Can You Drive With A Bad Flex Pipe?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can You Drive with a Bad Flex Pipe?

Yes, you technically can

, but that doesn’t mean you should. A cracked or leaky pipe not only makes driving harder but it may also damage other parts of the vehicle.

What happens if the flex pipe breaks?

If there’s a crack in your flex pipe, it will

cause an excessively noisy engine

. Your pipe might be producing a hissing or tapping sound that can get louder when the generator speed is increased.

How do I know if my flex pipe is bad?

Loud noises: One of the first signs of an exhaust leak is a loud noise. If there’s a crack in your flex pipe, it will cause an

excessively noisy engine

. Your pipe might be producing a hissing or tapping sound that can get louder when the generator speed is increased.

How much does it cost to fix a flex pipe?

The average cost for a Ford Flex exhaust pipe replacement is

more than $600

. Labor costs are between $114 and $145 while parts are between $462 and $464.

Do you need a flex pipe to drive?

Flex pipes are

an essential part of any front wheel drive vehicle

and on most all wheel drive vehicles. … Not having a flex pipe installed can cause serious damage to your exhaust system such as breaking bolts, flanges, and even the exhaust manifold itself.

Can a bad flex pipe cause check engine light?

The flex pipe is a common repair.

As long as the Check Engine Light is not flashing, it’s ok to drive

. …

Is a flex pipe leak bad?

A

broken flex pipe can mess with compression

since the exhaust pressure will not be optimal. Anything before the cat that is broken can cause an issue if there is a pressure leak. I would recommend fixing it as soon as you can but it is not something that will destroy your car.

How long does a flex pipe last?

As a rough rule of thumb, however, a typical life expectancy of a premium aftermarket exhaust system should be in the neighborhood of

two to three years

depending on driving habits and the previously mentioned factors. Read on to learn why the exhaust system can wear out.

Can you wrap a flex pipe?

As for wrap longevity, wrapping a flex pipe with a

separate piece of exhaust wrap

will help prolong the life of the wrap because it helps guard against unnecessary replacement.

How long does it take to weld a flex pipe?

Labor time should

be 1 hour at

the most.

Is flex exhaust pipe legal?

If you are talking about the flexible exhaust like they sell and advance auto and such.

It is not legal for inspection

.

What size straight pipe do I need?

What Size Exhaust Pipe Should I Use? The quick and easy way to choose what diameter pipe you will need from the headers to the mufflers is to go back to the old rule of thumb, that

for every 100 horsepower, 1 inch of total pipe diameter is needed

across the system.

Can I replace flex pipe with straight pipe?


No, never replace a flex pipe with a solid pipe

. The reason some cars have a flex pipe and others don’t comes down to the material used to make the exhaust and engine position and vibration from the engine.

What does a bad flex pipe sound like?

You may also hear loud noises coming from leaky flex pipes. Your engine will sound louder than normal because the sounds produced by its operation escape through the cracked pipe. A bad pipe may also make

hissing or tapping sounds

that become louder when you step on the gas pedal.

How hot does an exhaust flex pipe get?

As far as the tape goes, Exhaust gas temps run

1200+ *F.

The flex pipe is downstream from the point where temps are that high but something good for 600* would still be marginal.

What is a flexi on a car?

A flex pipe is

flexible piece of pipe that allows the exhaust system some flexibility

. … On front wheel cars, since the motor is mounted transversely, when you accelerate the motor rocks and the flex pipe protects your exhaust system from breakage.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.