Why Do Flexi Pipes Burst?

Think your car’s flexi pipes need replacement?

Turborevs has prepared a detailed guide below on the purpose of flexi pipes in an exhaust system, the warning signs of a damaged flexi pipe, and what measures you can take accordingly.

Function of Flexi Pipes

An often-overlooked part of a vehicle, the flexi pipe is actually what helps determine how smooth your ride can be on the road. Also referred to as the exhaust flexi pipe, it is basically a flexible tube that is made of strong yet malleable materials. Generally, it is made in braided steel as it is more durable and pressure-resistant. The braiding on the pipe can be of more than one layer, depending on the vehicle in question. For instance, a petrol car typically has a double braided flexi pipe, whereas a diesel car is usually fitted with a triple braided flexi pipe.

A flexi pipe connects a vehicle’s exhaust system and engine, and allows the exhaust line to be flexible during the movement of the vehicle by absorbing the vibrations produced by the engine. This, hence, prevents any cracks or damage to the whole system and the parts it is attached to, enabling them to last longer.

How Flexi Pipes Can Burst

Although flexi pipes are made to last longer than other exhaust pipes, they can fail over a period of time due to continuous use or when they are exposed to the point that they scrape against the road in a running vehicle. When they break down or get worn out, they become more susceptible to exhaust leaks; the gases produced by the engine can flow out through the cracks. This can pose problems for your vehicle if not replaced immediately.

How to Tell if a Flexi Pipe Is Damaged

A few indicators of a faulty flexi pipe include a resounding sound coming from your engine, or even hissing or tapping noises that get more audible when you step on the gas pedal. If the flexi pipe is protruding from underneath your vehicle, you would also be able to hear it being dragged against the surface of the road.

What You Can Do

It is not advised to drive with a cracked pipe for long as it is likely to cause damage to other parts of the vehicle as well. A hanging flexi pipe can, in fact, produce sparks and ultimately burst, wrecking the underside of your vehicle.

Hence, it is important to consult a mechanic at the first sign of such damage to gauge whether the cracks are only superficial for now — in which case, it may be possible to just weld it to get it repaired — or if there is a need to replace it with a new flexi pipe.

Even if there is no apparent damage, it is recommended to get your vehicle’s flexi pipes replaced every 5 years.

It is important to note that there are several types of flexi pipes available in the market, and not all may be suitable for each exhaust system. So be sure to select the one that is the right fit for your vehicle. The material is also important to consider — for example, while stainless steel can protect from rust and corrosion, forged steel is much more solid and has a longer lifespan.

You can check out a range of options for quality exhaust flexi pipes at Turborevs to ensure easy installation and maximum efficiency.