What is the exhaust flex pipe?
An old, damaged flex pipe (left) compared to a new one (right).
The flex pipe (or flexi joint) is an important part of your car’s exhaust system. When you accelerate, your car’s engine moves back and forth on rubber engine mounts. The flex pipe allows for flexibility in your exhaust system, preventing the engine’s movement and vibrations from damaging and cracking the exhaust pipe.
Without the flexibility that the flex pipe provides, your exhaust would be prone to cracking, coming loose and leaking or snapping off. For this reason, it is important that the flexi joint is replaced when it starts to fail.
Exhaust leaks can lead to other parts of your car being damaged. This is due to the extremely high temperature of the exhaust emissions which can burn or melt surrounding components. Additionally, an exhaust leak will affect engine performance, passengers health, emissions and fuel economy.
Exhaust leak repairs in Hamilton
Causes of a damaged exhaust flex pipe / flexi joint:
Wear over time – Your car’s exhaust system is exposed to extreme levels of heat. This heating and cooling can cause parts such as the flex pipe to wear over time. Deterioration can eventually lead to the flex pipe leaking or failing.
Bottoming out – When your exhaust makes contact with the ground, it can cause parts to bend, come loose and break. This will cause these parts to leak exhaust emissions. You can avoid bottoming out by driving carefully, especially when reversing over steep, uneven terrain.
Symptoms of a damaged flex pipe:
Lounder exhaust – When the flexi pipe starts to fail, you will often notice that your exhaust is louder than normal. This is caused by exhaust emissions not passing through the muffler and exiting your vehicle incorrectly.
Exhaust fumes – If you notice the smell of exhaust fumes entering your car, an exhaust leak is likely to be the culprit. Exhaust fumes are unhealthy (toxic) to be around, especially for prolonged periods of time.
Decreased engine performance and fuel economy – When there is an exhaust leak, your car will struggle to accelerate at the same rate and produce more harmful C02 green house gas emissions. The engine will also use more fuel due to the exhaust leak affecting the exhaust gas recirculation system.
New Exhaust Flexi Pipe – Replacement in Hamilton
Is your car in need of an exhaust flexi pipe repair or replacement? If so, we can help! At Grimmer Motors, our team of skilled mechanics are able to replace a faulty flexi pipe in your exhaust system. This will prevent leaks and damage from occurring throughout your exhaust system and allow you to pass your Warrant of Fitness / WOF.
For exhaust flexi pipe / flexi-joint repairs, servicing, diagnostics and replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!
Please Note – we don’t generally stock or supply just “parts only” for this service. We are a general automotive repair workshop. If you are able to bring your vehicle to us, we can diagnose the problem, find and fit the necessary parts, or organise the appropriate service for you.