Exhaust alternatives...

[3.0Qsport]

New to the forum and in need of others experiences. I've got a 2001 A6 Avant 3.0Q Sport, the day after a main dealer service the exhaust started pluffing at the nearside exhaust flexi pipe (think hitting floods didn't help). After taking to a local tyre/exhaust fitter where the lad suggested it was a garage job (reckoned it would be complicated to get off what with lack of room, Lambda sensor etc). Called local Audi dealer and was told (thankfully I was sitting) £1060. That's just for the downpipe / flexipipe (which includes cat) section of the exhaust (and only one side, i'm hoping the offside doesn't blow!)

Does anyone know of any factor/supplier that would be cheaper than the £745+Vat for the part?

What's the alternative, the flexi-pipe isn't removable on it's own, however I think a new flexi pipe section could be welded. Any ideas?

[lonky]

eurocat may do one, if so would expect to pay £150

www.eurocats.co.uk

latest ones they do are not always listed on website, so you will need to call them

In fact you can buy just the flex pipe and have your repaired, or just change the whole pipe.

[Niall76]

these exhausts never fail - except for the flexi-joint.

Where are you? Near me there is a chap who replaces both the joints for £120 (V6).

[3.0Qsport]

I'm up in the North East of Scotland, have spoken to a garage who can replace the flexi pipe for me by cutting the old one out and welding a new one but i'm not convinced the welds will last all that long. They quoted just under £200 for 1 side....

[Niall76]

The place I mention is in Clydebank. At £400 quote it would be worth making the trip.....

I'll see if I can find the phone number....

[lonky]

down pipes do not normally suffer rust like rear pipes, so repairs should last.

A weld is only as strong as the metal it's joining. Question is do they remove the exhaust to repair, or do in situ ?
If so would be difficult to go completly round the exhaust

[3.0Qsport]

Yes, you're right, the downpipe isn't rusty (the whole exhasut is sound actually) and should be pretty good thick metal. They're going to take it off to cut out the flex pipe and weld new one in. Sounds like a Nova with a bean can out the back just now, roll on getting it to the garage!