Flex pipe butcher job - need advice

2758 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by bob the builder, Sep 3, 2011

rodnex

Discussion Starter · Sep 2, 2011

2001.5 Passat V6 4Motion

The exhaust started leaking at the flex pipes. I brought it to a local shop who did a butcher job cutting and welding in new flex sections.

It appears they tried learn how to butt weld on my car. The exhaust is now leaking at all the seams they welded (and band clamped). :wrench:

It looks like there are flex pipes available which "slip" over the pipe, whereby I could cut this butcher job out myself and slide (longer?) flex pipes in and clamp/weld?

I looked on the ECS tuning website but cannot figure out which parts I should order to attempt to fix this myself.

Perhaps this?
Volkswagen Passat B5 4 Motion V6 30v > Exhaust > Universal > ES#3828 Universal Flex Section 2.25(OD)x8 - Priced Each - FT22504N

thanks in advance

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mcseforsale

· #2 · Sep 2, 2011

First, call management at the place you had it done. Express your dissatisfaction with the apparent lack of skill in their workforce. Show that you aren't some uneducated idiot and that you have a BUNCH of reference material available to you. Hell, Lie. Tell them you used to be a VW mechanic or whatever but now, your current endeavors dont' allow you to work on your own car anymore.

Also, since you WILL get CEL codes, let them know that too.

Then, let them know without immediate satisfaction, you will be calling the BBB. If that doesn't get you better service, call BBB and let them know then come back.

AJ

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scotts13

· #3 · Sep 2, 2011

I'm often surprised at the number of people who seem reluctant to make workmen responsible for their work - it's as though they were dealing with an illicit back-door operation and are afraid to make a fuss. Do what mcse says, with the addendum of contacting your state consumer protection agency. The BBB, in most places, is largely gutless. Heck, talk to the local newspaper.

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mcseforsale

· #4 · Sep 2, 2011

True. Seems like things such as Angie's List would be a good alternative, if you have a subscription :hmmm:

I always wanted to shoe polish "ask me about this crappy minivan" on our 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan before the lease ran out. Advertising is always best

scotts13 said:
I'm often surprised at the number of people who seem reluctant to make workmen responsible for their work - it's as though they were dealing with an illicit back-door operation and are afraid to make a fuss. Do what mcse says, with the addendum of contacting your state consumer protection agency. The BBB, in most places, is largely gutless. Heck, talk to the local newspaper.

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rodnex

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 3, 2011

First off, thank you for your responses.

I failed to mention that I did return twice to the shop to express my dissatisfaction and was first told that it was not leaking and that I was mistaken.

When I returned after a couple days of driving (and it obviously leaking badly, CEL lights) I was told by the owner that they could put on a couple more band clamps but otherwise I should be thankful they were able to fix it at all as this part is most likely thousands of dollars at the dealer. I was charged a reasonable $185, if the repair had only been performed by a qualified tech there would not be an issue.

I will contact be BBB (in past experience with a car wash who damaged my car, it was essentially a waste of time) but at least I will file a complaint

What I was hoping for is someone who's done the flex pipe repair themselves and could provide me some guidance as I want to do this myself.

thanks again for your responses

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huntr

· #6 · Sep 3, 2011

If you paid with a credit card, contest the charge with your card company. They can revoke the money from the mechanic. That will get their attention.

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mcseforsale

· #7 · Sep 3, 2011

First, a couple of flex joints and a weld job would definitely NOT cost you thousands of dollars. Hell, you can buy a full cat-back stainless system for less than a grand. So, that's BS.

Second, I've never seen a slip on flex joint. A flex joint by design is a weak spot, so bolting it or slip-fitting it...eh. These will probably have to be cut out and rewelded, provided they didn't do any other damage (I'd check the underside of the car, myself).

Third, you're not lucky he fixed it. He actually broke it worse (if it's leaking) and possibly cost you money. So, 185 dollars to screw you isn't a good deal. Any first year muffler tech can weld in some flex joints. Plus, they're 20 bux.

Personally, with our family issues, if someone tried to take 10 bux out of my pocket, I'd beat them to death. Rob 185 bux from me and I'll advertise for you for the rest of time.

AJ

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bob the builder

· #8 · Sep 3, 2011

i suggest you also go to papers and tell them your story.they love stuff like this plus you'll indirectly screw the company.

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