possible to replace just the flex coupler?

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Apr 22, 2010 | 11:42 AM

djtnut

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possible to replace just the flex coupler?

I took my '03 AR to get inspected this afternoon. They failed it for an exhaust leak in the flex coupler on the drivers side.

The shop is saying the part includes the cat and is $954 + 1.5 hrs labor to install so I'm looking at over $1050 for the repair.

Is this realistic?

Is it possible to cut out the flex coupler and weld a new one in so I don't have to waste all that money on replacing a perfectly good cat...?

I searched the forum and wiki to see if there was info on this and didn't turn anything up. So... thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions! -David

Apr 23, 2010 | 07:32 AM

fjasper

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Kalispell

I don't know from personal experience, but I'd at least try a good muffler shop, and see if they can cut out and replace just the flex section. For that price, it's worth a shot.

Apr 23, 2010 | 05:15 PM

mbevins

Audiworld Junior Member

Joined: Dec 2009

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Give VAST in Detroit a call, they shold be able to fix you up

Apr 24, 2010 | 09:54 AM

allroaddave

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Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 447

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From: Kansas City

OH, I thought you were trying to replace the flux capacitor.................

Apr 24, 2010 | 01:41 PM

thejulex

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 937

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Good muffler shop will cut out the old one and weld new one in. It is relatively easy to do. Heck, if I was in your shoes I would just buy used welder ($100 for a good one) and would do it myself.

Apr 27, 2010 | 04:57 PM

03AR2rescu

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2005

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Mine got a tear in it and I just got some aluminum duct tape and a hose clamp and patched it up.

Now that might not qualify for an emissions test, but I doubt the look under the car unless they can hear the leak already.

So patch it up and they wont hear it....