Faulty Exhaust Fitting?

October 28, 2006

Hi there, I wonder if anyone can help? I have a 98 1.8 Avensis and the exhaust went on it a couple of days ago. (Biggest thing that's ever really gone wrong with it in the four years I've had the car). I took it to Kwik Fit and they replaced the whole system excluding the manifold section - so basically I have new cat and tailpipe. Problem is, it doesn't sound right - running throatier than usual, and the tailpipe is protruding about four inches out from the bumper while the back box is far larger than the old one was. Worst of all there is a hell of a banging noise when driving - I've had a look and it seems to be coming from the tailpipe battering against the towing bracket - this also means that the tailpipe is fouling the bracket.

I am going to take it back to the garage tomorrow but my suspicion is that they've fitted the wrong exhaust for the car - they said at the time that they were confused becuase the 1.8 exhaust is supposed to have three manifold pipes whereas mine has only two (hence their not replacing the section of pipe going up to the manifold). They reckon the two pipe system is for the 1.6 instead, so were confused to see it on mine. I can't help but wonder whether they ordered the wrong exhaust then just fitted it anyway hoping I wouldn't notice.

As you can probably tell by now, I am not an expert on exhausts and I want to make sure that the garage don't try to fob me off with a quick fix (especially since I am a girl) - does it sound to anyone like they've fitted the wrong exhaust? And is a tailpipe meant to protrude that far - it looks like it would be vulnerable to damage sticking out that far. I am thinking I should be trying to get them to fit a new exhaust (preferably one that fits!). The only way I can see of them fixing the exhaust as it is would be to fasten it to the towing bracket which I would not be happy with.

Thanks!

October 29, 2006

Hi Shrubbery

Sadly your first mistake was going to a quick fit exhaust place. Their job is to sell you as much as possible. You will have had far more than was absolutely necessary to get you back on the road. If you have an exhaust blow, there is no need to replace the cat. I've only replaced failed cats, were the car has failed the MOT emissions test, and one cat where the joint flange had corroded away (it only lasted 14 years). If you had gone to your Toyo dealer, you would not have had the wrong exhaust banging against your towbar. This is not a rant against you, it's against quick fit places in general. I once did an MOT and passed the car, the owner was delighted, but the tyres were getting low. So he took it to a quick fit place, who sold him four tyres and four shock absorbers, claiming that they had reached the end of their life. The owner came back to me and gave me a going over for not spotting that these shock absorbers needed replacing. They didn't need replacing, but such was the sales job on him, that he wouldn't believe me and I lost a customer. Quick fit places have such a reputation for fleecing the motoring public, I'm surprised that anyone uses them at all. My advice would be to take it straight back, and request that the correct system is fitted as soon as possible, at no extra cost. Failing that straight to your Toyo dealer and have the mistakes put right and send the bill to your quick fit place. Threaten Trading Standards if they refuse to comply. Trading Standards have so many complaints about this kind of selling that they get involved straight away and they have teeth to ensure that the quick fit place cleans up its act.

Sorry this has been a bit of a rant. Cheers Ray

October 29, 2006

If you look at this site you should be able to demonstrate to KwikFit how they have gone wrong:-

http://www.bodyshopwarehouse.co.uk/bosal/default.htm

October 29, 2006

Sometimes even if it is the correct part, third party parts may not be an exact fit, or the exhaust pipe travels a different path and sounds different. (Hence why manufacturers always recommend original parts, although there is a marketing slant, there is an gram of truth in it in respect of 100% compatibility).

I've used Kwik Fit in the past (about 14 years ago) and they said I needed a whole new exhaust for my not even two year old Metro (I was naive at the time and got it fitted), about 3 years ago they said I needed a new exhaust for my Polo, so I took it to a reputable outfit (ProTyre) and they said I didn't.

However there is always an element of erring on the side of caution and perhaps Kwik Fit build in too much safety, and suggest replacing a component much earlier than other outlets would?

Recently I think they have tighted up a bit in the light of the bad press, since I used Kwik Fit about a year ago for a cheap oil change (but kept my eyes on the technician like a hawk) and that's all they did, an oil change :) . i.e. no recommendation for new brake pads, tyres etc. I think they come cleaner these days.

Though I'm not sure how the organisation is set up, if the outlets are company owned or if they are franchises where there might be regional differences in the service and sales strategy.

October 29, 2006

Thanks for your replies - it definitely helps to hear the views of other people! I took the car back to the garage this morning and the guy agreed that it wasn't right. At first he just wanted to adjust it but after looking at it properly we eventually decided that he would order a genuine Toyota part to replace it with. He did apologise profusely for the mistake, which counts for something but I can't believe they thought they could get away with it in the first place! Anyway, we'll see what happens with the Toyota part now, which they're fitting next week.

Thanks for all your help!