What Are Exhaust System "Flex Pipes" And Why Do They Break

The exhaust flex pipe is a flexible tube usually made of stainless steel, which is giving the exhaust line enough flexibility during the movement of the vehicle. This helps to limit the cracks that could appear in the exhaust system if the pipe was rigid, or avoid damaging other parts to which it is attached. The exhaust flex pipe absorbs vibrations produced by the engine, preventing the other components to be affected.
The exhaust flex pipe is made in braided steel, which allows it to give this flexibility. The braiding can be double or triple depending on the type of vehicle: In general, a gas powered car will be fitted with a double braided flex pipe, while a diesel car will have a triple braided flex pipe.
After a certain time, the movements exerted on the flexible exhaust pipe by the vehicle will deform it or even crack it. The exhaust flex pipe could also get attacked by rust or could tear due to excessive pressure in the catalytic converter if it gets blocked.
In today's video Mike reviews a broken flex pipe on a vehicle and shows the main cause of these components becoming damaged over time due to worn or broken engine mounts.
Do you need Flex Pipe and tourque mount repair for your Vehicle? Urban Automotive in Oakville Ontario can perform any service on your vehicle. You don’t have to overpay at your dealership.
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[@fjeinca]

Great, succinct video. Thanks!

[@motorcitysattva]

I had mine replaced after my car started sounding like a dirt bike on acceleration, but it's been a few years, and I think it may be time again. If it is, I will talk to them about broken mounts.

[@fuffoon]

I think that mine has just been beaten to death by road debris after 12 years but I'm going to look at the motor movement too. Next week is injectors re-seat, tranny intercooler, flex pipe and front stabilizer links replacement.

[@ValFolarin]

goddamn sounds like my 2010 dodge journey. What care are you driving

[@HALIFAXJAYR]

Thanks for sharing! One of the best videos on solving this issue now I know where to look to take proper precautions.

[@ACURACRO]

Oakville BoyZ thank you guys for making ths video my flex pipe broke again sec time and to quickly never notice that torque mount your a champ that could be my issue and its a Ford Edge lol possible same as a fusion

[@robertmartin1269]

I have an 07 Nissan Maxima and noticed a little while back that it had a bad flex pipe/exhaust leak, but it completely hit the fan last night while driving. It got MUCH louder, exhaust smells coming into the car, and i can feel the low exhaust pressure. Earlier today I went to start my car and it sounded like complete shit, i looked under the car and I literately SAW STEAM SHOOTING FROM THE BIG HOLE IN THE FLEX PIPE, needless to say, its parked until im driving straight to the exhaust shop lol.

[@irisbaez1972]

Any way to do maintenance to that part, like spray wd40 or other thing?

[@ValFolarin]

Step 1: Clasp Hands
Step 2: Look to the sky
Step 3: Close Eyelids
Step 4: Utter the following: "Help me god"

[@Flossypapi]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@raymondo5893]

I put a new flex pipe in last year. I feel it’s gone again. Is this possible? The car is used daily and driven sensibly.

[@UrbanAutomotive01]

I apologize for the late response Raymond... Absolutely... If your engine Mounts have play the pressure exerted on the flex pipe from the movement will quickly degrade the flex pipe. Think of a standard steel hanger that you use in your closet at home... To break the steel you just need to bend the hangar back and forth with your fingers and thumbs and you will physically feel the heat and the hanger will break. It's the same for your flex pipe. You could also have a blockage in your catalytic converter which resides behind the flex pipe. Excessive pressures can also cause flex pipes to crack depending on their quality. Hope this helps.

[@farazmuhammad818]

Good

[@Nightbaron_Shadowman]

Thanks man !
I thought it was the delete of the cat converter, because its returned again after few days for replace it, do you think so ?

[@vciq]

I’m about to do new exhaust from cats back do I really need a flex pipe ?

[@UrbanAutomotive01]

It depends on the age of the vehicle... we like to go with the old adage "if it's not broke don't fix it" if you are having it done by an exhaust shop they may advise you that it is cheaper to have it done at the same time with the rest of your exhaust depending on its condition. Hope this helps

[@vciq]

@@UrbanAutomotive01 yes the flex has one on each side of the Y pipe that’s getting taken out so I might as well replace a new one since they’re ripped up anyways and it’s a 2015 thanks for the advise !

[@irisbaez1972]

Vibration? really. I have replace almost the whole car suspension and nothing eliminated the vibration. the flex pipe, catalytic and maflex are good.

[@ANicRob]

I had a flex pipe installed today and now have vibration when sitting at a stop light. What might have been done to cause that? I have brand new motor mounts too.

[@tywanjames4427]

Did you ever figure it out?

[@ANicRob]

@@tywanjames4427nope. Traded the car in. It was also burning oil. 130,000 miles on a Camry 😢