What Is an Exhaust Flex Pipe? Exhaust Flexible Pipe is flexible metal pipe sections that are used either in areas where an exhaust pipe needs to be flexible, or to repair a damaged exhaust system. While they are all-metal, it is common for one to fail and require replacement. Construction Automotive exhaust pipes get extremely hot from the exhaust gas passing through the system and out the tailpipe. Due to this, when an exhaust system needs to bend, shift or be flexible, the manufacturer cannot use traditional materials like rubber. The Standard Flexible Pipe is made of metal strips woven into a lattice, and thus can withstand exhaust gas heat. Higher quality flex pipes will be made of stainless steel. Use Automotive engines move slightly during operation, whereas most exhaust systems are fixed from the mid-section back. Flex pipes allow the engine to move and not crack or rupture what would otherwise be an inflexible metal exhaust pipe. Flex pipes are typically found where the exhaust manifold meets the downpipe or mid-section of an exhaust, which is closer to the engine than to the exit tailpipe. Availability Braided Exhaust Pipe sections are widely available at automotive stores in a variety of lengths and diameters. When do-it-yourselfers are looking at replacing part of an exhaust system on a vehicle, they may be wondering about flexible exhaust pipe and how this kind of product can help make renovation of an engine system easier. There are a number of good points to using flexible exhaust pipe for exhaust systems. Knowing about all of the various options for materials and installations will assist when it comes to rigging up an improved diesel or regular gas engine, whether it's a car or truck, or a boat or other specialty vehicle or a piece of industrial equipment. 1. Various Grades Exhaust Flex Pipe and tubing comes in a variety of different "grades" of materials that can make a difference in how the final result will stand up to corrosive elements. Builders can get galvanized or aluminum options, or a higher-grade stainless steel pipe that offers flexibility combined with strength and durability. 2. Rust Resistant Some of the higher grades of flexible exhaust piping are extremely rust resistant, making them good options for a variety of projects that will stay attached to a vehicle for a long time. Look for "salt water resistant" pipes for boats or marine vehicles. 3. Chemical Resistant Some types of flexible exhaust tubing are known to withstand corrosive chemicals and help to avoid chemical buildup. The positioning of some exhaust pipes can also help with the possibility of chemical buildup in some cases. 4. Good for Tough Welds One primary use of flexible exhaust pipes is in situations when the existing system doesn't provide a good opportunity for welding rigid pieces into an exhaust line. Trying to match parts and pipes can be extremely difficult, and a slightly flexible pipe can help make the fit. 5. Space Efficient Exhaust Systems According to some professionals, flexible exhaust pipes are commonly used to make exhaust systems less bulky and a lot lighter. These kinds of systems are used on many family vehicles and other specialty cars, as well as larger rides. The Flexible Bellow can give an engineer more options on optimal design for this critical vehicle system that is getting so much attention as world leaders promote rimming emissions and keeping engines running at top efficiency. 6. Absorbing Engine Vibration According to some of the professionals who work with these kinds of materials, a flexible exhaust pipe can, in some setups, help to deal with excessive vibration in an engine compartment. Look at all of the above advantages to working with some of the newer flexible exhaust products on the market when it's time to make sure that an overall exhaust system is doing its work well, routing exhaust gases out and away from a vehicle and curbing emissions. Taking on these projects yourself requires a thorough knowledge of how exhaust systems work, and overall safety guidelines for changing an existing exhaust system. Some kinds of exhaust changes are actually illegal, so be sure to do thorough research before tackling an exhaust problem on any vehicle.