Catback Flange Crack - Problem?

[Owgasm]

Hi,

Wasn't sure where to post this.

I've got a catback that has a small crack in the flange where it bolts onto the cat.

I was wondering if it is a problem, if so, a major problem?

It's titanium.

Thanks in advance.

(As always, move where necessary, or close)

[Beer Baron]

yep, you need to get it repaired asap. with the force on the flange as the exhaust moves it'll eventually tear through more of the titanium. you can see it already becomming more of a tear than a crack. get it repaired/welded up and it'll be good as new.

also make sure the exhaust is supported by all the brackets it should have. quite possibly lack of support brackets caused that damage in the first place.

[Craved]

i reckon its related to that nasty mig weld on the flange right next to the crack, does it look repaired inside the pipe?

[Owgasm]

yep, you need to get it repaired asap. with the force on the flange as the exhaust moves it'll eventually tear through more of the titanium. you can see it already becomming more of a tear than a crack. get it repaired/welded up and it'll be good as new.

also make sure the exhaust is supported by all the brackets it should have. quite possibly lack of support brackets caused that damage in the first place.

Thanks for the info.

Will do. Don't want to cause anymore damage.

All brackets seem to be there and secure, no evidence of missing ones.

i reckon its related to that nasty mig weld on the flange right next to the crack, does it look repaired inside the pipe?

I believe you're right. I purchased it second hand.

Pictures below show a different weld to the left of the crack, the inside doesn't seem to have any new welds, but possibly just above the crack there is a bulge on the inside.

Thanks for all the info. Will get it welded and hopefully that'll hold it for a while.

[Beer Baron]

yep dodgey previous repair. it's cracked right in the heat affected zone adjacent to the weld. too much heat where it's been welded there (lots of weld, possibly to fill a hole?) it's weakened the metal next to the weld which has then cracked. if possible it might be better to cut off 15mm or so of pipe and get a new flanged welded on nicely. just need to check first if you can get 15mm of give out of the current brackets/mounts as obviously it'll be 15mm shorter.