Yikes. So I bottomed out this weekend and popped the damn exhast pipe off right after the turbo (and right before the cat). The cat had been replaced before I bought the car, and I'm guessing that the welding job that was done before wasnt the best. Maybe just tack welded? Anyhow, I took my car to a trusted exhaust/brake shop near my work and they told me that they can't do it - too much detailed work. They tack welded the pipe back on for me and said that I need to take it to a full shop, or maybe an Audi specialist. Yikes again.

Anyhow, what are all your thoughts? How much do you think an 'Audi specialist' will charge for this? I guess it's more complicated because everything has to be removed so that it can be welded. What's the cheapest route out of this? I'm going to sell the car, so I just want to get it back to "normal". How long will tack welding hold?

ANY and ALL feedback is appreciated!

BTW, I live in the greater Seattle area. Anyone recommend any shops?

 

it can be done with special welding rods ( cast to bimetal ) not expensive but they will tell you otherwise ( if they can tack it they can weld it ) so watch out for the con