[Smartchicago32]

I just purchased a 2008 smart fortwo and the flex pipe is coming off from the muffler and wondering what size is the flex pipe? If i dont fix it can it damage anything? is it bad to drive it like that besides the noise? From doing research the size is 1.75x8" is that correct?

 

[Miss Mercedes]

A failing flex pipe can cause the muffler to rub on the rear bumper, melting it. Otherwise not fixing it isn’t going to do a whole lot. 1.75x8 is correct! I recommend buying the flex first then getting it welded on by a reputable local shop. Should run pretty cheap.

I noticed you have Chicago in your name (I’m using the mobile browser version of this site, which annoyingly doesn’t display location). If you’re in Chicago, you could have my stock exhaust for $100. It has maybe 30k miles on it and no flex damage. I’ve been building my own custom exhaust so I won’t need the silly thing anymore.

Likewise, if you ever need maintenance help or whatever I have ramps, a jack, and enough tools to get the jobs done. I always like helping out other local smart owners.

 

[Smartchicago32]

A failing flex pipe can cause the muffler to rub on the rear bumper, melting it. Otherwise not fixing it isn’t going to do a whole lot. 1.75x8 is correct! I recommend buying the flex first then getting it welded on by a reputable local shop. Should run pretty cheap.

I noticed you have Chicago in your name (I’m using the mobile browser version of this site, which annoyingly doesn’t display location). If you’re in Chicago, you could have my stock exhaust for $100. It has maybe 30k miles on it and no flex damage. I’ve been building my own custom exhaust so I won’t need the silly thing anymore.

Likewise, if you ever need maintenance help or whatever I have ramps, a jack, and enough tools to get the jobs done. I always like helping out other local smart owners.

can you send me pictures of yours? I went to a muffler shop and they said the labor would be only an hr to replace the whole muffler instead of the flex pipe if i bring them the muffler. They said it would take between 2-3hrs just to replace the flex pipe itself since there is really no room to put there welder or work in the area and they would have to remove the rear bumper yada yada yada.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

I'll go pluck the bumper off to take a pic. Actually, I should just go and get my new exhaust welded together already...maybe Christmas gift #2 to myself.

For now, here's a pic of the exhaust from an unrelated project (checking rust on the towing hitch). The black spot on the flex pipe is overspray of Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer. The overspray didn't damage the flex (I also wonder if it would actually make the flex last longer).

 

[Smartchicago32]

looking at this muffler installation pdf it looks like its not gonna take the shop i went to 2-3hrs to weld in a new flex pipe= https://www.borla.com/140299.pdf all they have to do is remove the rear valance and thats enough room to remove the muffler so i might go to another shop and see what they say.