Suddenly Loud Engine in Cabin and Exterior

Hi,

Lately, my Gen 4 4Runner has been running much louder than usual. It sounds like the sound deadening has suddenly worn off, or the transmission is having a problem. I would attach a video if the site allowed, but I cannot. It almost sounds like a big truck engine that has no muffler or a small muffler, like it sounds like a deeper rumble and growl, instead of a drone. This would be good, if I could hear my music in the cabin through it, which I cannot because of the noise. I don’t know what this could be. Help!

 

1) You can attach a video. Take a video, then upload it to Youtube. Then copy and paste the link in this thread.
2) Maybe the sound deadening is gone from under the hood?

 

Maybe the exhaust has broken somewhere. My Rav4 exhaust broke right at the catalytic and was loud, but it started small and grew louder..

 

https://youtu.be/z_OEvWRqeEw This is a video showing what I mean. It just sounds loud and with high sound clarity, like the deadening is not there anymore?

 

Ok. How would I check to see if the exhaust is broken? Would I just use some soapy water along the length of the car exhaust system and watch for leaks? I also read that the exhaust manifold breaking could cause this issue.

 

Just crawl around and listen while it’s running. Listen under the hood as well in case it is the manifold.

 

To make a noticeable sound volume increase, it'll be a pretty noticeable hole or crack. Either one of the donut seals has rotted away leaving a half inch gap or you got a hole in the pipe or muffler. Many used 4th gens and 5th gens over 12 years old have had the exhaust replaced. Mine had a cheapie Walker exhaust installed by one of the previous owners.

 

This is a 4th gen, does it have the v8?
The v8 is well known for manifold cracking and catalytic converters plugging up which blows the donuts out in the exhaust causing the exhaust to escape in places before the tailpipe which is louder due to not going thru the muffler.

 

Maybe cats got stolen, if applicable

 

^Joke's on the thief for stealing 20 year-old cats if true.

 

Sounds like an exhaust leak. The manifolds are usually a loud ticking noise. Get under it and check visually, should be pretty obvious.

 

Doesn't sound bad actually? What if you did a few 4000 rpm pulls and let off the gas. Does it crackle and pop like the douchebag modified BMWs?