My front flex pipe is leaking. I have a 2004 3.2L V6 with 106K miles (so I am out of Warranty). Apparently, the Flex pipe is buried up in the engine compartment making it a pain to get to. I have gotten quotes from several repair facilities around NW Detroit. The lowest quote was $1300, and as high as $3200 from the dealer. All of the repair facilities want to replace the entire pipe assembly which includes 2 catalytic converters. It seems crazy to replace 2 catalytic converters just for a bad flex pipe.
Has anyone had their 3.2L Touareg front flex pipe repaired in or near SW Michigan without replacing the entire assembly? Just trying to find an independent shop willing to take the job on.
If I can’t find someone to repair the existing assembly, then I am considering making this a DIY project (this is not a daily driver, so I can take my time messing with it, and I have more time than Money). I am a decent mechanic, but I cannot weld, so I am considering buying an aftermarket assembly and installing it myself... since that seems to be what everyone else would do.
Dealer part is over $900
I found a couple of assemblies on ebay (Part located in Canada) …
2004 2005 2006 Volkswagen Touareg 3.2L Dual Catalytic Converters Y Flex Pipe
and also Eastern 40609 Direct Fit Catalytic Converter on Amazon..
Amazon.com: Eastern 40609 Direct Fit Catalytic Converter: Automotive
Does anyone have experience with aftermarket assembly, and did it throw codes?
I appreciate any help/advice you can offer.
Has anyone had their 3.2L Touareg front flex pipe repaired in or near SW Michigan without replacing the entire assembly? Just trying to find an independent shop willing to take the job on.
If I can’t find someone to repair the existing assembly, then I am considering making this a DIY project (this is not a daily driver, so I can take my time messing with it, and I have more time than Money). I am a decent mechanic, but I cannot weld, so I am considering buying an aftermarket assembly and installing it myself... since that seems to be what everyone else would do.
Dealer part is over $900
I found a couple of assemblies on ebay (Part located in Canada) …
2004 2005 2006 Volkswagen Touareg 3.2L Dual Catalytic Converters Y Flex Pipe
and also Eastern 40609 Direct Fit Catalytic Converter on Amazon..
Amazon.com: Eastern 40609 Direct Fit Catalytic Converter: Automotive
Does anyone have experience with aftermarket assembly, and did it throw codes?
I appreciate any help/advice you can offer.