Q: Flex pipe

asked by on December 04, 2017

My question wasn't answered thoroughly. On a 2003 Chevy Malibu, do you have to change the whole catalytic converter if you have a leak in the flex pipe? Is the Catalytic converter connected to the flex pipe? I was told that you couldn't just weld the flex pipe. The converter is up by the engine, not under the bottom of the car. Thanks

My car has 183000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Engine Mount Replacement $132.06 - $1865.27 Get a Quote

As I said before it can be replaced without replacing the entire converter assembly. If you google search the exhaust on your car you will see the flex pipe can be purchased separately. All you need to do is get an exhaust that is willing to replace it for you.

In this application, both GM and the aftermarket exhaust system manufacturers (Walker Exhaust, for instance) manufacture and vend the catalytic converter and the flex pipe (the flex is only a 6 inch segment by the way) as ONE integral welded together unit. To answer your question, that means in practice if either the flex segment or the converter leak, both are replaced as the entire segment is replaced as one unit. The entire part (flex plus converter) is roughly $165 or so if you buy it retail on Amazon. Although it is possible to implement ad hoc exhaust repairs, for example welding over a hole, it is generally a waste of your time and your money as the repairs are not as long lived as a new part. This can be repaired on a mobile basis and you can call the YourMechanic 800 number and inquire if this specific repair is available in your locale. As far as the motor mounts, those are absolutely replaceable on a mobile basis and you can save a lot of money having it done on a mobile basis. Indeed, a possibility is if you go ahead and do the mounts, the mechanic who is already there can replace the exhaust as well. If you want to have the mounts replaced, and see about he exhaust component, simply schedule via YourMechanic’s motor mount service page and the responding certified mechanic will get you all fixed up. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic because we want you to make the most of your repair dollars and help you to get the best possible results.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Engine steaming, smoking, and smelling.
The problem you describe is a blown leaking coolant hose or one of the cooling system components have started leaking. The strange smell may be the coolant burning off. This is a sweet smell. The cooling system has a leak...
Tire noise while driving
Several things come to mind. Have the tires always been noisy? did it happen gradually, or all of a sudden? Some tires are noisy even when new. Winter tires or aggressive all-seasons will be louder than a touring tire. Poor...
Advice on buying a 1997 Volvo S70 with 190,000 miles
If it's a running car and it runs good--that's what that car probably would go for. I personally wouldn't buy an S70 because I work on them for a living. I've worked on quite a few of them and they...
It seems like something is not keeping the battery charged in order for the car to run.
Hi, thanks for writing in. In most cases, if your car is not running due to electrical issues, it could be due to your alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-alternator). If the battery is completely shot (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-battery), the car still would not run. If...
Packing power. Looking to add more off-road performance.
If you want to add some more power easily to your vehicle I would recommend an intake system or an exhaust system or both. The intake system and the exhaust system are two of the easiest ways to add power...
lights on for power steering and stabilitrack on
Hello. Thank you for writing in. The electronic power steering system can absolutely be replaced. Due to the fact the light is on the system is obviously detecting an issue, and a diagnostic scan of the vehicle can be done...
I have a 2010 Buick Enclave cxl and the engine light when on a week ago on Monday I took it to auto zone and they gave me a code f
Most emission codes will not result in a no crank condition. Once the cause of the no crank/no start fault is repaired though, you should still request a check engine light diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) so that the responding certified mechanic can...
2012 Ford Fusion power steering warning light illuminated
Your vehicle is equipped with electronic power steering (EPS). When a problem is detected in with ESP, the power steering warning light comes on. One common problem with your vehicle is a faulty power steering control module (PSCM). The PSCM...
I fell asleep at the wheel and i drove over bricks in a yard my car is now running hot, coolant leaks pan under car fell off
Your car should be inspected to determine the origin of the coolant leak and, for your safety, to verify that no other undercar components were damaged in the incident. Once a complete picture is assembled, the mechanic will fully inform...

Related articles

What Does a Catalytic Converter Do?
The The modern automotive exhaust system is much more advanced than what was available even just a couple of decades ago. After recognizing that the average automobile was one of the primary sources of global pollution, the US government enacted...
2012 Subaru Outback vs. 2012 Chevrolet Impala: Which One Should I Buy?
When you compare a 4-door sedan versus a 4-door wagon, there are going to be some obvious differences. Even though the Outback looks car-like, the ride, the handling, and the mileage are going to make it more similar to an...
How to Identify Car Exhaust Issues
Exhaust systems in cars cool the engine and keeps the environment safe from harmful gases. Even in small doses carbon monoxide can be very harmful.