My 2001 A6 4.2 started making a funny noise, and sounded like it was running rough. Checked codes, did some searching and reading on here and concluded that it was a pluged cat. When I went under the car to check it out I find that it is rusted and broken right in front of the cat at what looks like some sort of flex pipe covered by a wire mesh screen. My question is can you replace just the flex pipe looking thing or do you need to buy the whole pipe? Is there a easier way than what I am seeing?

McMopar

 

If you go to a dealer, they will sell you the entire $1500 insanely overpriced downpipe assy.


If you go to an exhaust shop, they should be able to replace only the bad flex pipe for about 100 bucks.

 

I wouldn't go to the dealer! they overcharge everything!

 

Yes, the flex-pipe portion of the downpipe can be cut-out and a new flex-pipe can be welded in. However, to weld it properly, the entire downpipe/cat must be removed from the vehicle...which will cost you several hours of labor not matter who does the repair.

And, FWIW...I work for an Audi dealership and we have repaired downpipes as mentioned above in the interest of saving the customer $$. Believe it or not, we do recognize that not all Audi owners have thick wallets.

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