Newbie with a problem..........
 

Hello everyone. This is my first post here. Since I couldn't find any sources online and nothing using the forum search I'm posting for help with a flex pipe issue for my sons 2002 Elantra. It was loud so we took it to the dealer and they quoted us about $1400 for a flex pipe, catalytic converter, and tune up.

We bought our own parts and tuned it up for about $80. I found a new after market converter and manifold for $160. Can't find the flex pipe anywhere. The dealer wanted over $800 for this alone. I'm hoping a muffler shop can put a universal part on this to fix it. No way I'm paying $800 for this. I did see some kits with just the flex part and clamps but I'm ot sure what size the pipe is were this connects. Any help or ideas would be appreciated.


Thanks,

Joe

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

Did you try eBay? Looks like all different sizes for cheap. You just need to measure your pipe size. Do a search for "universal flex pipe".

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

Yes, but I'm getting conflicting information. The dealer said I need a flex pipe for $8xx.xx and a catalytic converter for $4xx.xx. One seller on Ebay is selling the exaust manifold and cat for about $160 shipped but no flex pipe. Two other sellers I contacted have the flex pipe with a catalytic converter on it and no manifold. So now I'm totally confused.

I found the flex pipe kits on Ebay and JC Whitney, but there isn't enough room to use one of these because one of the sensors is too close to where the pipe would need to be cut.

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

What year Elantra?

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

2002

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

I don't understand why you need a manifold. Also, why do you need a new catalytic converter? It's real common for the flex pipe to go bad, but not the manifold or the converter.

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

I don't need the manifold, the seller sells them together. Check it out http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...T&viewitem=

The car has a check engine light. The dealer said it needed a catalytic converter, a flex pipe, and tune up. So I'm assuming the Cat is what's causing the CEL.

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

Did the dealer share what the error code was? A leaking flex pipe can generate an error code by itself. I would start by replacing the front exhaust pipe (which includes the flex portion). A tune up never hurts, particularly if you cannot remember how long it has been.

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http://www.hmaservice.com/data/Passe...G/ECKA050B.gif

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

I take that back on this car. There does not appear to be an O2 sensor down stream from the flex pipe. I would still find out what specific code was generated.

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

I didn't get the code because my son took it in. Its his car. There is a 30005 next to CEL on the invoice. It probably is the flex causing the CEL. You can see smoke come out of it when we start it and the sound is getting worse.

I contacted two sellers on Ebay and they both told me the flex pipe has the cat on it. Or are they mistaken?

I plan to start with the Flex pipe. I don' know why they said we need the conveter. It looks fine and we don't have state inspections here anymore.

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

There is a sensor just past the flex, that's why I don't think a universal flex pipe will work. If you cut the pipe between the flex joint and sensor there will only be about 1/2" to clamp to. I doubt it would hold.

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

Based on schematic for the car, they are mistaken. The catalytic converter is attached to or butted up to the exhaust manifold.

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

So the picture above is for the 2002? I'll call the dealer tomorrow to get the code. Hopefully they remember what it was. I did pay $52 for the diagnostics. They are on drugs if they think I'm going to pay them $1456 to repair this. I just bought the car used from them a couple of months ago with extended warranty but of course it doesn't cover this.

Thanks for all the help guys.

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

Yes, the schematic is for the tail pipe and muffler assembly on a 2002 Elantra (XD model) from the HMA service site at http://www.hmaservice.com/. I double checked to make sure I grabbed the right graphic. Also, here is a TSB describing a problem with cracked manifolds on these cars (just in case you find out that the car has that problem but the TSB also shows a picture of the manifold/catalytic converter assmebly):

http://www.hmaservice.com/files/331/...5-01-001-1.pdf

It is more important that the parts you buy match those on the car if they vary from what is shown on the schematic.

Also, the car has a Federal Emmissions Warranty that is good for either 75 or 80,000 miles. It doesn't matter if you are not the original owner.

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

Thanks again. With all the problems I've been hearing about these I might be better off buying the OBX stanless header and front pipe. It's a direct bolt on and would eliminate any future problems with the flex pipe and manifold. We no longer have state inspections here. Probably even get a little better gas mileage without the cat.

RE: Newbie with a problem..........
 

All of the distributors I've talked to show a picture of the front flex pipe with a catalytic converter at the rear. I'm going to pull it up on ramps today and check for sure.