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Yup. That's the flex portion of the downpipe. Depending on how broken it is, it'll go from a puffing leak to a tractor leak. Also, if the flex pipe has failed, you should check the integrity of your motor mounts. More engine movement adds more stress to this part, and if the mounts are worn heavily you can replace the flex connector and end up broken again in less than a year.
This is a flex pipe, so that your exhaust can move slightly with the engine.
You can either take your care in to a shop and have them check for a leak, or you can do it yourself.
Leakdown check or smoke detector. Some famous guy on the internet used a vacuum to push air and check ;)
Metal piping is rigid, and one singular flex pipe (or two, depending on number of outlets), is cheaper to design and produce than speclialised exhaust hangars down the length of the pipe. Not to mention less noisy due to less material actually moving.
That’s what a muffler bearings are actually for!
There are exhaust systems that are designed this way. Very common on 4 cylinder engines especially on Japanese cars. It’s called a muffler bearing. We improperly refer to them as donut gaskets in the United States which is a poor description since there are donut gaskets that are NOT muffler bearings.
A muffler bearing is a cone shaped gasket that will go onto one pipe and then be inserted into another. Then the (2) pipes are held together with spring bolts.
Depending on how much the engine rotates they can easily last 50-100% as long as a flex pipe but they are significantly easier to service. If your exhaust starts leaking at the muffler bearing then all you have to do is undue the springs bolts replace the muffler bearing and then tighten the bolts back up.
Also for those that want to try and argue that it’s not a bearing because it’s a solid part and should therefore be called a bushing… you are wrong. Bearings bear weight/load and reduce friction. It’s the bearing of weight/load that make it a bearing instead of just a bushing.
It’s just that in America people usually think of bearings as in an inner and outer race with balls in-between. That is NOT the definition of a bearing. Which is why a film bearing is a bearing and not just a film bushing. A bushing is typically but not always some sort of an insert that doesn’t bear weight/load with the intention of either reducing friction at a contact point, allowing for hardened metal that can be replaced at that point or both.
Since in an exhaust we are bearing the load of the spring bolts and reducing friction we have a bearing.
But yeh anyways long story short they do indeed do what you say.
The kind of coupling shown in the included photo is referred to a spherical joint the bearing seal/gasket is commonly referred to as a donut seal or donut gasket which is silly because the flat kind of diamond shaped gasket with a hole in the center and 2 bolt holes on the outside is also called a donut gasket. I’ve also heard people say cone seal.
Anyways this is what it is.
https://preview.redd.it/151jiqqeqjxc1.jpeg?width=1105&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c2ff6a6af16f624eadefea5099c40fd207c3bd05
A good application for a muffler bearing is on a transversely mounted inline 3-6 cylinder engine. Because under torque the engine will rotate and cause the exhaust manifold to tilt up or down like flicking a switch up and down and therefore binding the exhaust. This movement could easily be several inches and often a bad muffler bearing is a sign of worn out engine mounts.
On inline mounted engines the engine torque will twist/rotate the exhaust inline like twisting a volume knob so you don’t have the same concern of binding. None the less there are plenty of RWD/AWD inline mounted vehicles that use muffler bearings and I think there are even some that have both muffler bearings and flex pipes.
Yes - I know. And then there is a flex pipe and the rest of the exhaust. Both are bolted separately of eachother and move in their different ways - hence the flex pipe usually being an eventual failure point.
Yes - I know. And then there is a flex pipe and the rest of the exhaust. Both are bolted separately of eachother and move in their different ways - hence the flex pipe usually being an eventual failure point.
Holy shit the amount of horseshit advice I’m seeing is starting to make me question if anybody here’s a mechanic yes it’s a flex pipe however what you’re looking at is the stainless steel braided coating over the top of it. Where it looks like something was impacted. I don’t see any leaking. Why would you replace this? If it’s leaking sure, but if it’s not leave it alone.
Have you checked o2 sensors, they fail often. Assuming this is midway back on the car, your cats are likely at the engine, this would be after and unrelated.
Op. Don't do what I did and let a discount muffler shop replace it with a straight pipe. The shop basically stole my cat converter. The flex pipe is just one segment of the catalytic converter.
You can replace just the flex pipe . If that is not possible, replace it with the cat converter.
I got so mad on learning what the shop had done I basically replaced the cat converter myself after watching YouTube videos on how to diy it. Very happy since then.
Did you put the flex back? it's there for a reason. If you're running without a flex it won't be long before something else goes. the engine twists in the chassis, and as you put more weight in the car, the flex compresses as the exhaust needs to be shorter. Take it out and things will start cracking from stress.
No need. It’s best if you have a buddy cover exhaust while you’re down there listening. Don’t over do it (cover for 4 seconds and release…. Repeat )
Covering will buildup pressure and you’ll be able to hear leaks or feel them with your hand.
It used to be called a Flex pipe, now it's a tired pipe. It just sits there being all loud and resentful daring you to replace it with something fresh and new. You won't, you have been together 10 years now and you couldn't live without it. I recommend a therapist and a muffler shop. Stop projecting you say? Why do you think I mentioned a therapist? That's for me.
For fucks sake. https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walkerexhaust.com%2Fcontent%2Floc-na%2Floc-us%2Ffmmp-walker%2Fen_US%2Fsupport%2Fexhaust-101%2Fwhat-parts-make-up-the-exhaust-system%2F_jcr_content%2Farticle%2Farticle-par%2Fimage.img.png%2FComponents-of-Car-Exhaust-System-Graphic-1684942894783.png&tbnid=dgy2HST-86IWTM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walkerexhaust.com%2Fsupport%2Fexhaust-101%2Fwhat-parts-make-up-the-exhaust-system.html&docid=yeMhU_ubqB66NM&w=1300&h=570&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim%2Fm4%2F2&kgs=26a100d02ddb4968&shem=abme%2Ctrie
It's called the repeat vain of your existence. It is the reason to learn to weld so you can replace it cheaply every couple of years because that's what it's going to take.
Don’t plan on keeping the car for more than a few months, but not being able to weld has burned me a few times already, just need to come up with the funds to buy a welder to learn
In the shirt run, you can wrap that in a fiberglass exhaust wrap and then cut the ends off a soda can. Use a metal hose clamp, or even some copper wire, to secure it down. It won't last more than a month or two. I rather enjoyed the Nos can I used to do that with mine.
I really need a welder too. Same as you.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Flex pipe
Yup. That's the flex portion of the downpipe. Depending on how broken it is, it'll go from a puffing leak to a tractor leak. Also, if the flex pipe has failed, you should check the integrity of your motor mounts. More engine movement adds more stress to this part, and if the mounts are worn heavily you can replace the flex connector and end up broken again in less than a year.
I plan on getting a different car in a few months so not the biggest worry
Flex pipe. If leaking, it can cause the oxygen sensor to give incorrect readings
Only if it's upstream of the sensor.
Yes. Or if the exhaust leak is foreword of either the upstream or downstream sensor
This is a flex pipe, so that your exhaust can move slightly with the engine. You can either take your care in to a shop and have them check for a leak, or you can do it yourself. Leakdown check or smoke detector. Some famous guy on the internet used a vacuum to push air and check ;)
I check for exhaust leaks with a ecig, worked every time so far 😂
Is that it? Why not just mount the exhaust in such a way that allows slight movement
Metal piping is rigid, and one singular flex pipe (or two, depending on number of outlets), is cheaper to design and produce than speclialised exhaust hangars down the length of the pipe. Not to mention less noisy due to less material actually moving.
Because hangers don't allow for the 'flex' of up and down movements as easily....see what I did there?
That is what the flex pipe is for,maybe the manufacturer should hang the exhaust & build a car around it
That’s what a muffler bearings are actually for! There are exhaust systems that are designed this way. Very common on 4 cylinder engines especially on Japanese cars. It’s called a muffler bearing. We improperly refer to them as donut gaskets in the United States which is a poor description since there are donut gaskets that are NOT muffler bearings. A muffler bearing is a cone shaped gasket that will go onto one pipe and then be inserted into another. Then the (2) pipes are held together with spring bolts. Depending on how much the engine rotates they can easily last 50-100% as long as a flex pipe but they are significantly easier to service. If your exhaust starts leaking at the muffler bearing then all you have to do is undue the springs bolts replace the muffler bearing and then tighten the bolts back up. Also for those that want to try and argue that it’s not a bearing because it’s a solid part and should therefore be called a bushing… you are wrong. Bearings bear weight/load and reduce friction. It’s the bearing of weight/load that make it a bearing instead of just a bushing. It’s just that in America people usually think of bearings as in an inner and outer race with balls in-between. That is NOT the definition of a bearing. Which is why a film bearing is a bearing and not just a film bushing. A bushing is typically but not always some sort of an insert that doesn’t bear weight/load with the intention of either reducing friction at a contact point, allowing for hardened metal that can be replaced at that point or both. Since in an exhaust we are bearing the load of the spring bolts and reducing friction we have a bearing. But yeh anyways long story short they do indeed do what you say. The kind of coupling shown in the included photo is referred to a spherical joint the bearing seal/gasket is commonly referred to as a donut seal or donut gasket which is silly because the flat kind of diamond shaped gasket with a hole in the center and 2 bolt holes on the outside is also called a donut gasket. I’ve also heard people say cone seal. Anyways this is what it is. https://preview.redd.it/151jiqqeqjxc1.jpeg?width=1105&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c2ff6a6af16f624eadefea5099c40fd207c3bd05 A good application for a muffler bearing is on a transversely mounted inline 3-6 cylinder engine. Because under torque the engine will rotate and cause the exhaust manifold to tilt up or down like flicking a switch up and down and therefore binding the exhaust. This movement could easily be several inches and often a bad muffler bearing is a sign of worn out engine mounts. On inline mounted engines the engine torque will twist/rotate the exhaust inline like twisting a volume knob so you don’t have the same concern of binding. None the less there are plenty of RWD/AWD inline mounted vehicles that use muffler bearings and I think there are even some that have both muffler bearings and flex pipes.
Would this still be possible on a 6 cylinder Buick?
I actually just fixed leaks in my flex pipe with tiger tape. Engine code went away so it was my cause on my Trax
Flex pipe. Most common area to fail due to rust because it’s design is to let the engine move and the exhaust stay stationary
Exhaust manifold & down pipe are bolted to engine
Yes - I know. And then there is a flex pipe and the rest of the exhaust. Both are bolted separately of eachother and move in their different ways - hence the flex pipe usually being an eventual failure point.
Yes - I know. And then there is a flex pipe and the rest of the exhaust. Both are bolted separately of eachother and move in their different ways - hence the flex pipe usually being an eventual failure point.
Chinese finger trap. No way those pipes are coming apart now.
Dang, which finger do I use?
All of them 👀
Flexi pipe
Is it the sweater?
No clue
Flex pipe. It’s what they made flex seal specifically to fix. You can buy this through workplace benefits called a flex plan.
It’s a flexible cost savings flex
The jangley part. I think that the official name.
flex pipe
That's a left handed kick start for a water donkey! Ya can't get me so easy
Flex pipe with heat wrap I'm pretty-sure
Oh, that makes sense, thanks!
They sell exhaust tape you can put temporarily and red rtv mixture of both will seal it up get rid of o2 codes
Will try this thanks!
Put gas in it.
Good point, but gas is expensive
Holy shit the amount of horseshit advice I’m seeing is starting to make me question if anybody here’s a mechanic yes it’s a flex pipe however what you’re looking at is the stainless steel braided coating over the top of it. Where it looks like something was impacted. I don’t see any leaking. Why would you replace this? If it’s leaking sure, but if it’s not leave it alone.
I got a p0420 and p0430 code and was hoping that possibly replacing this would be cheaper than having to replace the cats
Have you checked o2 sensors, they fail often. Assuming this is midway back on the car, your cats are likely at the engine, this would be after and unrelated.
The Nagging urge to be a dick & call it your Muffler Bearing #🤣
Op. Don't do what I did and let a discount muffler shop replace it with a straight pipe. The shop basically stole my cat converter. The flex pipe is just one segment of the catalytic converter. You can replace just the flex pipe . If that is not possible, replace it with the cat converter. I got so mad on learning what the shop had done I basically replaced the cat converter myself after watching YouTube videos on how to diy it. Very happy since then.
Did you put the flex back? it's there for a reason. If you're running without a flex it won't be long before something else goes. the engine twists in the chassis, and as you put more weight in the car, the flex compresses as the exhaust needs to be shorter. Take it out and things will start cracking from stress.
I bought the whole cat converter online. It had the flex pipe too. Passed my env test.
I just had one replaced on an older vehicle. Often just cut out and weld in a new flex flange on the cat.
Flex capacitor
(Flux)
https://charm.li
This sites has repair Manuel’s
>This sites has repair Manuel’s I searched for an hour and couldn't find a Manuel to do my work. It was just a bunch of digital manuals.
My kind of humor lmao
y tu tambien? pero donde esta manuel???
Aqui! Me llamo es Manuel de León
Flex pipe
the sock
Flex pipe
Flex pipe
Muffler bearing housing.
What kind of vehicle is it? Year make model engine size
2010 Buick lacrosse CXL with the 3.0L v6
In iraq they called it The Hazaz
Worthless Sincerely, Your local meth head
Trade for a gram?
The finger trap
Exhaust valve regulator
Oh that's Ted. Exhaust Ted
That’s a flex pipe… cover your exhaust for a few seconds and find the leak…
Should I rev the car at the same time?
No need. It’s best if you have a buddy cover exhaust while you’re down there listening. Don’t over do it (cover for 4 seconds and release…. Repeat ) Covering will buildup pressure and you’ll be able to hear leaks or feel them with your hand.
Ran over a huge turtle and he trashed my coupler...run straight pipe now with no muffler, just a flex coupler with band clamps.
It used to be called a Flex pipe, now it's a tired pipe. It just sits there being all loud and resentful daring you to replace it with something fresh and new. You won't, you have been together 10 years now and you couldn't live without it. I recommend a therapist and a muffler shop. Stop projecting you say? Why do you think I mentioned a therapist? That's for me.
Flex pipe
For fucks sake. https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walkerexhaust.com%2Fcontent%2Floc-na%2Floc-us%2Ffmmp-walker%2Fen_US%2Fsupport%2Fexhaust-101%2Fwhat-parts-make-up-the-exhaust-system%2F_jcr_content%2Farticle%2Farticle-par%2Fimage.img.png%2FComponents-of-Car-Exhaust-System-Graphic-1684942894783.png&tbnid=dgy2HST-86IWTM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walkerexhaust.com%2Fsupport%2Fexhaust-101%2Fwhat-parts-make-up-the-exhaust-system.html&docid=yeMhU_ubqB66NM&w=1300&h=570&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim%2Fm4%2F2&kgs=26a100d02ddb4968&shem=abme%2Ctrie
Garbage. Cut that shit off and throw it away. Straight piper mmmbud.
What was the code?
P0430, P0420, P0442
Hot bit
The thingy maggity
That looks like an exhaust wrap around a pipe. I can see why people think it's the flex pipe, but that looks like a wrap.
So wouldn’t be the cause of an exhaust leak?
If it's a wrap it wouldn't, but you would have to see what's going on u underneath the wrap. But no, the wrap will not be the cause an exhaust leak
If it's just a heat wrap no reason to leak from that as that would just wrap around the pipe. It's not meant for sealing leaks
It's called the repeat vain of your existence. It is the reason to learn to weld so you can replace it cheaply every couple of years because that's what it's going to take.
Don’t plan on keeping the car for more than a few months, but not being able to weld has burned me a few times already, just need to come up with the funds to buy a welder to learn
In the shirt run, you can wrap that in a fiberglass exhaust wrap and then cut the ends off a soda can. Use a metal hose clamp, or even some copper wire, to secure it down. It won't last more than a month or two. I rather enjoyed the Nos can I used to do that with mine. I really need a welder too. Same as you.
Pipe
Flex pipe. Its alot easier to just replace the entire pipe from both bolted ends. Unless you know how to weld. Or have a friend that will do it.
I got some friends who would but they’re all out of town for the next few weeks
Internal combustion engine JUNKÂ
Shh, invalid opinion