Exhaust System

[lionelkirk2004]

I have a question on what my exhaust system needs. The pipe that is in front of the cat., has detached from the engine or wherever and is just sitting there. What needs to be done? How much will it cost?

[grfnkl]

Depends on if the pipe is broken, or just detached. Most places will try to sell you a new pipe, then a full new exhaust. A whole new exhaust from engine back will cost around $550-600, i would figure the front part cost around $200 due to the location.

[lionelkirk2004]

I think that its just a clamp that is broke and needs to be replaced.

[Forkliftguy]

What year is you car and what engine. Off the top of my head, '99 and up Quad 4's do not have clamps between the cat and the exhaust manifold. The pipes bolt together with flanges. Basically, if the flange breaks (which is more likely to happen then three seperate bolts working loose) it will either need to be rewelded or the said pipe be replaced all together.


Marc

[lionelkirk2004]

It a 1996 Grand AM and it has a 2.4L engine.

[lionelkirk2004]

How much would it cost to have the pipe replaced?

[Forkliftguy]

Honestly, I've never had to replace one before, but a rough estimate would be around 100 bucks before labor. I could be way off on this though, grfnkl figures about 200 bucks. I would shop around at reputable muffler shops, they are usually fairly competitive with each other in pricing, and if all needs is minor repair instead of replacement you'll be further ahead.

Marc

[lionelkirk2004]

What if all it needs is to be welded?

[grfnkl]

Definetly shop around and see who have the best price as well as warranty covered work. Welding shouldn't cost that much, definetly cheaper then new pipes.

[lionelkirk2004]

How would I know whether or not the Pipe is broke?

[Forkliftguy]

You have to crawl under the car and physically look at it, that is the only way of knowing for sure. I think at this rate your best bet is to take in to someone and pay them to look for you. Any decent muffler place we'll probably only charge you about $20 for this service.

[lionelkirk2004]

well I can see the pipe and it dosen't look damaged at all, it just sitting there with a thing around it that looks spungy. Any Idea as to what that could be?

[Forkliftguy]

Sounds like the flex pipe is rotted. The flex pipe looks like a short piece of pipe made of steel mesh with rubber inside. It could rot and break apart looking like what you just described, but I don't recall them ever being installed on GAs before.

[lionelkirk2004]

Yeah, I talked to a mechanic and he said that they have those. So how much would that cost to get fixed?

[Forkliftguy]

That's a good question, I've never priced one out before. I'm guessing the part is probably around 30 bucks plus whatever to install it.