of new Stillen cat-back: 1) Worked from the front to the back, starting with the new resonator section." — GM_Traitor3.5VQ (source)

"One poster who said the fix worked perfectly said the dealer put caulk (or some other goo) around the shelf where it is attached, and the rattle disappeared." — lightonthehill (source)

"Install of new Stillen cat-back: 1) Worked from the front to the back, starting with the new resonator section. Ensure that with any new exhaust system that you lube the insulator hanger mounts with some decent high-temp grease." — GM_Traitor3.5VQ (source)

Owner Experiences

"Your electrical problem is the first major one I have seen here. That problem would cause all kinds of other problems, as so many things in cars now depend on electricity." — lightonthehill (source)

"Magnaflow or borla mufflers? Ok sell I went to a shop to talk to the guy about getting magnaflow mufflers installed and he started to tell me to get borla mufflers and said their a better brand." — Kingmoe738 (source)

"my left muffler the pipes are missalighned.. ok one muffler is straight the other is alittle crooked, is there anyway i can have this fixed by the dealer?? it was like this when i got the car but it didnt bother me until now.. how could i get this fixed? i mean its not horrible but it does bother me alittle." — specv (source)

Lessons Learned

⚠️ "Regarding the gas pedal and RPMs, no I didn't notice anything like that. Be careful cleaning your throttle body, you don't want to touch the butterfly valve or you'll need Nissan to help you fix it. dunno what the whistle noise is either. what shop installed this exhaust?" — 09max_sv (source)

Pro Tips from Owners

💡 "I am having them build a custom exhaust system from the cat back, eliminating the resonator and using larger diameter stainless steel tubing. I also ordered two stainless steel twin-tip Magnaflo mufflers to replace the stock ones." — 04RedOpMax (source)

💡 "I also ordered two stainless steel twin-tip Magnaflo mufflers to replace the stock ones. I wanted to keep the look of the mufflers like the stock system and the tips on the Magnflo's look almost identical to the factory mufflers." — 04RedOpMax (source)

💡 "Guarantee you'll notice a huge difference in the handling and will love it. If you end up going that route I would also make sure to grease-up the bushings real good for both the front AND rear sway bar so you don't get any creaking." — Dudemaine (source)

Real Repair Costs

"We'll I was wondering by you guys which one do you guys recommend? Price is no problem because the magnaflow one is $175 each and for the borla he told me it's $175 also." — Kingmoe738 (source)

"I'd really like to know what it sounds like before dropping $700 on one. Not sure I like the mufflers being so visible but there isn't too much out there right now." — GrayArea51 (source)

"I'm looking for a sound clip, or video, of the 6th gen with the GReddy SP2 exhaust. I'd really like to know what it sounds like before dropping $700 on one." — GrayArea51 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to install a new cat-back exhaust or mufflers? A: For a competent DIYer with all tools ready, a muffler replacement can take 2-3 hours. A full cat-back system installation might take 3-5 hours for the first time, accounting for stubborn bolts and careful alignment. A professional shop can typically complete either job in 1-2 hours.

Q: Can I drive with a bad muffler or one I don't like the sound of? A: Yes, you can drive safely. A malfunctioning muffler with a hole (an actual leak) is primarily a noise nuisance and may fail a state safety inspection, but it doesn't typically render the vehicle undrivable. Driving with a muffler you simply dislike is purely a matter of personal tolerance until you upgrade.

Q: Is a loud exhaust or muffler upgrade a common modification on the 2020 Maxima? A: Absolutely. The 3.5L VQ engine is known for its smooth power and potential for a great exhaust note. Many owners feel the factory system is too quiet, making muffler and exhaust upgrades one of the most popular first modifications for enhancing the driving experience and personalizing the car.

Q: DIY vs. mechanic - what's recommended for a muffler swap? A: This is a very accessible DIY project if you have basic tools, jack stands, and patience with rusty bolts. The steps are linear and well-documented. The main advantage of a professional is speed, access to a lift, and torches for seized bolts. If you're uncomfortable working under the car or dealing with significant corrosion, a muffler shop is a wise choice.

Q: Will changing just the mufflers trigger a check engine light? A: Replacing the mufflers alone almost never causes a check engine light. You are not modifying the catalytic converters or oxygen sensors upstream. However, if you remove resonators or make significant changes to the mid-pipe that alter backpressure dramatically, it's possible but uncommon on naturally aspirated engines like the Maxima's.

Q: Is it normal for exhaust to only come out of one tailpipe? A: On many modern vehicles, including past Maxima generations, this is a designed feature. As an owner clarified: "If you don't know the answer, don't give bad advise. As mentioned above, the OEM muffler has a pressure actuated flapper that opens the left tip as the flow increases." At idle, one tip may be closed to reduce noise and drone; it opens under throttle. Don't mistake this for a clogged muffler.