Midas Says 'Flex Pipe' Causing Noise Issue During Acceleration... HELP!!! (Toronto)

[dashto]

So... this morning, my problem plagued P5 (seems something else breaks every 3 weeks) started a new problem.

Under acceleration, sounds like there's no muffler attached. Under steady cruise, everything sounds just fine, like there's no problem.

Called Midas, sight unseen, guy says it's probably the Flex Pipe from the engine, says it's a typical problem with Proteges. Quotes approximately $300-400 to fix it. I've dropped about $1500 in repairs so far this year, so I'm not really looking forward to dropping another $400.

Any idea if this is a typical problem, folks? And if so, any ways that I can save on that cost? A thermostat cost me $140 to replace three weeks ago.

I'm getting taken by Canadian Tire and Midas (and yes, I know, but I don't know a good mechanic in Toronto as yet, new here). Anybody know of a good/cheap/reliable mechanic in Toronto?

Thanks very much!
Ian

 

[cwaitt11]

my mom's saab had a flex pipe problem...i went to fast go here in CT and they fixed it for 120$. I also had an exhaust problem wit my p5...it was right after the header before the cadallidic converter, it rotted away and whenever i accelerated it was loud as hell. they fixed that for 98 dollars...midas is shafting u.

 

[aMaff]

we have a flex pipe?

 

[shane02pro5]

No we don't...springs on the bolts to the midpipe.

 

[aMaff]

No we don't...springs on the bolts to the midpipe.

Oh I know... that's why I was asking.

 

[shane02pro5]

I know you know...I was just letting him know before he whipped out his credit card.

The 2 nuts may have to be tightened to compress the springs some more. When the motors torqued back it could be causing a leak under that joint right under the motor.

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

I have a flex fitting on my hi flow midpipe. Any muffler shop actually worth a s*** can fix it (cut off old & weld in new one) for around 100.00. The fitting itself is usually around 75-80.00 depending on the size.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

You may want to check underneath the car before you go any further. I had the same basic issue, except the car was loud at idle and LOUDER when I hit the gas, and it was because the flanges on the J-pipe that are connected to the midpipe by the springbolt had failed. If this is the problem you can replace the j-pipe or just get an aftermarket header like I did.

 

[shane02pro5]

Umm...

I know you know...I was just letting him know before he whipped out his credit card.

The 2 nuts may have to be tightened to compress the springs some more. When the motors torqued back it could be causing a leak under that joint right under the motor.

 

[A louie]

lol @ 140 for a thermostat

 

[aMaff]

lol @ 140 for a thermostat

WOAH, I didn't even see that!!! It's like a $12 part, and takes MAAAAAYBE a half hour to change if you take your time and drink beer during the process. You have been had dude (notcool)