Hi,
I have a 96 camry that has a hole in its exhaust. I want to try to replace this myself (my first time working on any of the important part of the car, my only experience so far is installing stereo equipment in it). I need to order a new part for it and don't know what to get. Here is a photo of what needs replacing. Also do you have any reccomendations for an online parts store, or should I just go to my local parts store? Thanks.

Jacob


[IMG]local://upfiles/4767/70160176ACCA453581283A8BC401CD4A.jpg[/IMG]

 

This looks like a flex pipe, a flexible section of exhaust pipe. This allows the engine to vibrate/move without damaging the exhaust system.

 

Thanks yea I was looking around on line and was thinking that was what it is, and it is all ridged so it definately looks flexy. So does anyone know where I could buy one of these and is it a fairly simple repair? I have plenty of tools and ramps and such. Welding would be the only big no no for me as I have no experience in it. Thanks a ton!

Jacob

 

Well, ma and pop exhaust shops do it pretty cheap. That's your best bet. Otherwise, you can find flex pipes on eBay, just get the right diameter. You can either weld (best solution) or use exhaust clamps.

 

I would rather try to do it myself, not because of costs, but I just want to get to know my car that much better and start being more comfortable with working on it. I know that right now it is being held on by exhaust clips. Does anyone know what the diameter of a 96 camry's flex pipe is?

 

Get non-stretchy string and wrap it around the exhaust before and after the cat to measure the circumference of the pipe.

Diameter = circumference / 3.14259

 

Honestly, I had that exact same issue at first, and then I ended up with like 3 holes in that pipe. (94 and 96 are identical) You could actually ebay the entire pipe and replace the whole thing for about $120. My father-in-law insisted we just patch it... over.. and over.. and over.. 1 pipe, 2 gaskets, 20 minutes and ur done.

 

Had the same problem with my car. The solution was simple. I went to Checkers, bought an exhaust repair kit, cut it in half, clamped it on with the RTV sealant glopped all over the place, then wrapped it up in foil tape. Cost me a total of about 15 bucks. This was about 5 months ago, and it still sounds stock. Would've just put a new flex joint on, but I have no welder .