What is an exhuast flex pipe and why do I have to replace it?

Question

My mechanic told me I need to replace it after I went to him with a very loud roaring sound coming from the engine/under the car. He said it is the pipe that connects to the manifold.

Answer 1

And he is correct, it is a flexible pipe that connects the exhaust manifold to the rest of the exhaust, yours probably has a hole in it, hence the loud noise. Some of those flex pipes are quite expensive...

As for why do you have to replace it, well, unless you enjoy the loud noise and sucking carbon monoxide it would be best to get it done..

Answer 2

You have a front wheel drive car, obviously. The flexpipe is the piece of the exhuast system that allows the engine and transaxle to "pitch" on its mounts when you accelerate, or rev the engine. A longitudinally mounted engine just kind of twists the exhaust a bit, but a transverse mounted engine has the exhuast at a right angle.

You have to replace it because there is a very loud roaring sound coming through what used to be a flex pipe and is now a piece of useless metal!

Answer 3

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RE:
What is an exhuast flex pipe and why do I have to replace it?
My mechanic told me I need to replace it after I went to him with a very loud roaring sound coming from the engine/under the car. He said it is the pipe that connects to the manifold.

Answer 4

Bendable Exhaust Pipe

Answer 5

In older cars,rear drive they did not have flex pipes, but in front wheel drive cars of today, its needed as engines in front wheel tend to bend a bit when you step of the gas peddle vertical position, ie up and down, you can probably get away with out a flex pipe but in time you will get cracks and leaks in the exhaust system, its there for a reason.

Answer 6

It's actually pretty much what it sounds like. It's a flexible piece of pipe, usually with a "braided cable" cover. Your manifold is stationary and the rest of your exhaust system just hangs from the under carriage of your car. So the flex prevents anything from breaking. Basically, you have an exhaust leak.

Answer 7

I am sure you are driving a front wheel drive car and the engine is sideways, the exhaust flex pipe is there because of engine torqe, when you get on the throttle the engine will twist in the frame and it needs to flex in that area, if it was solid it would break something. it sounds like the mechanic knows what he is talking about, get it fixed !

Answer 8

could be allot of reasons depending on the age of the vehicle, it could be the exhaust donut and flange where the manifold connects to the flex pipe or it could be where the flex pipe connects with the collector at the bottom of the car and then starts to the back and if you hit a speed bump or a parking block in a parking lot then I would say the collector has been damaged.

Answer 9

Ask your mecanic to show you what he's talking about. My brotherinlaw is a mechanic so I get him to show me things. when he can't I go into an auto parts store & ask them. The manifold is where your exhaust mounts to the engine. If this is busted you'll use more gas & dump more bad stuff into the air. In the state of colorado you can also get a ticket. Auto Zone has GM service manuals on line but you have to go to their store for them to show you anything. That's the way it is here anyway. I also pick up lot of info from some of the car shows on TV, but that's better for a carhead like myself. Good luck with your quest for car knowledge.

Answer 10

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Aftermarket exhaust manufacturers such as Bosal can supply short lengths of flexi exhaust in various diameters. As long as there is one available in the right diameter for your Passat, then any competent garage with welding equipment should be able to make an effective repair for a fraction of the price of replacing the Cat. We have done this many times at the garage I work at, to save a customer the expense of a new Cat.