I had a boost leak on my 05 VRS a few weeks ago, fixed with a couple of self tappers on the broken pipe joint (it's the one that runs vertically next to the alternator pulley). Seemed to hold at first, with a minor loss of boost, but now I can see the inner seal has broken and the part is failing. Lots of soot until the turbo stops working. Comes back on when the engine is restarted but as soon as it fails to boost properly it goes back to tractor mode. It seems like it's worn on the other side of the pipe too. I've slapped some duct tape on with a jubilee clip around that and it is a poor fix to say the least. It still gets boost but it is intermittent and  extremely sooty. I'm obviously going to have to replace the pipe ASAP. 

 

I've put a request out on the classifieds, I've asked the local scrappers, and I've asked Skoda, and haven't turned up anything from anyone apart from Skoda, quoting me roughly £100 per pipe, which seems ludicrous. 

 

I also looked at what it would cost me to get a new intercooler, EGR delete and solid pipework from Darkside, who are only a few miles away from me. That was a lot more expensive, and I'm not sure when I could get the car sorted by.

 

Do I attempt to repair it a bit better by removing the bumper etc and really getting in there and sealing it all as best I can, buy new pipes from Skoda, or just bite the bullet and go all in on upgraded parts? Or can I do some hybrid of these which will work out cheaper? What about just upgrading the pipework? 

 

Whatever I do though, it needs to be in the next few days and ideally not be financially devastating.

 

Thanks in advance

I had a split in the top boost pipe, but didn't know (car had gone into limp mode once) and thought it must something else.  Mechanic noticed it when replacing alternator and ordered one and fitted for me.  It wasn't as much as I was expecting but did have to wait for the part to come from VAG which was the following day. £40?  Have you tried calling a few Skoda parts depots?  I usually use Rainworth as they don't tend to slap on a ludicrous non-trade charge.  

I've just replaced the same pipe as the lugs were worn causing a leak while building boost but it would then seal. Long story short I got one off here for £15 posted. There are about 5 vrs being broke for parts I'd message them and see if they have the pipe you need

I've just replaced the same pipe as the lugs were worn causing a leak while building boost but it would then seal. Long story short I got one off here for £15 posted. There are about 5 vrs being broke for parts I'd message them and see if they have the pipe you need

 

In fact, that is a good shout.  I've found multiple ads for car breaking on popular auction sites and sent them all the same message.  Worked wonders for a replacement wing mirror for my sisters car recently.

Could you make up some replacement pipes using silicone bends and hard pipe? From autosiliconehoses.co.uk

I pretty much sold my car because of that bottom boost pipe!

A few on here have upgraded the pipework to the side mount IC using universal silicone elbows, pipe and alloy couplers from eBay....

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/274533-top-boost-pipe-replacement-diy/

 

Looks quite well and a nice fit. You can also get the couplers for the bottom IC joint that is common for leaking too. The standard pipework is a bit crap to put it mildly.