Hey all,
Got a2009 V6 4wd Outlander with 200,000km on it. It has a crack or hole in the flex pipe. As well, down around the catalytic converter, we've had some holes or cracks already patched.
So I need advice on what to do. One garage days since it's impossible to find aftermarket parts for the exhaust, it would be better to replace everything at once, because fitting custom parts onto the original parts (like if we kept the muffler but replaced everything else) is very hard and expensive... But has suggested a cut and weld for the flex pipe repair. However, if anything else fails, replace it all, including the front pipe. Sisterly these guys do Outlander exhaust alot.

Another garage said think of it as 3 parts, the front pipe, middle, and muffler. He thinks just replace the part that is needing replacement. He never mentioned issues mixing custom with original parts.

Sooooo, what would you guys do. The Flex pipe needs repair, and no doubt other cracks are going to show up in the middle part that had the cc. But is there an issue doing it piece meal vs all at once and one whole new exhaust?

Sorry for the book above lol? I could really use your opinions.
Thanks a lot!
Dave

 

How long do you plan to keep this car?

 

This thing is being driven into the ground. Other than this issue, the vehicle is awesome and maintained since day 1.

 

Anyone?
if anyone had to do repairs on their exhaust, did you have to replace the whole thing or could you just replace the section of pipe that was damaged? I don't mean cut and weld, I mean from flange to flange.

Thanks
Dave

 

parts are out there. check out carid.com. if nothing else, it will provide part numbers/manufacturers that make them.

 

I will answer with question. How thick is your vallet? If you plan to keep car for couple more years, just replace everything and forget about it. If you strugling, just replace what is needed.

 

i would do Magnaflow it has a lifetime warranty Magnaflow Exhaust, Mufflers & Tips - #1 Best Price

 

thanks for all your input. We are tight on cash, so we just got the cut and weld done ($200 OTD). I'm still unsure what to do if other parts of the exhaust fail as 2 reputable shops say 2 completely different things.

hypothetically, if you guys had a bad catalytic converter, would you just replace that section of exhaust, or would you replace everything? That's what is going to happen most likely - the portion of the exhaust with the CC will fail. I still don't understand why you can't replace each section as they fail, but I'm curious as to what you guys think.

 

my last state inspection, my exhaust failed me. Remember that heat shield that likes to rust off right before the last catalytic converter? well I never took the clamps off...that retained moisture/salt and my pipe almost rusted in half right there. My family is pretty resourceful, so we removed the whole exhaust at the flange and acetylene welded the pipe back together. I'd replace in pieces and/or repair as needed.

eventually mine will rust apart as well...but I may even try to find junkyard parts off newer units.

 

I believe the catalytic converter has a 10 year warranty...