Friar93

I searched a lot of exhaust flex pipe topics on other models but im wondering what people have done specifically on the Q7

I have an '09 and I was quoted $1,800 to fix this flex pipe issue at my local shop (not a dealer, not an exhaust shop). 90% was because of the labor and the work required to get at these flex pipes.

what have people done, whats the most reasonable approach to fix this- cost wise. my next step was to go to an exhaust shop and ask them for a fix.

bspurloc

Where are these located any idea? have a pic?
I dont have an answer for you but am wondering if I have this issue.
I know I have a leak but I am pretty sure its from previous owners mechanic screwing up when he replaced the front cats

Friar93

that sounds like it could be the issue. heres a pic where you can see the flex pipe on an A8. its a lot more difficult to access on the Q7 apparently but its right before the CAT. my car sounds like it has a hole in the muffler, particularly when cold. once it warms up its not too bad.

Friar93

now with picture.

bspurloc

Hrmm I didnt see that when I just did my oil... but you said A8 so that means you must have the 4.2 where I have the 3.6!
the 3.6 the exhaust is all on the passenger side. and is not easy to access either!
So with a 4.2 it is double the work.
BUT if you have a leak its only going to be one pipe not both. They make a portion flexible like this so there is a bunch of leeway no needing everything exactly measured and I guess allows for engine twist to not stress the pipes.
I would go to an exhaust shop like you said... BUT make sure by whatever means they have worked on a Q7 before.
The previous owner told me he had a known mechanic work on my car but they guy screwed something up. I know that for sure from the 2 or 3 screws I found sitting on the noise damper and some things not reconnected correctly.

raj99

Any decent muffler shop will be able to drop the exhaust a few inches and weld in new flex pipes for a couple hundred $$ plus the cost of the flex pipe themselves. These are placed almost identical to those on my 4.2 C6.

Friar93

heres an actual Q7....you can see the the placement is a lot harder to get at but $1800 still seems outrageous.

James Danesh

the pipe itself can be replaced or take it to midas, have them reweld a new flex to both pipes in 09 q7...cost $50

skuse

Hello all,
Brand new to the forum! Been searching the net for 2 days and no luck. Wife's 2009 Q7 3.6 and have a leaky flex pipe. Dealer wants 4k... local shop 2k. yup.. all labor apparently. I don't think there is any way in hell they could be welded in place. So figure I'd tackle it myself... Can't even get out of the starting block.. sigh. Anyone have any pointers to some detailed information? Guessing it all has to come out in pieces... First step: I'm trying to disconnect it right under where the passenger seat is. Two separate pipes coming down off the passenger side manifold and flange together with the rear section. Each pipe has 3 "bolts" holding the together. Reason I say "bolts" is I can't tell if it;s a bolt, stud or what. too rusted to tell. Trying to cut them out but that's not even looking good. Will post a pic as soon as I find out how.

skuse