5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I went for oil change yesterday, and was told the flex pipe (the mesh woven) was leaking due to corrosion. Firestone quoted me $860 to replace the whole pipe with the cat converter and O2 sensor. I was wondering if anyone knows any exhaust shops near Philadelphia can replace the flex pipe only, which needs to be cut off and weld on with the replacement. Thanks in advance
I wouldn't let Firestone near any car of mine. Finding a flex joint that will fit can be done but you need to know the size,material and application. Find an independent shop with a good welder to install the piece. Regards
I was told that I could order the flex pipe online and have it welded on by any welding services. Has anyone done that before? and what's the size of flex pipe?
Why does Toyota make these pipes so low to the ground?
I just realized why last month. I had a real bitch of a time replacing the "gas tank heat shield" that rusted and fell on the exhaust. What is that? Because we (02-04) have a full sized spare the tank is farther forward. The exhaust pipe goes right under the tank! move that pipe up, your putting the hot exhaust closer to the bottom of the tank! One drip of gas from a leaky gas tank on that exhaust pipe on a 100 F day.. kaaa-boom!
I am in the same boat too. Went for an alignment at sears and the guy said the flex pipe is leaking(he said it is a common problem for camry). The car does make different sound as if something is leaking so need to be replaced soon.
I did get quote in the north of $800.
Can I just buy online(link below), and install it myself? Or am i missing something which I am not aware?
What is NON-CARD compliant anyway.
I also went to the dealer for service one time and was told the flex pipe needed to be replaced...when i looked at it, it looked almost new! So i had my import mechanic do a pressure test and it checked out fine...$24 for the test, money well spent as it saved me the $900 Toyota wanted!
I also went to the dealer for service one time and was told the flex pipe needed to be replaced...when i looked at it, it looked almost new! So i had my import mechanic do a pressure test and it checked out fine...$24 for the test, money well spent as it saved me the $900 Toyota wanted!
So be sure to get a second opinion!
What is the procedure for determining the condition of the flex joint? did the mechanic pressurize that segment of the exhaust system and look for leak down? Regards
Yea so basically with the car running he put a gauge on the exhaust and first verified that the pressure was normal then checked the seals to check there was no leaks from the joints around the flex pipe
What is the procedure for determining the condition of the flex joint? did the mechanic pressurize that segment of the exhaust system and look for leak down? Regards
Stick a rag over the exhaust and plug it. If you hear hissing/ leaks your exhaust is bad at some point.
You can also just run the car and feel around for leaks around the flex joint. The exhaust is really hot so be careful.
In order for it to leak it'll be visibly torn/ rotted out.
My Toyota dealer also informed me of a leaky exhaust on my 2002 Camry and wanted over $1200(!!) to replace the entire system, since, according to him, they don't do repairs of the exhaust.
I then took my car to the local Midas shop and they replaced the flex pipe (it rusted through) for $200 by cutting out the old and welding on a new stainless steel pipe.
It was a routine job, according to Midas. Obviously, my experience doesn't speak well for the dealer.
The Following User Says Thank You to weran43 For This Useful Post:
just replacing the flex portion of the flex pipe should cost you 100 or less. Any mom and pop muffler place will have tons of these just lying around. I went to change mine and I was trying to explain what I needed changing without knowing its actually name and saw one out of the corner of my eye... I was like how much to put this on my car? So yea.... don't replace all that just the flex arm.... with 800+ you could get a cold air intake+cat back exhaust+flex arm fix.....
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