Down pipe Exhaust Bracket-- Do 3" Exhausts Cause Damage

[FastersBetter]

I was at a new shop yesterday (my regular shop closed). While putting in collars on subframe, the mechanic pointed out the bracket was broken. Said it needs to be replaced and that my down pipe was at risk of breaking since it's holding the weight of the exhaust.

I ordered the new part ($38 from VW).
Anyone have this part fail?
The mechanic said this part will always fail when using a 3" exhaust, lasting on average no more than 4 months. Any commentary on that? How "at risk" is the DP in the short term while I wait for the part to ship in?

Thanks for you thoughts.​

 

[MDmkvug]

I think your mechanic.might. be taking you out for a spin lots of people run 3" dp including myself and have no issues

 

[Moosecakes]

3" dp here.. no issues, mechanics an idiot

 

[Crispy21]

Like most mechanics he has no idea what hes talking about

 

[MDmkvug]

He's just asking you for more labor and will tell you to buy an downpipe to his choosing charge you hundreds and scam you get your car and run find a shop you can trust or DIY

 

[bostonaudi]

The size of the exhaust should not matter as long as the mounts on downpipe are welded on with good alignment to the mount on the subframe, and the engine isn't moving too much. I've had the rubber on the mount tear, but that stopped when I installed a poly dog bone insert. Your sig says K04, if you're running stock motor mounts I can easily see the lower downpipe mount being stressed.

 

[FastersBetter]

The size of the exhaust should not matter as long as the mounts on downpipe are welded on with good alignment to the mount on the subframe, and the engine isn't moving too much. I've had the rubber on the mount tear, but that stopped when I installed a poly dog bone insert. Your sig says K04, if you're running stock motor mounts I can easily see the lower downpipe mount being stressed.

I was forced to find a new mechanic... I think the new guy I went to must be an idiot! At least based on responses so far... Plus didn't get a good feel speaking with him. Boston did you change your exhaust bracket given the tear in the rubber? That's the extent of what I saw when the tech said the bracket was broken. I'm going to take a closer look now to see if its truly broken.

Do you recommend new motor mounts and poly dog bone for the K04 set up?

 

[Teutonic Turbo]

Strain on the exhaust bracket has little, if anything to do with pipe diameter. As bostonaudi, mentioned as long as the aftermarket downpipe has proper mounting tabs and adequate flexjoint, you should not encounter any problems. Typically, an aftermarket downpipe is also lighter than the OEM equivalent, reducing the mass the the bracket should support.

I would heed the advice of others an look into either transmission mount or engine and transmission mounts.

 

[FastersBetter]

Typically, an aftermarket downpipe is also lighter than the OEM equivalent, reducing the mass the the bracket should support.

This is a great point. Thanks for sharing.

I'm going to research motor mounts and consider.

 

[bostonaudi]

I was forced to find a new mechanic... I think the new guy I went to must be an idiot! At least based on responses so far... Plus didn't get a good feel speaking with him. Boston did you change your exhaust bracket given the tear in the rubber? That's the extent of what I saw when the tech said the bracket was broken. I'm going to take a closer look now to see if its truly broken.

Do you recommend new motor mounts and poly dog bone for the K04 set up?

Yes, I went to dealer to get a new plastic mount (the thing with the twin rubber mounts). Mine was torn pretty bad. Most of the aftermarket exhausts use cheap welded metal rods for hangers rather than the nice factory setup that locates the mounts securely into the rubber mounts, which also can contribute to tearing the rubber mounts.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_V--2.0T/Exhaust/OE/Hanger/ES315757/

 

[FastersBetter]

The size of the exhaust should not matter as long as the mounts on downpipe are welded on with good alignment to the mount on the subframe, and the engine isn't moving too much. I've had the rubber on the mount tear, but that stopped when I installed a poly dog bone insert. Your sig says K04, if you're running stock motor mounts I can easily see the lower downpipe mount being stressed.

After visualizing this... It makes sense now. Going to replace the rubber mount with an oem one (already ordered and picking up today). Also going to change the dog bone (cheap and easy) and look into motor mounts (sounds more involved).

Thanks for the help!

 

[bostonaudi]

After visualizing this... It makes sense now. Going to replace the rubber mount with an oem one (already ordered and picking up today). Also going to change the dog bone (cheap and easy) and look into motor mounts (sounds more involved).

Thanks for the help!

The poly insert for the dog bone mount alone will stop most engine movement. You shouldn't need to change other 2 motor mounts.

 

[Moosecakes]

Poly mounts are great, like boston said, that should be plenty for your setup, Motor mounts only really need changed in a few instances, high HP motors, and if you have spare cash around when your stock pieces goes out. They allow the motor to move less and improve the response of the car, if that's what your after, upgrade all the mounts, if you just want to help remedy your current situation, just pickup the insert or something like the BSH dogbone kit or like product.

 

[FastersBetter]

The poly insert for the dog bone mount alone will stop most engine movement. You shouldn't need to change other 2 motor mounts.

Music to my ears... Easy and cheap solution.. Thanks for the feedback and advice. Where would we be without the internet!!?