MASSMINI

My RX's center pipe is leaking at a hanger bracket weld between the cat and resonator. Anyone know if this can be welded? Hoping to not replace since the center pipe is otherwise in pretty good shape.

Lexmex

Yes, you can weld it.

MASSMINI

Here's what $60 of welding got me. Nice and quiet.

carguy07

Congrats! That pipe would not have been cheap. Did you have a muffler shop do it?

MASSMINI

Yup. Had it done by a local custom exhaust shop.

brabbit

ok so I believe that this is the exact area that mine is leaking.... how did u determine.... were u under there and heard it... can u see or feel the leak.
Thanks

JAB

While in that area be sure to check the bolts that hold the O2 sensor in place; after 185,000 miles mine rusted away, leaving me with a $160 repair.

brabbit

will do... thanks

MASSMINI

Condensation! When the car is completely cold start it up and get immediately underneath and look for water dripping. The same condensation that normally exits the tail pipe of a just-cold-started car will make its way out of the leak. In my case the hanger weld area was wet and dripping. After the car has been running for a couple of minutes the evidence (water) will be gone.

weinkaufjr

Hijack of an old thread - I had the same problem, sensor actually came loose from the exhaust. Used my mig to weld an oversize nuts on what was left of the studs and was able to back the remaining portion of the studs out. New stuts, nuts and gasket are about $20.00. From this thread I now realize I need to also get the shield.