DTH Center Exhaust Broken Weld

[tigerwong58]

Just a couple of days ago I developed an exhaust leak, I thought the bolts had worked themselves loose at the flange. To my surprise, I found the left bracket where it welds to the first section of pipe ripped off. See Picture.

This has been on my car for about 2,000 miles.

This should be good feedback to Doug Thorley Headers, The bracket/bar needs to be welded to stronger/thicker material.

I emailed Elie at 4smartcar.com, to replace it. I will post the outcome.

[p1nball]

How old is the unit, and how long on your car??
thanks

[SunDiego]

Ouch!!

[VinceLA]

That really sucks, wong. Sorry to hear. That is quite a hole.

Can you tell if there are any rusting near that area?

I have a feeling it is caused by stress and vibration. Since the exhaust is heated up, the material softens and over time with stress/vibration, the hanger support breaks itself away from the pipe.

[tigerwong58]

Yes, definitely stress related, this is stainless steel so no rust.

[DFWehman]

Well, yes, but any increase in MPG or HP?

[mvaldes]

Boy that looks nasty. I'm surprised it happened and sorry you have to deal with it. From what I've heard, DTH has a good reputation for quality.

[WilyB]

There must be a reason why the factory exhaust comes with a flexible coupling: vibration damping.

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[tigerwong58]

Elie, emailed me and he will send a new unit out this week. I am sure he will inform DTH also of the situation. No there is no HP gain, but a loss and lost 3 mpg, based on my last fill up.

[MPrice2984]

I was in the exhaust business for 16 years and that is exactly why the flex tube should be there. Lucky the manifold didn't snap.