Flex pipe replacement

Spoka · Post by **Spoka** » 14 Oct 2016, 10:46

Hi I'm new to the XC90 side of the forum (have 06 + 07 V70 2.5Ts). I just picked up an 08 XC90 3.2 AWD sport package and love it. However the flex pipes need to be replaced and I can't seem to find much info on the net about others experiences. I took it to a local mechanic who said he wouldn't touch it and referred me to an exhaust specialist, he also suggested I strongly consider buying the OEM part because the jobber welded flex pipe would likely rust in like 2 years I live in Québec and this is always a concern. I've already been told by one exhaust shop that I was looking at at least 800$ plus labour. I'm quite good mechanically and have changed the rack and pinion on my V70 and some other difficult wrenching type jobs but no real exhaust or welding experience. Can anyone recommend either a short term and or long term replacement. My thoughts are to live without the XC90 for a week or so while I remove the exhaust sections in question and take them to the welder to have an aftermarket flex pipe put in. I have no idea what aftermarket flex pipe I would need to buy and which ones are quality and which are crap. I prefer a quality job as I intend to keep this vehicle quite a while. I would also consider placing some kind of tape or wrap around it if anyone thinks this would last a few months while I save more money and order parts. I forgot to take pictures while it was on the lift but will try to jack it up and get a few pictures soon.

Thanks in advance for any advise.

Love my Volvos
Volvo for life

Masscomguru · Post by **Masscomguru** » 15 Oct 2016, 10:17

Are they just loud or totally broken? The reason I ask, is my 08 has 201k miles on it and I just swapped my upper torque rod which quieted them down significantly. That being said, the whole unit flex pipes and rear cat is about 400 bucks USD (aftermarket). If you have to pull it anyway, it's probably just easier to swap the whole thing.

Spoka · Post by **Spoka** » 15 Oct 2016, 22:43

I'm not sure what the upper torque rod is I'll have to get more familiar with the mechanics of this SUV. The inner part of the flex pipes is starting to leak and makes them noisy. The steel braid outer is starting to fray as well so they will need replaced soon. Is the price you quoted per side or for both?

Masscomguru · Post by **Masscomguru** » 16 Oct 2016, 05:23

It's a single piece.
https://www.google.com/search?q=xc90+3. ... c4QgjYIuAM

arm_4016 · Post by **arm_4016** » 05 Nov 2016, 08:49

Have you resolved this issue? We just replaced our 04 Xc90 2.5 with an 08 Xc90 3.2 and magically within 7000 miles the dealer diagnoses a leak in the flex pipe. They want 1900 to replace and Midas said they can't fix the flex pipe either. So I'm thinking about the $400 aftermarket cats, but I'd be willing to repair the existing flex pipe if possible. Please share if you have had something done.

rajaeger · Post by **rajaeger** » 09 Feb 2017, 07:52

Did you ever get your flex pipe fixed. Running into the same issue on an 06 XC90 2.5T. The guy at the shop showed me where it is and it's basically impossible just to replace the flex pipe. The OEM part which inlcudes the cat is like 1200. trying to find a place that will use the non-OEM $400 part i'm seeing online

Post by **cuhfs** » 09 Feb 2017, 12:15

Not sure on the xc90 but I have had good luck at Meinekee muffler shop for flex pipe on my other cars. My local shop is usually willing to cut, weld and patch rather than replace entire systems and sections.