tolian21

Recently had exhaust leak in flex pipe section, it got cut out and replaced. 2012 with 120k miles. Is
it time when exhaust starts to go? Salt in winter in NJ does not help…

spaceballs

No, the flex pipe is usually a weak point in the exhaust system as it moves around a lot and the flex part can potentially trap moisture and that's where rust tends to start. Also, it being a very hot part, it's not possible to rust proof/coat.
The guy who welded on the replacement flex part may be able to let you know if there are other potential issues in your exhaust system. Did you get a stainless steel flex pipe replacement? Usually aftermarket flex pipes will last around 3 years or more.

My flex pipe went earlier this year, I figured as the car has lasted since now with the original exhaust, getting another OEM one will probably be good for the remaining life of the car.

ESh

You cannot get the flex pipe OEM, you have to buy it together with the other pipes and it is expensive.

spaceballs

Correct, my mechanic gave me a choice of welding on an aftermarket flex pipe, or just replacing the whole thing.
I chose to replace the entire thing given the original lasted ~16 years of harsh Canadian winters.

tolian21

The shop did not really give me choices for flex pipes, and I did not think about it, my fault I guess. Hopefully they dont cheap out on parts as most of the cost is labor. It cost me $500, they had to remove exhaust, weld it and put it back. Mechanic did say I could replace all the way from engine to about mid way of the car, but that would have been $1500 and he did not think it was necessary since rest of exhaust was in OK shape.

tolian21

yup, and it’s crazy expensive, we talking about $3k just in parts, not worth it for a 12 year old car