So over the winter my 06 AWD has developed a rather large exhaust leak. I've been chasing and repairing holes in the area around the muffler for the last year but now it sounds like its around the exhaust manifold. After taking it to a local shop to have the summer tires put on I had them take a look for the source of the leak.
They said its leaking between (1) the exhaust manifold and (6) the front pipe. One of the two flanges that holds the bolts and springs that allow the engine to move independently of the exhaust is bent or broken. The only fix according to them is order a new 1,2,4,5,7 and 9, OEM for over $1000 plus labor.
Has anyone else had a similar issue? Would replacing the exhaust with an aftermarket system be cheaper? Thanks in advance.