Flex Pipe

[TC01]

I need to replace the flex pipe in my 2001 Camry. I want to cut out the bad part and have a new one welded in its place. The local muffler place wants $181.00 (this includes tax) to replace it. I guess I could do it myself, but I just don't have the time, would have to rent a saw and I would not be able to weld it into place. Would have to use clamps and I don't know if that would be a good way to go. The car needs to be inspected and probably won't pass in its present condition. Anyway, is the price they quoted me reasonable for that kind of repair? Would appreciate your feed back.

Thanks

[Mister_Perkins]

that seems really high

[ghettosled]

you can buy a direct bolt-in section on ebay for less (about $130-160). what year and engine do you have?

[swensonator]

I mentioned this on a different thread, but I'll post it here again.

Everyone says you should be able to find a local place to weld in a flex pipe for less than $100, unless you're like me (and maybe you) and live in the middle of nowhere and then the price is much higher. The cheapest price I could get was ~$250 for the flex cut out and welded in.

ghettosled mentioned ebay, which is an option. You can get the entire upper section of the exhaust (everything between the engine and the CAT) for about the same price you were quoted for welding in a new flex. Even that was outside of my price range, however, so I went for the DIY option with clamps. I purchased a flex pipe at Advance Auto parts and got a couple band clamps from jegs.com and did everything myself in the course of a couple hours on a Saturday. Nearly 6 months later and everything is still holding (though I plan on checking the torque on the clamps once it warms up), and I passed my emission inspection without any difficulty. The DIY route only cost me ~$30, so definitely worth it in my opinion, especially if finances are tight.

[gyjoe]

Sounds like you made a good move. I have clamped on a number of mufflers/sections of pipe and have never had a problem.