Borla UEL flex sections "loose"?

[Fast_Freddy]

I searched but didn't find anything useful. I just got a Borla UEL today and the flex sections don't feel right. I haven't found any cracks yet but looking at them they appear to be solid, yet there is a fair amount of movement in one of the flex sections. Basically I can wiggle the header at the flex section with very little effort. It feels as though the flex section is made of press-fit pieces rather than solid.

Is this normal? TIA


http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/2...fuzsawtxpf.mp4




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[NoFear99]

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39591

May be you have a bad flex section.

Chris from Borla told me it was the cause of my rattle problem.

[jamesm]

i've never had any luck with flex sections on exhaust. they usually end up leaking or cracking, at least the mesh looking ones do. i've never had one like borla uses.

[Fast_Freddy]

Originally Posted by NoFear99

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39591

May be you have a bad flex section.

Chris from Borla told me it was the cause of my rattle problem.

I spoke to Heath @ Borla and he seemed to think the flex section was bad too. It perplexes the hell out of me because it moves so freely it feels like it's broken yet I can't find a crack anywhere. It doesn't move much but requires no effort to wiggle it. It just doesn't feel right for what looks like a solid, albeit corrugated piece of 304. I'll probably hear back from Borla tomorrow after they receive my email.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by jamesm

i've never had any luck with flex sections on exhaust. they usually end up leaking or cracking, at least the mesh looking ones do. i've never had one like borla uses.

Me neither which is why I had to ask about this. They look solid but feel broken. Even if it's not broken, I bet it would rattle if I installed it. The last batch is sold out and they have 70 more units coming soon. Hopefully the latest batch are better quality. Although the collector on this one looks better than any that I've seen pictured here. Thanks.

[Admiral Ballsy]

The stock manifold uses two of the same type of flex joints, so it's not necessarily the design that's a problem.

[spitfire481]

My car rattles so bad from idle to 3k rpm from the flex section I can't stand driving it right now. I posted a video i made on the above thead. Borla is supposed to have the new batch finished tomorrow and Ill have a replacement on the way. Also covering install and gaskets

[Jesse@JDLAutodesign]

its a 2 piece part on the inside to allow for movement. Could be something on the inside you can't see.

[Fast_Freddy]

Originally Posted by spitfire481

My car rattles so bad from idle to 3k rpm from the flex section I can't stand driving it right now. I posted a video i made on the above thead. Borla is supposed to have the new batch finished tomorrow and Ill have a replacement on the way. Also covering install and gaskets

That's very depressing to contemplate. At least Borla CS is as good as it gets. It looks like they're going to offer me a replacement header but I don't want one if this header is okay.

Originally Posted by Jesse@JDLAutodesign

its a 2 piece part on the inside to allow for movement. Could be something on the inside you can't see.

Thanks! I did not know that. Is it common for these flex sections to "wiggle" freely? It doesn't move much but requires little effort to move.

[ShadowSeraph]

I installed my Borla UEL on last week. That section was stiff and solid on mine.. In fact, I did not notice any movement. I guess I am one of the lucky ones, because the construction, welds and all was solid and good.

[midnight23]

Never had any flexing issue when I got it, seemed solid. However it had a significant rattle once installed between 2000-3000 RPM which I have told Borla, they are sending me a new header next week so hopefully it resolves the issue.

[Fast_Freddy]

Originally Posted by ShadowSeraph

I installed my Borla UEL on last week. That section was stiff and solid on mine.. In fact, I did not notice any movement. I guess I am one of the lucky ones, because the construction, welds and all was solid and good.

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for. If this is loose now, it's almost certain to rattle if I install it. I guess I'll wait for a new one.

Originally Posted by midnight23

Never had any flexing issue when I got it, seemed solid. However it had a significant rattle once installed between 2000-3000 RPM which I have told Borla, they are sending me a new header next week so hopefully it resolves the issue.

Thank you. I still have hope that Borla will eventually get this header right. No way can they make money when they end up replacing most of them under warranty.

[ATL BRZ]

FWIW the third replacement header I got from Borla before giving up on them had the exact same issue as @Fast_Freddy 's.

The flex joints allowed A LOT of movement. I didn't feel comfortable installing it because of that and a few other issues like a warped flange and a crappy collector. I got my refund and moved on to a JDL UEL header.

[Fast_Freddy]

I heard back from Borla today:


Good Morning Fred,

I spoke to my head of R&D and showed him all of this that you sent. He assures me that this new style flex flange is supposed to move just like it is. It does have more play than the older mesh style. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me.

Thanks,

Heath Nelson




Good enough for me. The head flanges were machined perfectly flat, the collector looks good and the only small issue is that the overpipe flange is warped. It should flatten out when properly torqued to the overpipe so not a big deal. Hopefully I can get it installed tomorrow.

[Fast_Freddy]

BTW, just because. Not the worst collector ever made.




Head flanges clearly machined flat by Borla after welding.