
This is not my exhaust, just an image from google images that someone posted on these forums. My exhaust appears to be the same as the one here.
After 6 years, with only 40k miles I now have a broken connection between the muffler and the flex pipe. The broken connection is the area I circled. The short pipe that comes off the side of the muffler and bends around roughly 110 degrees, this pipe looks to be fully intact with its flange on the flex pipe side still fully intact. What seems to have happened is the weld gave way that connects the 110 degree angled pipe with the flex pipe. It looks like a very clean break so I thought a simple weld would be fine. The steel braiding around the pipe is still in great condition.
After taking it to Monro Muffler, the guy there said theres nothing he could do. He said that section cant be welded, he couldnt cut anything out and replace it, and even if he could do either of those he then said that there wasnt enough clearance to do it. Obviously our cars are quite unique, but the whole conversation led me to believe he just didnt want to do it, even after I told him the rear bumper panel could come off to make more room.
I'm about 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh and there is a Smart dealership in Pittsburgh, but we all know that I would get my wallet cleaned out if I went there.
I've heard there is an 8 year and some odd mile warranty on some parts of the emissions system, I just don't know if my situation is worth trying to get covered under warranty?
Flex pipes are less then $50 on ebay, but if Monro Muffler wouldnt fix it then who would? Should I just get a whole new exhaust and replace it myself or try to get a shop to do it?