LarryJa

I'm away this weekend, on a 100ile trip to visit a friend for her birthday, and an annoying exhaust rumble has developed under the drivers side of the engine.
While I haven't gotten the chance to get under there yet, I will tomorrow.
From a topic search, it looks like the first place that I should look is at the flex pipes &, if they are going, it's a straight forward "take it to a good quality muffler shop & have them replaced.".
I do not weld. So, if that's it, it's not a diy'r for me.
As usual, what's the guidance & experience out there on the 3.2 C6's on exhaust leaks?

LarryJa

I finally got the time to check out my exhaust leak from underneath.
The drivers side flex pipe is circumferentially cracked about 2/3 of the way around it. The outer mesh is still somewhat intact, for now.
It looks like the proper repair is to replace the entire catalytic converter & downpipe.
So, it looks like I'll be sourcing a left side converter & downpipe.

LarryJa

I stopped over to see my indy, & he advised me to just go to the local exhaust shop & have them weld in a new flex pipe.
I'll pull the belly pan & stop over there to have them estimate it.
First, I'm going to band it tomorrow, to quiet & seal it. I've got a 250mile trip that I have to take on Tuesday.
After that, I'll head to the exhaust shop.

LarryJa

I patched, covered & clamped the flex pipe leak today.
It's nice to have a quiet car again!
We'll see how long the patch holds up tomorrow....
I cannot say that I'm not considering holding off until after the holidays for the flex pipe replacement.
I'll still go there within a week, & get a price.

all(over)road

A good exhaust shop can just cut out the flex pipe and weld in a new one...no need for a whole new cat and downpipe. I just had both my flex pipes done with OE parts for 300$ out the door.

LarryJa

That's exactly what I'm going to have done.
You can see the split, 2/3's of the eay around, up towards the top of the flex joint.

raj99

These are a bit of a pita to do yourself, but a decent muffler shop can do each side in an hour and you'd be set.

beep-beep

Has the same problem. Paid $400 in brooklyn to weld in new flex pipe. I would not do any wrap up since you deal with a hot pipe and risk of fire.

LarryJa

I've already wrapped the leak.
I put a few revolutions of a plastic exhaust repair tape around area of the leak.Then, I further covered the area with some aluminum exhaust repair tape. After that, I wrapped pretty much the whole flex pipe with thin aluminum sheeting, holding it in place with three hose clamps.
I've driven it about 400miles already with this temp fix, with no noise & no leak.
I will be getting the flex pipe replaced, after the New Year.
Right now, money is tight & I have two new grandchildren, as well as a new companion. So, with limited funds, Christmas is a priority. But, it will get a correct, permanent fix, in due time.

LaAudi12

could you please tell me how you wrapped it an what you used i have the exact same issue an low on money would like to have my car quiet till i have the money to fix it please help me if you can