This car is now running so loud, I cant hear the radio. I took to a local repair shop where they determined that the exhaust has cracked at the manifold. 2 options - replace the whole system ( rather pricey) or have it welded with flex pipe . I have no clue how damage could happen in that area - Has anyone else had a problem like this - its a 2007 HHR LT, less than 50thou miles on it.

 

Personally I'd bite the bullet and NOT go the welding way...... have you tried to pick up one at a recycle ( read junk ) yard or maybe an aftermarket supplier?
Don't get me wrong, if done right welding will work on the manifold....... if done right.

 

If the manifold cracked, why would the whole system need replaced? Did you run over something and bottom out, cracking the manifold, and damaging the rest of the system?

 

Not to my knowledge did it get hit on anything - thats what is so odd about the whole situation - and even aftermarket prices are kinda high for this replacement part - guess I could start making some calls and doing some internet searches for this. Who would have guessed that of all places that an exhaust would crack there? Sure I can figure a leak someplace else seeing as I live in a bad weather area - shame this isnt something that is covered under a warrenty someplace along the line. Thanks for your replies

 

Why would they weld the manifold with flex pipe?

 

I tthink they would "sleeve" the broken pipe and weld to the plates.

 

I could be wrong but I think he means the down pipe has cracked at the flange of the exhaust manifold. He never said the manifold was cracked.

My choice would be a used down pipe from a wrecking yard.

Another choice would be welding a new flanged section to the existing pipe after the bad part is cut off.

I believe what they are suggesting is replacing the flanged part of the pipe complete with a flex then welding to the cat pipe.

All of these will work but welding to the stock pipe can leave you with a pipe that rusts faster that the stock pipes........

 

He????

 

She.....sorry my mistake

 

car-part.com has exhaust manifolds listed for $50 Used for the 2.2 and $50 to $65 for the 2.4

your not very specific