Meineke Shop Replaced Flex Pipe, did they use the correct fitting?

**arjun90** · 07-01-2017 02:22 PM

When I first got this car back in 2014, I had to get the flex pipes and significant portion of the pipes replaced (downstream from the flex pipe area by a couple of feet)

I just the local Meineke Shop replace my flex pipes today again as the previous ones corroded to the point of no return. I had purchased two new flex pipe sections two years ago (from ECS 2.5" x 4") and wanted to splice those in my exhaust instead, but the Meineke shop insisted that the diameter was slightly larger. Thus, I had to resort to their exhaust parts.

Upon completion of the repair, I noticed the fitting they (Meineke) used was vastly different from what was originally there before. The woven braided cover is almost double the length that the previous flex pipes which were there before. I don't know if this meets OEM standards or if using slightly more braid is recommended. Is this feasible for the long run?

Spent around $350 today (parts and labor) for getting the job done with one-year warranty included. Was this a good route to begin with? Seems a lot in terms of cost, could have been done potentially cheaper at an exhaust / muffler specialty shop

Please refer to pictures and let me know

Also, I'm beginning to hear a ringing sound seconds later after I tap on the the accelerator pedal
(please refer to video--headphones may be required)

I also drove out in the rain immediately after the repair. Will this affect the integrity of the weld?

Thanks

**Xplycko** · 07-01-2017 02:27 PM

As far as affecting or decreasing performance it will not hurt you any there. The flex tou bought may or may not have been larger or smaller but they could have expanded the joint with a pipe machine. If it looks good and there are no leaks I wouldnt worry about it. Try to stick to muffler shops in the future and skip the bigger chains imo.

Sent from my LGL62VL using Audizine mobile app

**Xplycko** · 07-01-2017 02:30 PM

Just to add if your exhaust is factory than it is 2.25" and not 2.5".

Sent from my LGL62VL using Audizine mobile app

**arjun90** · 07-01-2017 02:40 PM

Thanks, the exhaust pipe does appear to be 2.25", I purchased the wrong size 2.5" -- I placed too much faith into ECS's part fitment checker, lol

Do muffler shops offer any kind of warranty? Weather has a nasty influence on wear and tear here.

I updated my original post with the pictures and video.

Thanks again

Edit: I know the job is done now, nothing I can do about it, but had I gone to a muffler shop (plenty around here

) how much do you think it would have cost?