2015 Impala V6 exhaust leak

[i6pwr]

Using a smoker through a spark plug hole, I found where the leak is. This is just down from the forward converter....can this be repaired or does it need a new Y-pipe?

Has anyone welded this area? Doesn’t look like a fun weld given the two materials.

Is the flex portion integrated into the Y-pipe?

I appreciate any input.

 

[OneLonelyBurrito]

You typically can't weld on the bellows of a flex pipe, you'll most likely just end up burning through the bellows as they aren't very thick. Unfortunately, you'll probably need a new pipe assembly.

 

[Timmastertech]

The flex section can be cut out and a new one welded in. I usually price a new y-pipe and price welding in a flex section for a customer and go with whatever is more economical

 

[slacktide_bitog]

If you can replace just the flex pipe, get one that's 304, so it wont rust again

Amazon and other sites have 304 flex pipes.

Muffler shops can replace the flex pipe. They do it all the time.

 

[i6pwr]

If you can replace just the flex pipe, get one that's 304, so it wont rust again

The flex pipe doesn't appear to be the part that's leaking, but the junction of the flex pipe and the Y pipe. The flare of the OE Y-Pipe looks like it has the rot

 

[redhat]

most likely the repair without replacing the whole pipe will go like this

flex is cut off flange and cut farther down the pipe, new flex pipe is welded in with maybe a couple inches of solid pipe welded to the flange then connected to the existing exhaust. it will move your flex a few inches down the exhaust path, but this is of no concern.

thats the repair I'd shoot for.