Exhaust Flex Pipe

[MW3Designs]

Well I picked up a used C5 A6 Avant this past week and the exhaust was quiet loud. Previous owner pointed out a couple of exhaust clamps underneath and said that was the culprit. Didn't sound like the spot to me, but figured I would be able to fix whatever it was regardless. So tonight I finally got the car up in the air to see whats going on under there and I first notice the exhaust clamp hack job where the cat pipes meet the resonator pipes. Next I notice that the flex connector on the passenger side cat pipe was replaced with a welded in straight pipe, followed by a leaky flex connector on the drivers side. Looks like I will have my work cut out for me, and I hate doing exhaust work from the ground with the car at jack stand height.

So my question is, should I cut out that straight pipe and replace it with a flex connector? It's not leaking, but I am worried that this would put stress on the manifold itself, and possible cause it to crack. What do you guys think?

[jcjohnson33]

Yes replace it


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[twizz]

Unfortunately, that is the point of the flex section after the turbo. This is of course further worsened by worn mounts and aggressive driving.

Depending on your driving habits I would say yes either way, but one way you can at least drive until you get someplace with a lift or have an exhaust shop take care of it for you.