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Daniel LaBare
October 16, 2019
October 16, 2019
Since the 1930s, Walker Exhaust has been an innovator in exhaust system design and fabrication. Today, Walker delivers exhaust solutions for semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. Walker is a trusted OE supplier to many manufacturers.
When an exhaust part breaks or otherwise fails, a prompt repair is important. The moment a rig is pulled off the road for a repair, the clock starts ticking. In the trucking industry, it is an understatement to say that time is money. Owners and operators of brands like International, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Kenworth, Western Star, Volvo and Mack all depend on quality exhaust system parts. Walker replacement parts get truckers back on the road and keep them there.
Exhaust system issues often result from parts that are:
Walker parts are a solid choice whenever there's an urgent need for an exhaust system repair.
When you’re looking for heavy-duty truck replacement parts, there are several things to consider. You want to purchase products made by a company with a solid reputation. You want replacement exhaust parts that restore power, fuel economy and safety. You also want to understand the pros and cons of the various metals used to fabricate exhaust parts. These considerations help you make smart decisions as you balance quality and cost.
The origins of Walker Exhaust date to 1908. William Walker and his twin sons, Warren and Willard, founded the company. Four years later, Willard teamed up with John Dwight to develop a new kind of car jack. They kept car tires off the ground during winter storage. By 1929, the enterprise was one of the nation’s leading jack manufacturers. In 1932, Walker patented the louvered tube muffler.
In 1953, Walker introduced the first aluminized steel muffler. In the 1970s, Walker worked with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop the catalytic converter. It soon became a leading manufacturer. In 1987, the DynoMax Performance Exhaust arrived. Innovation continued in 2008 with the arrival of the Cat-Back stainless steel exhaust system. Today, Walker is a leading manufacturer of exhaust parts for on-road and off-road vehicles. This includes semis and other heavy-duty trucks.
When discussing semi truck exhaust systems. it’s all too easy to talk stacks and not much more. Of course, every exhaust component is important when you want the best in power, fuel economy, safety and longevity. Truckers want the power necessary to complete highway maneuvers with ease. Profits depend on squeezing every mile out of every gallon of fuel. Safety is also important. It’s vital to avoid any risk of carbon monoxide and toxic fumes in the cab or sleeper berth. Evaluate replacement parts with these priorities in mind. Finally, parts that last longer reduce future downtime. This adds to long-term profits.
Manufacturers use different materials to fabricate exhaust parts for heavy-duty commercial trucks. Galvanized steel, aluminized steel, 409 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel are examples.
Galvanized steel results from steel hot-dipped in molten zinc. Galvanized steel is rust and corrosion-resistant. It is useful in relatively lower temperature applications.
Aluminized steel is steel hot dipped in an aluminum-silicon alloy. After the steel is cleaned, it is dipped in a bath heated of liquified metal heated to more than a thousand degrees. The process yields steel coated with layers of both aluminum and oxidized aluminum. OEM exhaust systems are usually made from aluminized steel. The material is less expensive than stainless steel. It is receptive to customizing and welding. However, it is somewhat more prone to rusting than stainless steel.
409 and 304 stainless steel are also used to fabricate exhaust components. Both alloys contain chromium and nickel. However, 304 stainless contains more of each. The resulting low iron content of 304 stainless steel makes it non-magnetic. 304 stainless is more rust-resistant than 409 stainless. In general, stainless steel is more expensive than aluminized steel. It is also harder to work with than aluminized steel.
Walker Exhaust is known for its world-class engineering of engine-to-tailpipe exhaust solutions. Walker heavy-duty exhaust parts are a smart choice for everyone responsible for trucking repairs. This includes truckers, repair shop owners, fleet managers and fleet maintenance specialists.
Walker manufactures a ride range of commercial exhaust components, including:
Walker exhaust parts are available for almost all heavy-duty applications, on-road and off-road. Walker offers a wide selection of straight tubing, stack pipe and universal connectors. It manufactures elbows in endless sizes and designs. Route the exhaust system exactly where you want it. Walker’s heavy-duty clamps come in diameters ranging from 1 ⅛ inches to six inches. Choose flex pipe made from aluminized, galvanized or stainless steel.
Mega-Flow Heavy Duty Mufflers feature proprietary patented technology. They are engineered for Class 7 and 8 vehicles.
You’ll get improved vibration resistance and durability thanks to:
A cold-flow bench test with competing designs confirmed up to 30-percent less back pressure. The design reduces highway drone. Enjoy better straight-through performance with OCF roving. Get performance without sacrificing acoustics. The manufacturer’s warranty covers four years or 500,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Time is money for everyone involved in exhaust repairs and replacements. The company is devoted to supplying parts with a precise fit, part of what the company calls “The Walker Fit.” Every technician knows that feeling of satisfaction when a part fits the first time. Walker engineering delivers the “form, fit and performance” essential to quick, efficient repairs. The Walker Fit also extends to the way the manufacturer delivers its customer support. This support includes warranty fulfillment, education and troubleshooting.
Time is money in the shop as well. Sometimes, you need technical expertise to complete the job. Challenging exhaust repairs are a part of the business. Walker’s technical support team is trained to offer technical tips and diagnostic help when needed.
Walker is the industry leader in many segments of the market. Other commercial exhaust suppliers include Donaldson, Nelson and Grand Rock.
Donaldson is a supplier of high performance mufflers and other exhaust components. The century-old company is headquartered in Bloomington, MN. Donaldson specializes in filtration products. This includes exhaust components for the medium and heavy-duty diesel market. Donaldson was one of the first companies to use aluminized steel in its exhaust parts.
Like Walker, Donaldson offers a 500,000-mile warranty on its aluminized steel diesel mufflers. It also offers aluminized and non-aluminized stainless steel mufflers. The company offers a million-mile warranty on its “Silent Partner” stainless steel exhaust silencer. .
Nelson Global Products (NGP) is another leading supplier of diesel exhaust components. In 1939, the company began in the basement of a Buick repair shop in Stoughton, WI. Company headquarters remain in Stoughton to this day. It is a global operation with facilities in the U.S., Australia, Mexico, Brazil, India and China.
Nelson serves a variety of commercial, recreational and agricultural markets. It does warranty certain Class 7 and 8 aftermarket exhaust products for one year or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. It does not warranty certain products, like its standard line mufflers, for example.
Grand Rock is a manufacturer of exhaust components founded in 1970. The company is in Painesville, OH. Many truckers know Grand Rock for its stacks. One-piece chrome stacks range from three to eight inches in diameter. Grand Rock also manufactures HF-series mufflers that deliver fuel savings.
Many Grand Rock fabricates many of its exhaust parts from aluminized steel. It also makes parts using aluminized and non-aluminized 409 stainless steel. Grand Rock also uses 304 stainless steel. Interior ceramic coating on certain products reduces heat to increase service life.
Grand Rock commercial mufflers come with a 500,000-mile warranty. Grand Rock warranties vertical installations for up to four years. It warranties horizontal installations for up to three years. Pipes, elbows and accessories come with a one-year warranty.
Many transportation professionals rely on Walker exhaust components. End users, fleet operators, shops and fleet maintenance specialists are some examples. They use Walker exhaust parts for to address safety, compliance, power and mpg.
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