Walker Exhaust Review

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 such as International, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Kenworth, Western Star, Volvo, and Mack all depend on high-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:

• Broken, loose or missing
• Rubbing against moving parts
• Leaking

Walker parts are a solid choice whenever there's an urgent need for an exhaust system repair.

Exhaust Parts: Things to Consider

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. Effective fleet managers often prioritize these measures to keep their trucks roadworthy, thereby avoiding unexpected roadside inspections or failures.

Company History & Reputation

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.

Repair Priorities

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. Ultimately, parts that last longer result in reduced future downtime. Consistent maintenance schedules and part inspections are proven methods to avoid costly truck repairs.

Type of Material

Manufacturers utilize various materials to fabricate exhaust components 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 helpful in relatively lower temperature applications.

Aluminized steel is steel that has been hot-dipped in an aluminum-silicon alloy. After the steel is cleaned, it is dipped in a bath 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 steel contains more of each of these elements. The resulting low iron content of 304 stainless steel makes it non-magnetic. 304 stainless steel is more rust-resistant than 409 stainless steel. In general, stainless steel is more expensive than aluminized steel. It is also harder to work with than aluminized steel.

Walker Exhaust Parts: Features & Benefits

Walker Exhaust is known for its world-class engineering of engine-to-tailpipe exhaust solutions. Walker heavy-duty exhaust parts are a wise choice for everyone responsible for trucking repairs. This includes truckers, repair shop owners, fleet managers, and fleet maintenance specialists.

Exhaust Parts for Every Need

Walker manufactures a wide range of commercial exhaust components, including:

• Mufflers
• Clamps
• Pipes & tubing
• Elbows
• Flex pipes

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 to be. Walker’s heavy-duty clamps come in diameters ranging from 1 ⅛ inches to six inches. Choose a flex pipe made from aluminized, galvanized, or stainless steel.

Mega-Flow Heavy Duty Mufflers

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:

• Construction from aluminized, heavy-gauge steel
• Internally welded baffles
• Bridge-constructed inlets and outlets

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. This durability is consistent with the latest advancements in heavy-duty truck components seen across the industry today.

The Walker Fit

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 the feeling of satisfaction that comes with a part fitting the first time perfectly. Walker engineering delivers the “form, fit, and performance” essential for quick and efficient repairs. The Walker Fit also extends to the way the manufacturer delivers its customer support. This support includes warranty fulfillment, education, and troubleshooting.

Tech Support

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.

Alternatives to Walker Exhaust

Walker is the industry leader in many segments of the market. Other commercial exhaust suppliers include Donaldson, Nelson, and Grand Rock.

Donaldson

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

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 offers a warranty on specific Class 7 and 8 aftermarket exhaust products for one year or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. It does not warrant certain products, like its standard line mufflers, for example.

Grand Rock

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 in diameter from three to eight inches. 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, thereby increasing service life.

Grand Rock commercial mufflers come with a 500,000-mile warranty. Grand Rock warranties vertical installations for up to four years. It warrants horizontal installations for up to three years. A one-year warranty covers pipes, elbows, and accessories.

Dorman

This manufacturer is known for high-quality aftermarket solutions, and a Dorman exhaust manifold review highlights several durable options for Class 8 trucks that require reliable heat management.

Newstar

Many fleets also utilize NewStar genuine replacement parts when looking for cost-effective alternatives that maintain OE specifications.

Get Walker Exhaust Parts at FinditParts.com

Many transportation professionals rely on Walker exhaust components. End users, fleet operators, shops, and fleet maintenance specialists are some examples. They utilize Walker exhaust parts to address safety, compliance, power, and fuel efficiency.

FinditParts delivers the Walker Exhaust replacement parts you need. You’ll get a good deal, and you’ll get them quickly. For replacement parts manufactured by Walker Exhaust, click here.

About FinditParts.com

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