Technical Exhaust Flex Pipe

[pedram]

Hi everyone,
I own a 2013 Fiat Panda 0.9 TwinAir.
Over the past month, I have had the exhaust flex pipe replaced twice by a mechanic, but it has already developed another hole and is making an unpleasant noise again.
This time, I have decided to replace it myself. I have already bought a pipe cutter, and my plan is to install the new flex pipe using exhaust clamps instead of welding so that future replacements will be easier.
Unfortunately, my mechanic always ordered the parts himself, so I do not know the correct pipe diameter for my car. Could anyone advise me on the correct size or how to determine it accurately?
I have attached some photos for reference.
In the first image, I have marked the mounting point for a support bracket located underneath the engine. The mechanic removed this bracket during the previous repair.
The second image shows the type of clamp/bracket that was removed.
The third image shows the replacement flex pipe I plan to install.
I suspect the missing support bracket may be the reason why the flex pipe has failed twice within a month, as it probably limits excessive movement of the exhaust system and reduces stress on the flex section.
Has anyone experienced a similar issue or can confirm whether the missing bracket could be causing premature flex pipe failure?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

 

[bugsymike]

Hi everyone,
I own a 2013 Fiat Panda 0.9 TwinAir.
Over the past month, I have had the exhaust flex pipe replaced twice by a mechanic, but it has already developed another hole and is making an unpleasant noise again.
This time, I have decided to replace it myself. I have already bought a pipe cutter, and my plan is to install the new flex pipe using exhaust clamps instead of welding so that future replacements will be easier.
Unfortunately, my mechanic always ordered the parts himself, so I do not know the correct pipe diameter for my car. Could anyone advise me on the correct size or how to determine it accurately?
I have attached some photos for reference.
In the first image, I have marked the mounting point for a support bracket located underneath the engine. The mechanic removed this bracket during the previous repair.
The second image shows the type of clamp/bracket that was removed.
The third image shows the replacement flex pipe I plan to install.
I suspect the missing support bracket may be the reason why the flex pipe has failed twice within a month, as it probably limits excessive movement of the exhaust system and reduces stress on the flex section.
Has anyone experienced a similar issue or can confirm whether the missing bracket could be causing premature flex pipe failure?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

No specific data , but have you checked the stabiliser mount on bottom of gearbox to the subframe as that may account for excess engine movement and exhaust failure.

 

[pedram]

No specific data , but have you check the stabiliser mount on bottom of gearbox to the subframe as that may account for excess engine movement and exhaust failure.

The mechanic removed the support bracket under the gearbox and now doesn't have that part.I don't know the diameter of the flex pipe. If you know what diameter is suitable, please tell me.

 

[bugsymike]

The mechanic removed the support bracket under the gearbox and now doesn't have that part.I don't know the diameter of the flex pipe. If you know what diameter is suitable, please tell me.

The gearbox stabiliser mounting should look something like this.
If it is worn then new flexy will soon fail. I do not know the diameter of your exhaust pipe, can you measure it with calipers/Vernier gauge or similar like below.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

The gearbox stabiliser mounting should look something like this.
If it is worn then new flexy will soon fail. I do not know the diameter of your exhaust pipe, can you measure it with calipers/Vernier gauge or similar like below.

I think you've misread that... The 'dog bone' link in your first photo is the rear engine mount/support. I don;t think that's been removed. The photo in the OPs post shows this bracket was taken off the exhaust, which should bolt it to the gearbox casing...

Similar to this (this is on my MJ diesel so not quite the same)

 

[bugsymike]

I think you've misread that... The 'dog bone' link in your first photo is the rear engine mount/support. I don;t think that's been removed. The photo in the OPs post shows this bracket was taken off the exhaust, which should bolt it to the gearbox casing... View attachment 489267

Similar to this (this is on my MJ diesel so not quite the same)
View attachment 489268

No I appreciate about the exhaust mount, my concern was why he has had to fit or his garage fit several flex exhaust sections in that time and I suspect it is due to excessive engine movement, possibly due to that dog bone gearbox mount.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

No I appreciate about the exhaust mount, my concern was why he has had to fit or his garage fit several flex exhaust sections in that time and I suspect it is due to excessive engine movement, possibly due to that dog bone gearbox mount.

Ah - ok, that makes sense.

 

[Mike1alike]

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

That exhaust clamp is exactly Ø: 51mm.
Spare part number is FA1 124-950.
Are the rubber support pieces there, on the middle exhaust pipe? Those need to be there, at list one at the rear, other models have one in front next to the flex pipe, too. Without them the middle pipe's weight is held by exhaust parts it is connected to, flex pipe and cat in front side and silencer at rear.
Also, that clamo needs to be there, it supports the lower side if cat, just like Herts showed.

Quality of aftermarket flex pipes is questionable, but 2 in one month is extremely too much.

 

[rmjbn1]

This is a helpful technique to measure the circumference if you don't have tools:

panda eco 1.1 exhaust flexi pipe | FIAT Panda (Mk3)

hi, the exhaust flexi pipe on my 09 eco 1.1 needs replaced. im looking at cutting the front pipe & fitting a flexi pipe with clamps. what size bore is the front pipe ? the tail pipe out of the silencer is 40 mm. ive seen the flexis on ebay at 40mm & 45mm. just need to know which size flexi to...

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