It is a flexible section of pipe in the exhaust system that helps absorb some of the engine vibrations.
An exhaust flex pipe is made of layers of woven stainless steel.
You can use regular exhaust pipe providing it fits and you can bend it into the location.
The purpose of the flex pipe is to give the exhaust some flexibility. On front wheel cars since the motor is mounted crosswise, when you give it gas the motor rocks and would over time break the exhaust pipe or even the exhaust manifold. On rear wheel drive cars, the exhaust pipe can twist which gives the needed flex. As far as components, it is just a woven metal sleeve over a piece of pipe that isn't attached to the ends of the flex tube. The outside woven part allows the exhaust to flex.
You need a welder the flex pipe part and a saw and a car lift.
No you don't. They can cut the pipe and weld the flex pipe into place...otherwise it will get VERY costly
It's cheapest to buy a universal pipe and weld it on yourself. The universal flex pipe part is Walker 42216. It goes for $25-$30. If you bring the pipe to a shop, the shop should charge you around $50-$80+tax in labor to remove the old pipe and weld the new flex pipe in.
Yes, there is..
A car that has a bad exhaust flex pipe will not pass inspection in any state that requires it. The pipe will need to be fixed before the car is inspected or it will fail.
A GOOD MUFFLER SHOP LIKE MEINEKE CAN CUT OUT THE BAD SECTION OF FLEX PIPE AND WELD IN A NEW ONE. USUALLY TH PIPE IS AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN NEW.
An exhaust flex pipe is a braided stainless steel pipe that allows for some movement between exhaust pipes (usually around 6-8" long). It is made of interwoven wires of stainless steel. A flex pipe will need to be replaced within the life of a vehicle and a tell tale sign of expiration is when wires are sticking out or loud exhaust can be heard from that area.
If its just the Flex pipe replacement it should not cost more than $120 with tax. I recently had mine replaced. -Gokul
Yes! This can easily be done with a rubber pipe coupling bought at home depot.