Front Exhaust Flex Pipe??

Hi all. So that little flex exhaust pipe in the front under my car, i think is leaking exhaust. Don't know anything about this pipe need to research it more. Seems worse when it's really cold. Is this something that i need an exhaust shop to do or can i replace myself?? Any welding involved??

The flex pipe goes from the turbo outlet to a union under the car. It is part of the catalyst system. You could probably weld in a new one yourself, or if you wanted to do away with the feline, put a straight pipe in.

Welding is definitely involved. I have replaced them in the past but there is few pitfalls.


1. Replacement flexpipe MUST be of high quality or it won't last. These engines move a LOT and typical auto part store flexpipes will fall apart within a year. Learned that the hard way.
2.Alignment is critical or you WILL get nasty vibration in the car. I use a holding jig to cut the old one out and weld in the new one in exactly same place.
3. The cat helps the smell and has absolutely no drawbacks. Flows plenty for the engine. Leave it alone.
4.The pipe from the cat to the center clamp is made a garbage steel while the rest of the exhaust is 409 stainless. They are notorious for rotting out there, replace that pipe if you are already welding on the downpipe.

Ok thanks for the replies! I will look into this. Maybe best taken to an exhaust shop

https://mufflerexpress.com/products/vw-mk4-tdi-jetta-golf-beetle-2-25-downpipe


I suspect this is what you need. I got a complete 2.5" system from them
and the fit was excellent. Quality long flex section too.

Rrusse11 said:

https://mufflerexpress.com/products/vw-mk4-tdi-jetta-golf-beetle-2-25-downpipe


I suspect this is what you need. I got a complete 2.5" system from them
and the fit was excellent. Quality long flex section too.

Click to expand...

Did you install it yourself??

WolfgangVW said:

Did you install it yourself??

Click to expand...

It was a joint effort, my guru let me use one of his lifts, and provided
input while I did most of it. The only hassle with a 2.5" was getting a
wrench on the flange to turbo nuts, limited clearance on the top one.
Slow and awkward but doable. An extra hand while lining everything
up is helpfull. I did the full exhaust with a cat delete, resonator at the
end. I was surprised at how quiet it ended up.

Nyk said:

I currently have a 2.5" straight pipe that's a little too loud for my tastes as a daily driver. I'm currently trying to decide between a resonator or muffler or both. What are your thoughts on just the resonator, and any recommendations?

Click to expand...

https://mufflerexpress.com/collections/mufflers-vw

Muffler express works for me, I have a downturn on the tip, and instead of a muffler, their "performance kit" had the resonator in the
same position as the stock muffler.

The turbo chops up the exhaust anyway, so even a straight pipe exhaust is not as loud as a gasser. I'd suggest just try a resonator
first. No restriction, and while it's a tad louder than stock, it's not
objectionable, at least for me or my significant other.


YMMV, (your mileage may vary)

Nice Rrusse11! The lifts must have been nice to use!

WolfgangVW said:

Nice Rrusse11! The lifts must have been nice to use!

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Omigod yes! I cheerfully throw him a twenty for the use thereof.
And if I'm around I help pushing cars in and out of the shop, cleaning
the occassional part, sweep the floor, whatever. Lol, and listen to
their stories.

I'm getting to old and fat to crawl under vehicles anymore.

turbocharged798 said:

Welding is definitely involved. I have replaced them in the past but there is few pitfalls.


1. Replacement flexpipe MUST be of high quality or it won't last. These engines move a LOT and typical auto part store flexpipes will fall apart within a year. Learned that the hard way.

3. The cat helps the smell and has absolutely no drawbacks. Flows plenty for the engine. Leave it alone.

Click to expand...

If I'm smelling something is it more likely to be the cat rotted out or that pipe you're talking about?

Rrusse11 said:

Omigod yes! I cheerfully throw him a twenty for the use thereof.
And if I'm around I help pushing cars in and out of the shop, cleaning
the occassional part, sweep the floor, whatever. Lol, and listen to
their stories.

I'm getting to old and fat to crawl under vehicles anymore.

Click to expand...

The right equipment makes the job soo much easier!