the short version
I need a new flex pipe:
Where can I get it? How hard is it to replace? What is the cheapest I can get it for? Also, what is a fair shop quote for the job?
180 TT Quattro with factory 225 exhaust.

[blockquote]Long version
So, I got hit in the rear by a durrango ~2 months ago. This has been NOTHING BUT TROUBLE... The shop had my car for 2.5 weeks and it came back louder and with paint defects, and a broken interior panel... I had them repaint the car and replace the interior panel after they tried to fix it by SUPER GLUEING it in place... They also put some of my window moldings on incorrectly, but I have since repaired all of it. (shop had my car for 3 times for corrective repairs on original repairs and had my car a total of 1.5 months... )

Originally, I was quoted out 1 week on my repair estimate. 1 week into the repair I got a call from the owner saying he needed my car longer because the *flex pipe* was bad. Well, after 2.5 weeks and getting my car back, the guy told me it was not bad and after they unbolted my exhaust and bolted it together, the problem seemed to "work itself out". I figured this was repaired correctly - but it keeps getting louder.

I know the service manager of a local Tuffy, and they took a look at the car today - my *flex pipe* is bad. He said it all looks like one piece and is OEM. (I have a 180quattro but it has a factory dual exhaust). He said he has to order the parts from a local VW dealer, but expects the parts to be pricey.

I am in the process of extending my original insurance claim so Tuffy can do the repair (because I at least know the guy will do good work). They can order other parts if I find them, but since it is Saturday, the VW and Audi stealerships are closed. What other part can I use on that car, and can I use anything aftermarket instead?

by the way... the original auto body place told me it was a bad weld and I could take it anywhere to have it fixed and that in no way was it because I was rear-ended... Tuffy said the part is designed to flex, and it broke exactly like it was supposed to so as to not damage anything else (is this accurate?). I would fix it myself, but I do not own a welder. The exhaust was broken at the flex pipe and you can push the exhaust up into the flex pipe where it broke.[/blockquote]

 

It's a dealer only part as far as locally available, you won't find it at NAPA, Kragen, etc. Online sources such as WorldImpex.com and Clairparts.com have them as well.

 

what is the part though? I see flex pipes at ECS tuning. Are those entirely different?

http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/...p;engine=180HP