Hi all,

I had an advisory on my last MOT for a leak of exhaust gases central. 

I had the exhaust replaced in by the same garage 6 months prior so questioned this with them.

They had a look again and said that they (the garage) forgot to weld one of the joins when fitting it. They then said they have now welded it but couldn't get to all of it so there might still be slight blow.

I would normally challenge this but there is a family connection to the garage so it starts to get really awkward. 

This was all nearly a year ago now and due for next MOT and predicting it will have the same advisory.

My limited knowledge of exhausts is that they are clamped. Is it normal to welded?

I know some might say that I should of brought it up with garage at the time, but as I said families can be difficult to deal with.

TIA

 

In my experience, as you say, replacement exhausts are normally clamped and not welded although I have not fitted one for a few years.The photo appears to show a clamp and what looks like a join. The "welding" was probably quicker than dismantling the exhaust and fitting it properly with the correct gun gum. I say "welding" but it seems that all they have done is lay some very bad weld beads down to try to seal the system. As exhausts are quite thin it is very easy to burn thriough them when welding if you apply too much heat.

That clamp hasn't been apart since the car was new I'll wager, look at the rust on the threads.

I'd go a bit further, why is there a belled out section, which will be the jointing point for fitting two lengths of exhaust together with a clamp, maybe not the usual VW Group clamp in my limited experience - then a weld and few inches apart, someone might just have lashed something together, change families!

 

Edit:- maybe I'm interpreting that picture wrongly?

Edited 7 August, 20187 yr by rum4mo

Thanks for the replies, I'll see what the next MOT throws up and will feel better about asking for it be resolved in-light of the above info.

@Peacendub - I'd agree all the foregoing and used to be mates with a couple of exhaust fitters (one of whom managed the depot).