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I detached side pipes from my C3 and suprisingly found somekind of inserts within the tubes. I thought the rattle sound came from the loose joint but there was actually something bouncing inside the pipe.
The problem now is, that the end of the insert is stuck at the end of the side pipe. Does anyone recognize these inserts - so that I could find an image or information how they are installed, and maybe have some kind of an idea how to remove them..
This kind of thingie was found from inside the side pipe
Totally eaten by rust.
The other side pipe has the same thing, but this is still "solid" at the other end. Front part is rust eaten.
It looks like the center part of the muffler has come loose from the bell end, which may have just rusted away.
Try a slide hammer move with the headers and the side pipe.
That rust looks pretty bad. You have your work cut out for yourself.
First up I would check the condition of the pipe , looking for thin spots , if its rotten , throw it all in the bin .
Been there ! a slide hammer works . I ended up doing it on some heavy duty cardboard so i would'nt damage the shape or finish on the pipe. Having a helper hold the pipe as you hammer is handy , otherwise tying it off with some rope helps ,don't tie anything to the mounting tabs ! they will bend when using the slide hammer.
First up I would check the condition of the pipe , looking for thin spots , if its rotten , throw it all in the bin .
Luckily both pipes seem very solid - it has a rust cover inside but it does not come off "in rust-flakes", at least not yet ..
I ended up doing it on some heavy duty cardboard so i would'nt damage the shape or finish on the pipe.
Yep, good point -> not going to hammer it against concrete floor, that's for sure :]
... otherwise tying it off with some rope helps ,don't tie anything to the mounting tabs ! they will bend when using the slide hammer.
This might work! Going to give a try unless normal hammering does not help.. Luckily the end-plate of the previous insert is quite rusty, it might just shatter into pieces while hammering.
P B Blaster or the like won't hurt, only help to brake down the grip the rust has, tapping the outside with a rubber mallet ( dont bash dents in it ) could help also,,,
I got the old insert parts out. The other one came out quite easily (was really rusted through out). The other one took about 10min of hammering - there was also some insulation material and some wires (which were propably around the insulation) ..
Next part is to shove 2,5" full chambered inserts in (from classic chambered exhaust inc). Wasn't able to slip them in - propably need to hone the tubes or something.. Hopefully they are not turned into oval shape or anything..
Karo, looks to me like you need new 4" sidepipes. The insides are really rusty! Are they chrome on the outside? What is their overall length? I can probably get new ones made for you.
Karo, looks to me like you need new 4" sidepipes. The insides are really rusty! Are they chrome on the outside? What is their overall length? I can probably get new ones made for you.
The pipes are actually quite solid (except the inside rust). BUT, I found two little holes on each pipe, from the spot where the old insert has been in contact with the tube :I So these do need replacement at some point. Most likely I will use these tubes as they are for this summer and then buy new side pipes later.
If a magnet sticks to them, there is little to no stainless in those pipes & headers
Not Necessarily true, It would just mean they are not a non magnetic grade of stainless such as 304 or 316... If im not mistaken many stainless exhaust systems are still magnetic because they are made of 410 grade or something similiar. There are multiple grades of stainless that are magnetic and yes they are more prone to rust. some are easier to form and some are harder and more prone to cracking.
Last edited by augiedoggy; Mar 31, 2021 at 07:07 AM.
Hey Karo, nice C3! It looks like it's a fun car, and I really like the color. Those pipes polish up nicely too.
What part of Finland are you in? My wife and I spent a lot of time there before covid, went all over the country, and really enjoyed the people and the beauty. We'll go back.
Stay well and let us know what happens as you work on your pipes, Paul
Removing old inserts from a side pipe?
