Need New Exhausr Flex Pipe

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1999 Toyota Avalon XLS w/Ca Emissions

This is the flex pipe upstream of the cat. It is welded in and I do not want or need to replace the entire exhaust from manifold to cat. Universal flex pipes are inexpensive but good enough for this old grocery getter. Could a decent muffler shop weld the replacement in place or would the exhaust pipe have to be removed? What is the most practical way to fix? Thanks.
 
Replacing a flex pipe with a new one is pretty easy for a good muffler shop. Having said that, I've had poor luck getting the aftermarket flex pipes to last very long. Make certain your motor mounts are in good shape, otherwise the new flex pipe will have a short life due to excessive engine movement.
 
Call a few shops and find out what they charge for the service. They are probably able to weld it in place. Just remember you'll now probably have to start replacong that flex pipe every 2-3 years if you live in the rust belt.
 
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Some flexes are stainless while some are not, and they're priced the same. Beware.

Even if the flexes are stainless, the welds will probably rust.

I do it all the time. The front part of the exhaust gets pretty hot which means it stays pretty dry, but, OTOH, chemical reactions will happen faster if you splash salt water on there.

If I can do it on my back in the dirt with the car on ramps any exhaust shop worthy of hanging a shingle can pull this off for you.
 
Try eBay, I was surprised to find one there at a good price, better than rockauto at least for my Taurus. Did rockauto have it?
 
Originally Posted By: Wolf359
Try eBay, I was surprised to find one there at a good price, better than rockauto at least for my Taurus. Did rockauto have it?


Rock did not show a vehicle specific one. Don't know if they have a universal category.
 
Originally Posted By: Trav
Quick and easy job, I have a flex gun for the mig welder that gets the top of the pipe with no problem. Cut the old one out, test fit the new one, clean it all up then spray weld through galv and mig weld it.

https://www.amazon.com/U-Pol-789-Weld-Th...21HPZ4GHNKJH3XQ


Not so sure. Just took a good look. The flex pipe is welded directly to the plenum joining the pipes coming from the engine exh manifolds. No straight run to weld to and very little clearance, especially on top.
 
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
How hard it is to do if it's already been done once? I have a feeling that it's harder to do a second time around.


It was done once by robots in a factory with jigs before installed in vehicle. Huge difference. Having said that, went to two Meineke shops today. Both said they could do it $225 plus tax. I can get a new Walker cat converter for that but I would have to install it and I would lose my factory cat which will surely outlast a new Walker.
 
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I have found Meineke and Midas prices to be high for any of their services. Recommend you get an estimate from an independent muffler shop and see what they charge. I would also see if a welding shop could also do this type of work. I have been pleassantly surprised when I needed small welding jobs done.
 
Originally Posted By: JayhawkRoy
I have found Meineke and Midas prices to be high for any of their services. Recommend you get an estimate from an independent muffler shop and see what they charge. I would also see if a welding shop could also do this type of work. I have been pleassantly surprised when I needed small welding jobs done.


I called one indie and they want to replace the whole pipe.
 
check muffler shop and call 2-3 shop, if they all insist of change entire line then it's probably design. but generally speaking, they cut out the old one and wield a new section. $220 is a bit high..
 
Originally Posted By: gogozy
check muffler shop and call 2-3 shop, if they all insist of change entire line then it's probably design. but generally speaking, they cut out the old one and wield a new section. $220 is a bit high..


Right. First guy I called was full service who did exhaust work. His website made it appear like he was an exhaust specialist but he is not. Found a true muffler indie who quoted $160 plus he uses all stainless instead of aluminized steel.

http://www.differencebetween.net/science...inless-steel-2/
 
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Yes, factory part is $1300 plus shipping. Walker CARB is $650 and Walker Federal is $200. I would not get the Walker Federal due to many complaints of early cat failure. Don't think the Walker Federal has much catalyst in it. Agree about the $160...plan to get it done tomorrow.
 
I first changed the flex pipe on the Sienna in 2008. had to do it every 2-3, years after that. I guess the other option would be to get the OEM front flex from a wrecker if possible.
 
Originally Posted By: artbuc
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
How hard it is to do if it's already been done once? I have a feeling that it's harder to do a second time around.


It was done once by robots in a factory with jigs before installed in vehicle. Huge difference. Having said that, went to two Meineke shops today. Both said they could do it $225 plus tax. I can get a new Walker cat converter for that but I would have to install it and I would lose my factory cat which will surely outlast a new Walker.


That's way too much money. Don't go to a national chain store. It should cost about half that.
 
Originally Posted By: artbuc
I called one indie and they want to replace the whole pipe.


Call a few more. I paid ~#120 5-7 years ago and I don't think Philadelphia prices are much different from Baltimore prices.
 
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