How loud is your ATV when you’re out on the trail? Do your neighbors complain about the loudness of your ATV?
“How To Quiet ATV Exhaust Noise” is a common query. The following is a list of all the information I’ve gathered and tested out on my ATV. Whatever your reason for wanting to reduce the volume of an ATV’s exhaust noise, there are a variety of approaches you can take. Even though stainless steel with a complete weld will be more durable. If you want to keep your ATV quiet, you’ve come to the right place. To Install A Silencer On An Aftermarket ATV,
A Spark Arrestor Is Necessary.
The Muffler is packed.
Assemble The Silencer
The Exhaust System Needs Repair.
Inserts with a Quiet Core
Muffler Modifications
Mufflers should have an inlet turndown exhaust tip.
Assemble A DBMask
Add a homemade muffler.
Riding an ATV involves some degree of noise, but what happens if the noise level becomes intolerably high. In addition to putting your hearing at risk, you may also find yourself the target of a neighbor’s wrath. The silencer muffler is my favorite of the bunch because it’s simple to install and does a better job than the others. This is also a good time to keep a check on power loss and backpressure buildups.
10 Most Effective Ways To Quiet ATV Exhaust Noise
1. Set Up An Aftermarket ATV Silencer
A silencer is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the noise of an ATV without impairing the vehicle’s capabilities. On top of the original muffler, a new silencer is placed. More than anything else here, these baffles and sound-absorbing materials work as an exhaust and reduce the noise significantly. With mufflers, noise is reduced by using an additional muffler that is filled with sound dampeners. When revving mid-range, the noise is reduced by as much as 10-15 decibels, and idling noise is reduced by as much as 6-8 dB.
However, the ATV’s manufacturer, model, and year have an impact on these parameters. Even while these numbers don’t sound spectacular, keep in mind that the sound intensity approximately doubles for every three decibels raised and the recommended exposure time is halved. To put that into perspective, a 12 dB reduction in noise is equivalent to a four-fold reduction in noise.
There is no need to weld a bracket to hold the silencer in place, and the installation just takes 5-10 minutes. Because of this, you can attach and detach it as you see fit. Silencers are available from a variety of manufacturers, all based on the same idea. Depending on your ATV, you can choose from a variety of alternatives. If you can’t find a specific model for your bike, there are also universal models. The universal models function well, but you may need to make some adjustments to make them fit your ATV. In my opinion, The Silent Rider’s is the best one out there.Additionally, riders and hunters alike like the Kolpin ATV Stealth Exhaust. Don’t assume that just because your friend’s silencer muffler works, so will yours. Brand and model inconsistencies are not uncommon, as evidenced by my observations. Before making a decision, do some study.
2. Install A Spark Arrestor
Spark arrestors, which were originally developed to prevent forest fires, are another viable solution. Carbon embers emerging from the system are caught by a steel mesh fitted in the exhaust pipe. When sound travels through this mesh, it is lowered in intensity and speed, making it an effective sound dampener.
In the United States, all ATVs must have a spark arrestor. If you’ve repacked the exhaust, the odds of hot materials escaping are extremely high.
A tragedy of this magnitude is something you don’t want in your hands; wildfires pose a serious threat. If your ATV doesn’t come with a spark arrestor, you can buy one for $10. There are just a few types that use discs to catch sparks, whereas older units use centrifugal principles. In contrast to the above, you can see a drop of roughly 2-3 dB, which may not seem like much but is obviously effective.
The mesh may reduce airflow, but it won’t have a significant impact on power. In fact, it has the potential to increase back pressure and thus performance. To reduce noise and enhance airflow, a dome-shaped spark arrestor is preferable to a flat one. Maintain a consistent flow by cleaning it after each ride.
3. Pack The Muffler
The muffler might be packed if you desire a low-cost and straightforward option. This isn’t the best solution, but it’ll do for now because it absorbs the ATV’s noise and vibration. Noise-reducing cloth is an option for filler.
This depends on the sort of muffler that you have. Using screws and rivets to assemble it makes packing easier. To build a quiet muffler, fill in the empty gaps or replace the old stuffing with newer material. Dismantling everything is not necessary during welding. As a result of the restricted airflow, an overheated engine is a possible side effect.
Steel Wool
While steel wool may look like it’s doing the job, it’s not built to handle or resist heat, making it a fire risk.They continue to work until they dissolve and are ejected from the muffler.In addition to the risk of creating a blaze, the stuffing inside can catch fire as well. The corrosion of the muffler is accelerated when the steel wool is moistened with oil and other chemicals. Over time, they even lose some of their dampening effects.
Fiberglass Mats
Fiberglass is a better option than steel wool. It can withstand higher temperatures and last longer than its rival, making it the more cost-effective option. Because they are heat resistant, hot burning material cannot escape the muffler. If money isn’t an issue, you can instead use sound-absorbing fiberglass matting instead of packing.
4. Repack The Silencer
It’s possible that even after installing a silencer, your ATV is still making a lot of noise because the insulation no longer works to reduce noise. Silencers, like mufflers, need to be repacked from time to time, but few people are aware of this fact. The silencer’s sound insulation gets filthy and loses its ability to absorb sound over time. Consider replacing the sound dampening or insulating material in your silencer after it has been used for a while or driven a lot of miles. An aftermarket car parts retailer or Amazon should be able to supply you with the same stuffing.
After disassembling the silencer and removing the old material, the silencer is cleaned and repacked with fresh material. Rockymountainatvmc.com has comprehensive information on the entire procedure. According to the frequency of use, you may have to repeat the procedure every few months or so.
5. Repair The Exhaust System
The exhaust system of every ATV includes a built-in muffler. Its primary function is to muffle the engine’s exhaust noise. In the same way, as with any other part, it is vulnerable to deterioration with time. The noise reduction capabilities of such a muffler have deteriorated over time. Consider inspecting the muffler in the event your exhaust is making a lot of noise. A limited amount of rust and cracks are likely to be discovered. If it can be repaired, do so; if not, find a new ATV with a better-sounding muffler.
Same holds true for the exhaust. Wear and strain on your exhaust pipe can lead to cracks and leaks. There’s a lot of black soot around where the leak is, so you know where to look. In addition, inspect the welds and joints for fractures. Don’t overlook the first few inches because they are more susceptible to leaking due to temperature changes. Even a hairline crack can cause a lot of noise if it isn’t fixed.
6. Quiet Core Inserts
The quiet core inserts are a lesser-known alternative that works just as well. Since this is largely aftermarket gear, there aren’t many makers of it. Despite this, many people use it in sound-sensitive regions because of its integrity. Most often, the quiet core insert is made of 201 stainless steel and has a porous pipe that fits within the exhaust system’s muffler. Make sure you have a spark arrestor installed in your muffler so that it may be used with a quiet core insert.
The noise level can be reduced by around 3-6 dB as a result of the combination. Installing it is a breeze, even for a newbie, and it only takes a matter of seconds. Hence, it’s a rapid fix in the event of a crisis. Just make sure your muffler is compatible with the quiet core insert before installing it, or you may run into warranty problems. Open the cap and screw it back in place. You have everything you need.
7. Modify The Muffler
A silent core insert may not be compatible with your muffler, so what do you do if that’s the case?
A custom one may be in order in that situation. A universal exhaust pipe baffle insert is all that is required. Depending on your exhaust pipe’s dimensions, you can choose from a variety of exhaust covers. A simple bolt-in installation is all that is required. Typically, they are composed of metal, which is durable. However, this has the drawback of reducing ventilation as a result of the remodeling. As a result, it’s better suited to low-speed trail riding. If you plan to race with it, the restricted airflow could cause the engine to overheat, resulting in engine damage.
8. Include An Inlet Turn Down Exhaust Tip For The Muffler
This doesn’t silence the noise completely, but it does keep it from spreading too far. Even when you’re out in the field, this can make a big difference. To avoid scaring the animals away, be careful not to scare them. Adding a muffler inlet turndown pipe is the best approach to deal with this issue. The sound travels in a straight line, so a straight exhaust can provide a far-reaching boom. The roars of ATVs can be heard up to three miles away in certain circumstances. With a turndown pipe, the sound is focused on the ground and travels less than if it were coming from the sky. The uneven surface of the earth functions as an absorber and a breaker of sound waves, absorbing the sound.
The inlet turndown pipe on the aftermarket exhaust system has a downward bend. Bolt in any 90° bend pipe if your system doesn’t come with one. In any event, there is nothing complex about the installation. To get the best results, use this in conjunction with any other strategy.
9. Insert A DB Killer
If you’re looking to make your car sound even louder, consider installing a DB killer at the tailpipe’s very end. In addition to sound deadening, it has a built-in spark arrestor. With its stainless steel construction, the DB killer can be installed in a matter of seconds. On Amazon, you’ll find a couple producers of this, as well. However, you may want to check the diameter to make sure it’s a good fit. Your ATV’s noise cancellation is influenced by the brand, model, and volume of its engine. The DB Killer, although removing the noise, also increases the backpressure.
10. Add A DIY Muffler
If you have the time and know-how to build an additional muffler for your ATV, why not give it a whirl. All you need is a car muffler and a mounting bracket for the system. A car muffler on an ATV is considerably better than the factory one and does not influence the performance or backpressure of the vehicle. Even if they’re reasonably priced, you may prefer one from a smaller vehicle so that it will fit perfectly. Your ATV’s muffler shouldn’t be overkill for the muffler you choose. If this is the case, the engine could suffer from power loss and excessive back pressure.
In the absence of prior welding knowledge, you may wish to enlist the assistance of a professional to install the component and fabricate the mounting brackets. You’ll need an exhaust pipe and flat steel to create them.
Why Are ATV’s So Loud?
You now have a wide range of options for reducing the volume on your ATV, but you may also be curious as to why your ATV is so loud in the first place. ATVs produce a lot of noise because of their high RPMs and tendency to be driven quickly over uneven terrain. In addition, their exhaust systems are short, and your engine is not well-insulated. Manufacturers tend to focus more on horsepower than on noise. While they are quite loud, one cannot fault them for their performance. Despite popular belief, the engine has a significant role in raising the overall noise level, even if the exhaust is the primary culprit. The following is a list of places where the sound may come from.
Combustion Engine
In the same way as four-wheelers have a combustion engine, ATVs have one as well. They don’t have a soundproof chamber as cars do, therefore they can’t block out outside noise. To begin, ATVs are either 2- or 4-stroke machines. In today’s world, four-stroke engines like those used in automobiles are the norm. In simple words, four strokes in the piston complete a cycle. Every iteration has its own set of steps, which I describe in more detail below. When it comes to two-stroke engines, it’s certainly an ancient tale, given that none have been manufactured since 2006. Yamaha’s Banshee 2-stroke was the last of its kind.
When you press the start button, the intake begins immediately. The ATV sends a signal to the engine to begin running. When the intake valve opens, air and fuel are able to enter the cylinder, allowing the piston to continue its downward motion.
A mixture of air and fuel has been forced into the piston via compression. The mixture is compressed and re-expanded during the upward stroke. The mixture is ignited by the spark plug at this stage, resulting in an explosion. As a result of the explosion’s rapid expansion, the piston was pushed back down. Combustion engine strokes propel the ATV ahead one stroke at a time.At the fourth and final stroke, the piston rises once more, allowing the exhaust valve to open. The exhaust system expeles the burned gasses during this motion. The ATV’s loudness is the result of several moving parts moving rapidly and explosively with every stroke. It has a drawback because of its arrangement, which doesn’t separate the engine’s noise. Additionally, the open design does not allow for insulation, therefore shielding is not an option.While 4-stroke engines are used in automobiles, their engines are placed in insulated chambers to decrease noise and mute combustion sounds.
Muffler
Lightweight ATV mufflers do little to lessen the sound without referring to muting it. They are essentially hollow tubes with sound-dampening chambers inside of them. Depending on the chambers in which they bounce, sounds are either absorbed or cancelled.
Short Exhaust Systems
When it comes to the exhaust system on an ATV, it’s short and barely adequate. The sound and vibrations aren’t dissipated by the created backpressure since it doesn’t reach far enough. In addition, the linear design does nothing.
Related Questions
What Is The Quietest Four-Wheeler?
The quietest ATVs on the market are made by Honda and Yamaha, who are both in tight competition. Low ground clearance and a short fuel tank are the main drawbacks of Honda. The Yamaha Grizzly 700 EPS Realtree Camo can be a good choice if you’re looking for a quiet hunting rifle.
Does Heat Wrap Make The Exhaust Quieter?
Sound is muffled by a heat wrap’s sound-dampening capabilities, but heat is kept inside the wrap. However, at higher frequencies, they can be reduced to some extent. The only exception to this rule is if you need to use them to plug a hole.
Is It Illegal To Drive With A Loud Exhaust?
A loud exhaust vehicle on public highways is unlawful, however the rules and penalties vary from state to state. Few states, such as California, make it illegal to increase the volume of an automobile’s exhaust system.
Conclusion
Driving a loud ATV on public highways or trails is a crime. Although the legality of it may be questionable, it is also unsuitable for the environment. Many trails and ATV parks have to close because of the excessive noise from quads in use. An ATV’s exhaust noise can be reduced in a variety of ways. The silencer is the best, in my opinion. You can always choose for a quiet ATV if you don’t want to try any of these. Make no changes to your vehicle unless you’re racing and performance is a concern.
There may be a problem with your engine if none of the preceding solutions work for you. Maintenance and oil changes are just as important for an ATV as they are for a car.
