Parts for your 2004 Nissan Pulsar-Exhaust mount

2004 Nissan Pulsar Exhaust Mount

Based on technical sources including the Nissan Pulsar N16 Factory Service Manual (EX – Exhaust System) and the Nissan FAST parts catalogue for the N16 series, the 2004 Nissan Pulsar is fitted with exhaust mounts (also called exhaust hangers or rubber insulators). They’re an essential part of the OE exhaust assembly and absolutely relevant to this model.

On a 2004 Pulsar, the exhaust mounts do the unglamorous but crucial job of suspending the exhaust off the body while soaking up vibration. By isolating the muffler and pipework with rubber insulators, they keep the system centred in the bumper cut-out, stop metal-on-metal knocks over bumps, and reduce booming noise in the cabin. They also protect the manifold and catalytic converter from stress by allowing the pipework to move slightly as the engine rocks and the exhaust heats and cools.

Over time the rubber insulators can perish, crack, stretch or go soft. That’s when the tailpipe might sit crooked, you’ll hear clunks on take-off, or the exhaust will thump the rear beam over potholes. A rattle at idle that goes away when the pipe is pushed by hand is another giveaway. The FSM calls for inspection during routine servicing, there’s no set replacement interval, but any sign of sagging, splitting, or hardening is cause to bin them.

• Check all hangers from the mid-pipe to the rear muffler for cracks, elongation, or excessive movement.
• If one mount has failed, inspect the lot—mixed stiffness can twist the system.
• Use silicone spray or soapy water to slip old rubbers off and seat new ones cleanly.
• Support the exhaust with a jack and block of wood to avoid stressing flanges and the cat while swapping mounts.
• Re-centre the tailpipe in the bumper cut-out before tightening any bracket hardware to spec as per the Factory Service Manual.

Quality OEM-style rubber insulators are fine for a stock Pulsar, upgraded polyurethane mounts can suit lowered cars or performance systems but may transmit more vibration. During servicing, it’s smart to also eyeball the bracket welds and heat shields, check for leaks at joints, and make sure there’s proper clearance to the rear beam, spare-wheel well and bumper. A fresh set of mounts is cheap insurance against cracked welds, noisy drives, and a failed WOF/roadworthy due to a loose or insecure exhaust.

Popular questions

How many exhaust mounts are on a 2004 Nissan Pulsar and where are they?
The N16 Pulsar typically uses several rubber insulators spaced along the system—commonly at the mid-section and around the rear muffler. Exact count can vary with trim and whether the system is aftermarket. During inspection, follow the pipe from the catalytic converter back and check each hanger point where the exhaust meets a body bracket.

It’s normal to find at least one hanger near the centre pipe and two around the rear muffler. Make sure each rubber is intact and the metal hangers aren’t bent.

Will worn exhaust mounts fail a WOF or roadworthy check?
They can. If the exhaust is insecure, contacting the body or axle, or sitting off-centre to the point of risk, inspectors in NZ (WOF) and AU (roadworthy/safety) can ping it. Even if it squeaks through, perished mounts often lead to leaks and broken welds later on.

Replacing tired rubbers and re-centring the system is a quick, low-cost fix that keeps the Pulsar compliant and much quieter.

Can the mounts be replaced at home without special tools?
Yes, most owners can tackle it with basic hand tools, jack stands, and penetrating lubricant. Let the exhaust cool fully, support it, then slide the old rubbers off the pegs and press the new ones on with a bit of silicone spray.

If any brackets are bent, or the system won’t sit straight after new rubbers, it’s worth a visit to an exhaust shop to align everything properly.