Flexible mesh section in 1.9 downpipe

[Mattg]

the flexible section of my downpipe for my golf is leaking pretty badly. I  was going to remove it a take it to an exhaust shop and get a new section welded in I was thinking  is the that flexible section important?  
Can I get a straight piece of pipe welded in instead of another flexible section?

[Jetta Fan]

That flex section allows the downpipe to move with the motor (torque moves the motor fore and aft some). Bolting in  apiece of straight pipe will make the exhaust system rigid and prone to cracking, or so I was told by a muffler shop when I wanted to replace it with straight pipe on a previous car).

[Infinitrium]

You can get replacement flex pipes at Canadian Tire, they run about 40-50 bucks.

[addautomotive]

You can get replacement flex pipes at Canadian Tire, they run about 40-50 bucks.

Yep, but mark & measure very carefully first. The canadian tire sections are either too long or too short, and it's very hard to make one work. I managed, but it was a bit too long and the DP was forever bonking against the crossmember/subframe. I gave up and put in a new one.

[commuter boy]

For the time and hassle, you may as well put in one of Dave's 2.5" downpipes.  They're much sturdier built.

[addautomotive]

For the time and hassle, you may as well put in one of Dave's 2.5" downpipes.  They're much sturdier built.

+1

[Makebeleaf]

How do you replace this flex pipe? I know you unbolt from the turbo but how do you get the flex piece off of the bolt on part?
I see under the car after the flex pipe there are no clamps...how do I remove the flex pipe from that end.
Exhaust and smoke are coming out of my flex pipe. I guess its worn out.

[Makebeleaf]

Also, what is "one of Dave's 2.5" downpipes" and where to I find one?

[macka]

How do you replace this flex pipe? I know you unbolt from the turbo but how do you get the flex piece off of the bolt on part?
I see under the car after the flex pipe there are no clamps...how do I remove the flex pipe from that end.
Exhaust and smoke are coming out of my flex pipe. I guess its worn out.

the flex pipe is a unit from flange to flange. Any good car parts store has a book of muffler parts. If you know the length and OD you'll be styling. I have one from Napa. Ordered it from the book in June.

[Smokey Eddy]

every part store (pretty well...) can get you a flex pipe.
If you don't use a flex you put incredible stress on the studs that hold that exhaust manifold to the head... the weight of the cast manifold + very heavy turbo on a fairly lengthy lever arm (by this point, out there on the manifold) and then ADD to that the exhaust with all that lever arm length. The torque on the turbo & studs in the head would be phenomenal. If you then hung the exhaust to the car with nothing isolating the engine rattle you would get some groovy vibrations through the floor. ALSO it would act like an engine mount.. when the block wants to twist the solidly mounted exhaust would try and hold it still... bad bad news.

I know everyone has already said you need a flex but first hand i experienced a bolt being pulled out of my turbo from my very heavy downpipe (currently building a new one).
Drill, lots of sweat & a heli-coil later...

[commuter boy]

Also, what is "one of Dave's 2.5" downpipes" and where to I find one?

Passenger Performance, but they're not in the downpipe business anymore AFAIK.  You might be able to pickup a used one.