Exhaust flex pipe is a pipe with elastic characteristics, and it’s more commonly used materials are stainless steel 304 and 201. It can help isolate the vibration from the engine running to avoid damage to our exhaust system. As a very important and indispensable part, it is widely used in various automobile exhaust systems.
There are many types of exhaust flex pipe, which can be divided into 4 categories according to the main body construction. They are the basic type, with inner braid, with interlock, and with nipple. They all have their own different features, and understanding these can better help us make a choice that suits us.
Definition
Bellows: A bellows is an elastic vessel made by squeezing a thin-walled stainless steel tube under specific high pressure.
Cap: A cap is compressed from stainless steel tube and used to fasten braid, bellows, interlock, or inner braid. Meanwhile, it can also help with easy welding.
Braid: A braid is braided by stainless steel wire to protect the flex pipe and reduce the scratches on the exhaust pipe caused by uneven road surfaces.
Interlock: An interlock has good flexibility, can absorb vibration, reduce noise, and prevent solid particles from entering the bellows.
Nipple: A nipple is a stainless steel pipe welded at the end of an exhaust flex pipe that helps some customers who are troubled by welding difficulties.
Features
Base type:
This is the most common type of exhaust pipe. Its main feature is that it is relatively cheap and easy to get.
With inner braid:
Compared with the base type, it can make the air flow more smoothly and reduce the noise caused by exhaust gas.
With interlock:
It can reduce airflow resistance, reduce noise and vibration. At the same time, it can withstand higher temperatures and increase the strength of the exhaust pipe.
With nipple:
It helps some customers who are troubled by welding difficulties. The lengths can be customized as requested.
Choosing and installing suitable flex pipes can prolong the life of the exhaust system and prevent vibration from being transferred back to headers and manifolds.
