"How To" Tutorial Library Write tips and instructions on how to install parts or fix problems. This is for detailed "How To's" only, not a forum to ask how to do something. Please post those questions in appropriate forums.

How to repair flex pipe

Old 03-21-2014, 10:51 PM
  #21  
Deceased
 
843de's Avatar
 
Join Date: 06-30-2010
Location: Kannapolis NC
Posts: 25,739
Originally Posted by ilikepie
does changing the pipe from the rubber accordian type to the metal type like that work?
No rubber in the OEM flex joint, that part of the exhaust sees temps ranging from 800-1200 degrees Fahrenheit during engine operation. Any rubber would melt or burn away in mere minutes.

The big difference in the OEM part and the aftermarket part is price as pointed out earlier in this thread. Going the aftermarket route will save you hundreds of dollars over dealer pricing.

P.S. to the forum!
843de is offline  
Old 03-22-2014, 01:06 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
Fox Hat's Avatar
 
Join Date: 02-21-2010
Location: Burlington, ON
Posts: 537
Originally Posted by ilikepie
does changing the pipe from the rubber accordian type to the metal type like that work?

Thats not rubber!!! rubber will melt

Its a metal accordian so it can expand and contract.
Metal doesn't like that so it eventually cracks.

This is one of those not if but WHEN repairs.
Fox Hat is offline  
Old 12-21-2015, 01:02 PM
  #23  
New Member
 
Kellywren's Avatar
 
Join Date: 03-10-2012
Location: East TN
Posts: 27
Thank you for the info. Good job

I too was told by dealership last week that it was not covered.
A shop here quoted me $140 installed but with their own pipe conversion. He'd just replaced the same thing last week on a Cobalt.
Kellywren is offline  
Old 12-21-2015, 01:10 PM
  #24  
Platinum Member
 
whopper's Avatar
 
Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,032
Not sure of your mileage, but it is covered under the 8/80 emissions warranty.

For more info: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...ex-pipe-42365/
whopper is offline  
Old 12-21-2015, 01:35 PM
  #25  
Administrator
 
Oldblue's Avatar
 
Join Date: 10-13-2011
Location: Welland,Ont Canada
Posts: 36,435
When my original flex pipe cracked , on vacation, in South Carolina, I ordered up a new down pipe, it included the gaskets, new flex pipe and catalytic converter, and bolts $165.00.
5 bolts, two O2 sensors and about 3/4 of an hour and all fixed!
Oldblue is offline  
Old 02-23-2016, 08:59 AM
  #26  
 
henchmaniii's Avatar
 
Join Date: 01-22-2011
Location: La Verne, CA
Posts: 1
MY 06 has had this problem twice now. First time it happened was about 2 years ago and was covered under my extended warranty. Cost me $100.00 dollars. (Was never told by the dealer that it would have been covered under the emissions warranty). The issue has now resurfaced and I'm on my own for paying for the repair. A friend of mine can get me the replacement flex flange from the dealer for the "good guy" price of $760.00 dollars. The list price is over $1100.00 dollars! Going to try the fix recommended by bad ass bowtie. Definitely cheaper than the dealer.
henchmaniii is offline  
Old 02-23-2016, 09:09 AM
  #27  
Administrator
 
Oldblue's Avatar
 
Join Date: 10-13-2011
Location: Welland,Ont Canada
Posts: 36,435
Welcome to the site! This is for cut and weld or clamp

Amazon.com: Chevrolet HHR Cobalt Saturn Ion Front Flex Section Exhaust Pipe 2.2 2.4 W/gasket: Automotive Amazon.com: Chevrolet HHR Cobalt Saturn Ion Front Flex Section Exhaust Pipe 2.2 2.4 W/gasket: Automotive

And this replaces the whole pipe


http://m.ebay.com/itm/New-Catalytic-Converter-Chevy-Ion-Chevrolet-Cobalt-HHR-Saturn-Ion-1-5YR-WARRANTY-/350910338426?nav=SEARCH


Just some options
Oldblue is offline  
Old 02-23-2016, 09:40 AM
  #28  
Technical Moderator
 
donbrew's Avatar
 
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 24,660
Originally Posted by henchmaniii
MY 06 has had this problem twice now. First time it happened was about 2 years ago and was covered under my extended warranty. Cost me $100.00 dollars. (Was never told by the dealer that it would have been covered under the emissions warranty). The issue has now resurfaced and I'm on my own for paying for the repair. A friend of mine can get me the replacement flex flange from the dealer for the "good guy" price of $760.00 dollars. The list price is over $1100.00 dollars! Going to try the fix recommended by bad ass bowtie. Definitely cheaper than the dealer.
That is the price for the entire cat! A new flex can be had on eBay for less than $80. Oh, and have someone inspect your motor and transmission mounts, that's the usual reason for repeat failures.

Direct Flex Repair Pipe JGM2143L 3LBF CO2 02 09 Chevrolet HHR 4 Cyl 2 2L 2 4L | eBay
donbrew is offline  
Old 02-23-2016, 09:43 AM
  #29  
Administrator
 
Oldblue's Avatar
 
Join Date: 10-13-2011
Location: Welland,Ont Canada
Posts: 36,435
Yep another eBay link to explore. The dealer version is way to much money!
Oldblue is offline  
Old 02-23-2016, 10:38 AM
  #30  
Senior Member
 
db/sb's Avatar
 
Join Date: 06-26-2006
Location: San Bernardino, California
Posts: 1,876
Direct Flex Repair Pipe JGM2143L 3LBF CO2 02 09 Chevrolet HHR 4 Cyl 2 2L 2 4L | eBay
This will only fit 02-09 Chevrolet HHR 4 Cylinder 2.2L 2.4L
db/sb is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: How to repair flex pipe



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:42 AM.