Several things that I learned while replacing the intermediate pipe.
1. Check the dealer for this part. The dealer charged $147 (Canadian) while aftermarket one was over $200.
2. Always replace the clamps on both ends. Yes, your old ones may look good but these clamps are designed not just to hold the two pipes but also provide a seal. It think they are made of soft metal to conform to the pipes. The price on the clamps were $13 each from the dealer. The bolts do not come with the clamps so you'll have to purchase them separately from a hardware store (get stainless steel if possible).
3. You'll find that the new pipe is about 1" shorter than the original. This is normal since the flexible part of the pipe expands like an accordion. Unfortunately, you can't just stretch it since it contracts as soon as you release it. The middle muffler (resonantor) does have some play but this means you neeed someone to push the middle muffler while you tighten the clamp. Make sure you have someone around who can give you a hand.
The job took just under an hour and the hardest part of this repair was removing the rusted bolts. Just remove one of the bolts, since the clamps can be pried open. In other words, remove the easier of the two. I wish someone had told me this
You can purchase just the flexible part of the pipe from autopart stores, so if you're pretty handy, can you save yourself $100 or so dollars by replacing just that part. Just make sure that the rest of the pipe is still solid.
1. Check the dealer for this part. The dealer charged $147 (Canadian) while aftermarket one was over $200.
2. Always replace the clamps on both ends. Yes, your old ones may look good but these clamps are designed not just to hold the two pipes but also provide a seal. It think they are made of soft metal to conform to the pipes. The price on the clamps were $13 each from the dealer. The bolts do not come with the clamps so you'll have to purchase them separately from a hardware store (get stainless steel if possible).
3. You'll find that the new pipe is about 1" shorter than the original. This is normal since the flexible part of the pipe expands like an accordion. Unfortunately, you can't just stretch it since it contracts as soon as you release it. The middle muffler (resonantor) does have some play but this means you neeed someone to push the middle muffler while you tighten the clamp. Make sure you have someone around who can give you a hand.
The job took just under an hour and the hardest part of this repair was removing the rusted bolts. Just remove one of the bolts, since the clamps can be pried open. In other words, remove the easier of the two. I wish someone had told me this
You can purchase just the flexible part of the pipe from autopart stores, so if you're pretty handy, can you save yourself $100 or so dollars by replacing just that part. Just make sure that the rest of the pipe is still solid.
