Exhaust Repair? Cutting Pipe?

[Mr_Joe]

We have a 06 Vibe where the exhaust pipe broke apart right near a 'flange' type connection, at the rear axle. After looking my plan is to cut the flange away & splice in a repair. It's a straight section & seems like it will work. I'm just looking at a few years anyway.

I may be able to tip the pipe down to access with my hacksaw. I don't own a 'sawz-all', but is that what is needed with the correct blade? Not sure yet how the hacksaw will fit there. I don't mind a slow cut with the hand tool. I may not use the sawzall very often for other projects, though I'd still be ahead avoiding the shop. Any other tool better?

Just swinging back through. Google seems to point to a 'chain cutter'. They say one can usually rent or borrow one from Autozone or Oreilley auto parts, I'll try that.

 

[The_Jeff]

It will take you all day with a hacksaw. Get a HF sawzall for $20 and chuck it when you're done. Or return it.

 

[MarkM66]

I wouldn't waste your time with one of those chain cutters.

Try a hacksaw if you want, but will probably need a sawsall.

I'd like to see a picture of it if you can.

 

[deanm11]

Or if you have at least a small compressor, try an air cut-off tool.

 

[Chris142]

Either buy a sawzall or take it to a muffler shop and spend the same amount

 

[ronbo]

Same thing happened to my 2004 Rav4 a few months ago. Took it to a good muffler shop and they put in a section of stainless steel pipe and TIG welded it in. Cost $88.

If you can find a good shop that won't try to sell you a new exhaust system.

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: ronbo
Same thing happened to my 2004 Rav4 a few months ago. Took it to a good muffler shop and they put in a section of stainless steel pipe and TIG welded it in. Cost $88.

If you can find a good shop that won't try to sell you a new exhaust system.


This ^^^^

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: ronbo
Same thing happened to my 2004 Rav4 a few months ago. Took it to a good muffler shop and they put in a section of stainless steel pipe and TIG welded it in. Cost $88.

If you can find a good shop that won't try to sell you a new exhaust system.
wow.$88 is 4x what it costs here

 

[zzyzzx]

I would use an angle grinder to cut through most of it. Of course if you don't have one that's another story, but it's easily one of the more useful things I ever bought, and they don't cost much.

 

[Donald]

If you take it to a shop, they will weld in a piece? That is what should be done for a perm. fix.

 

[Tdbo]

Originally Posted By: Doog
Originally Posted By: ronbo
Same thing happened to my 2004 Rav4 a few months ago. Took it to a good muffler shop and they put in a section of stainless steel pipe and TIG welded it in. Cost $88.

If you can find a good shop that won't try to sell you a new exhaust system.


This ^^^^


This +1. Fix it right the first time.

 

[GreeCguy]

Depending on where it's located and how it's hanging, you could use the old fashioned exhaust repair.

Step one: Head to your favorite shopping center and purchase a large can of grapefruit juice and a small bottle of vodka.

Step two: Visit local auto parts store and purchase four exhaust clamps.

Step three: Once you've arrived home, open can of grapefruit juice and pour entire contents into separate container.

Step four: Remove top and bottom of the now empty can with can opener.

Step five: Cut can down the side with metal cutters.

Step six: Wrap juice can around broken exhaust pipe, overlapping the seams. Wrap can as tightly as possible. Be careful of sharp edges.

Step seven: Secure can in place with exhaust clamps. Two clamps should be placed toward the center of the can, the other two clamps should be placed toward the end of the can. Clamp securely.

Step eight: Mix grapefruit juice with vodka and enjoy while you reflect upon your creativity, economy and ingenuity.

Step nine: (the most important step) - do not drive said vehicle until the effects of said beverage have totally and completely left your system.

 

[Mr_Joe]

The break was right next to a major 'flange' joint, so I really had to cut it away to splice in a piece. It had good support on either side, so I wasn't worried about the fix carrying any weight.

I ended up renting a 'chain cutter' from O'reilly Auto Parts, cost about $8.99. It worked great for the 2 cuts, not much room above to work. I then spliced in a section of 'flex pipe' of the appropriate size. It was a snug fit, then clamped in place. It's a 2006 with 140,000 miles, so we'll see if it lasts the life of the car.

I doubt I spent over $20 on the length of pipe & the 2 clamps. It sounds just fine now, the rest of the piping looked good. That exhaust flex piping seemed to be O.K. quality. It was also near the front of the muffler, maybe cooler by that time.