3.7 D3 exhaust flexi joint

[mannyo]

I bought my D3 knowing that the exhaust had a slight leak.

On Saturday, I paid a visit to the local workshop I have been using for years. They put the car up on ramps, and I was finally able to get underneath the newly purchased D3.

The part with the hole in it, is the nearside flexi joint. The outer mesh is undamaged, so the hole is internal, and from what I could see the flexi is post cat and lambda probes.

Now all I need to do is source a replacement flexi repair part, have the old factory one cut out and new inserted. I'll proberbly end up with a clamped in solution, rather than welded as that will save a lot on labour as it can be done in situ.

[Oli18]

Hi Manny - great you're getting the new 8 in tip top shape

How are you finding it a few weeks in vs the D2?

Oli

[mannyo]

Oli,

its very different to the D2, the whole car feels more refined. Done 700 miles in it already, apart from the small niggles its a great car. I paid below what you would expect for a car with the level of extras it has, partly because the dealer did not know what they had and also negotiating the price down because of the niggles.

Although the car makes a lovely sound because of the exhaust hole, I can't wait to get it fixed and waft along quietly like the D2.

I really need to get the tyres replaced, but they will have to wait until the cambelt has been done with the tensioners etc. My local indy is changing the belt / tensioners / thermostat and aux belt for less than £800 using genuine Audi parts, whereas Poole Audi wanted £1399 for the same.

The car will be going to Poole Audi in the new year, since it missed a service bulletin for coilpack replacement.

[steamship]

Originally Posted by mannyo

The car will be going to Poole Audi in the new year, since it missed a service bulletin for coilpack replacement.

Manny, sorry to hijack your thread, but how did you know about the coilpack replacement? Reason for asking is that I have an '01 3.7 QS and got a gas conversion done at the start of November. About a fortnight ago it stopped running on gas. When I got it checked out, they found a fault with one of the coil packs, and the gas automatically cuts out. Got it sorted, but just wondering if mine would be eligible.

[PsYcHe]

Phone Audi customer services with the VIN number, but there were an awful lot of different models affected.

[mannyo]

Originally Posted by PsYcHe

Phone Audi customer services with the VIN number, but there were an awful lot of different models affected.

Yep, I contacted Poole Audi and asked them if it had missed any recalls or service bulletins. They got back to me the next day, and advised I book it in. If the current coilpacks are the older type they will be replaced free of charge.

[mannyo]

Coming back to the flexi joint, mechanic has been looking at this today for me. He got a quote from TPS to replace, but they will only supply the whole section (downpipe, cat and flexi) which is coming in at more than £700 each. Found out today that both are leaking, although the OS one is not bad.

He measured the exhaust and tried a few local motor factors but none to hand in stock. So as for the suspension compressor, I'll source the replacement joints and they will have them welded into the exhaust.

[mannyo]

Quick question, I know the exhaust diameter is 60mm in the area of the flexi joints. However I don't know how long to get them as they are available in various lengths. From what I recall standing under my car, they are not that long. Anybody in a position to measure theirs or have measured in the past?

Also Welded or clamped?, both joints are needing replacement.

[M-A8]

Hello

Do you still need these flexi joints????

I've had my done recently, 2x £150 + £100 fitting by AMD, custom made to measure much stronger performance quality.

Let me know

[mannyo]

Joints are indeed still needed,

I assume that is AMD in essex?

£450 fitted seems like a good deal for both sides.

I was in Hertfordshire at the weekend, so familiar with the area around Thurrock, Aveley etc.