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Exhaust muffler flex pipe: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace exhaust muffler flex pipe

Operational lifetime limit of this car part is often not specified by manufacturers. Replacement of the exhaust muffler flex pipe is usually caused by its deformation, mechanical or thermal damage, corrosion.

Cracks and tears of the component mostly occur as a result of impacts due to operation of the vehicle on roads with the poor-quality surface. Also these damage can be caused by incorrect installation of the flex pipe or defects of other exhaust system parts. For example, due to catalyst clogged with carbon, excessive pressure occurs in the flex pipe, the common result of which is tearing. The part can burn out because of this. And insufficient condition of engine mounts leads to its vibrations, which can cause cracks on the component. Appearance of corrosion spots of the exhaust system flex pipe is often determined by regular contact with moisture and dirt.

The specific signs of part defectiveness is intense roaring and loud pops under the car during engine operation. Moreover, damage of the part can be indicated by smell of exhaust gases in the vehicle cabin. In addition, troubled start, reduced power and unstable operation of the engine sometimes indicates broken flex pipe.

It is recommended to perform replacement of the car part at a service station as this procedure presupposes usage of a lifting device and some other special equipment. It is necessary to replace the connection flanges gaskets and seal rings during mounting of the component.

How to select exhaust muffler flex pipe

The exhaust muffler flex pipes are usually made of stainless or aluminized steel. According to the construction, these components can be with double or triple braiding. The items with double braiding are installed in gasoline operating cars, while the ones with triple braiding – on both gasoline and diesel engines.

Also there are flex pipes the inner layer of which is a flexible sleeve made of metal plates. These parts are more durable and wear-resistant, as the metal sleeve is reliable protection from high temperature, vibrations and jerks of accelerating cars. These flex pipes cost more than regular ones, that is why it is unadvisable to install them into cars with low efficiency engine.

Longevity of the exhaust muffler flex pipes greatly depends on their manufacturers. For instance, high-quality products are produced under such brands as FA1, LRT, HJS, Eberspacher, Bosal, JP Group.

During purchasing of the component you need to consider recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer, also paying attention to the engine type. The important parameters for proper installation are inner and outer diameters, flex pipe length and its location in the system: horizontal or vertical.