Replace exhaust pipe gaskets, or weld it up?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 129
Likes: 3
From: Pacific Palisades, CA & Sherman Oaks, CA (work)
2012 E350 coupe Black/Almond, 61k miles in 2020
Replace exhaust pipe gaskets, or weld it up?
Hi,
I have a 2001 W210 with 166,000 miles, running very well, and plan to keep using it for at least another 5 years, or until the tranny gives out, whichever comes first. Had the tranny serviced at the dealer at 96,000, and it seems fine other than every once in a while a hard shift.
At 96,000, had a Remus muffler put in to replace a failing original muffler. Also had the Resonator removed.
For the past six months, the exhaust has been louder, and lately a lot louder. Took it into the little independent shop in Van Nuys where all the work had been done, and found that the flexible bend in the right pipe (before the secondary cat) has a little hole and the air is rushing out. $80 to fix that. Also, the gaskets on both pipes past the secondary cats, where the rear section of the exhaust bolts to the the front section using metal gaskets, are both loose. The mechanic says the gaskets need replacing... $40 for the pair. Not sure why he didn't tighten them to see if that works, cuz they're very loose, but I figure he knows what he's doing.
So, i asked... why is there a gasket there anyway? Why not just straight pipe it? He said b/c whenever engine or transmission work is done, they need to take the exhaust off, and it's easier to take the front half out instead of the entire exhaust system.
So... is there any advantage to removing the gaskets and straight welding in pipe? It only is $10 cheaper than replacing the gaskets, so my only interst is in avoiding future gasket failure or the joint needing to be tightened again. If not, I'll just have them replace the gaskets.
I have a 2001 W210 with 166,000 miles, running very well, and plan to keep using it for at least another 5 years, or until the tranny gives out, whichever comes first. Had the tranny serviced at the dealer at 96,000, and it seems fine other than every once in a while a hard shift.
At 96,000, had a Remus muffler put in to replace a failing original muffler. Also had the Resonator removed.
For the past six months, the exhaust has been louder, and lately a lot louder. Took it into the little independent shop in Van Nuys where all the work had been done, and found that the flexible bend in the right pipe (before the secondary cat) has a little hole and the air is rushing out. $80 to fix that. Also, the gaskets on both pipes past the secondary cats, where the rear section of the exhaust bolts to the the front section using metal gaskets, are both loose. The mechanic says the gaskets need replacing... $40 for the pair. Not sure why he didn't tighten them to see if that works, cuz they're very loose, but I figure he knows what he's doing.
So, i asked... why is there a gasket there anyway? Why not just straight pipe it? He said b/c whenever engine or transmission work is done, they need to take the exhaust off, and it's easier to take the front half out instead of the entire exhaust system.
So... is there any advantage to removing the gaskets and straight welding in pipe? It only is $10 cheaper than replacing the gaskets, so my only interst is in avoiding future gasket failure or the joint needing to be tightened again. If not, I'll just have them replace the gaskets.
Last edited by DunninLA; Jun 28, 2012 at 06:40 PM.
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 5,081
Likes: 62
From: Harbor City, CA
Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, MINI and more!
Answer
Replace the gaskets.
Shops charge $$$$$ extra if they are forced to drop the full exhaust system.
roy@pelicanparts.com
.
Shops charge $$$$$ extra if they are forced to drop the full exhaust system.
roy@pelicanparts.com
.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
W210 E300D
Definitely replace the gaskets. Tightening won't help because once the joint is loose the gasket is damaged by the hot exhaust.
If you are concerned by the possibility of them loosening again, you can ask the shop to use red lock-tight, or locking washers/nuts(whichever is appropriate). However loosening exhaust joints are usually a sign of excessive vibrations so you might want to look into your engine mounts.
If you are concerned by the possibility of them loosening again, you can ask the shop to use red lock-tight, or locking washers/nuts(whichever is appropriate). However loosening exhaust joints are usually a sign of excessive vibrations so you might want to look into your engine mounts.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
2011 Mercedes E550, 2016 AMG GTS, Corvette Z-51
New member looking for a good price on exhaust parts
I have an '01 E430 and the right side "cats" are starting to make lots of noise....and the dealer wants $1400 to do one side....so, I'm looking for a source of OEM parts for a reasonable price.
Any suggestions?
I'm in Colorado if that matters...
Jim Bud
Any suggestions?
I'm in Colorado if that matters...
Jim Bud
SPONSOR
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 5,081
Likes: 62
From: Harbor City, CA
Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, MINI and more!
Answer
1-888-333-4642 x 314
kenny@pelicanparts.com
Mon-Fri 7:00a-5:00p Pacific time "California"
United States - Canada 1-888-280-7799
International 1-310-626-8765
exhaust pipe front right
MB# 2104908320
Roy@PelicanParts.com
.
Last edited by PelicanParts.com; Dec 10, 2012 at 02:11 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 5
From: West Virginia
2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 100,000+
Since you are in Colorado you can get by with aftermarket parts. It's only the guys in California who get bent over with OEM replacement cats. Try using the search function for Magnaflow.
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