04 Prius 'Front Pipe' Exhaust question

**Tideland Prius** · 01-12-2006, 02:08 PM

I have a 2004 Prius that has been a wonderful vehicle. Unfortunately, when I brought it in for it's 30K mile service, the advisor pointed out that I have a dent and pinprick in the tail pipe assembly. He then proceeded to quote me a price of $1,229.80 for part # 17410-21500 - Pipe Assembly. My question is, does anyone know why this assembly is so expensive? The (seemingly) equivelent 'Front Pipe' on other models is only a fraction of the cost. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

-banesong from ToyotaNation

Jack 06 · 01-12-2006, 02:27 PM

Offhand, that sounds like the answer to the question, "can hybrid technology lead to unexpected, insane specialized repair costs found on no other cars?" How much of a constriction (e.g., 5%? 50%?) does the dent make in the pipe? And cannot the pinhole be covered with anything that will withstand the pressure? (e.g., tiny weld)

Afraid I can't really answer your question, but I'd guess it has to do with the relative IMPORTANCE of the catalytic converter.

I'd take it to an exhaust shop (e.g., Midas) just to see what they say.

SomervillePrius · 01-12-2006, 02:28 PM

I'm not sure but I think that on my Maxima part of the catalytic converter is in the "front pipe" making it a lot more expensive the just a pipe. I had a similar experience on the maxima where I thought it was a simple pipe and it ended up costing me hundreds of dollars.... But I'm sure people with more knowledge will help you out.

galaxee · 01-15-2006, 12:01 AM

the prius isn't built like other cars. the "front pipe" isn't a front pipe, it's an exhaust manifold. the middle piece has twin cat's in it, which is why it's so insanely expensive. sorry to hear about that

galaxee · 01-15-2006, 12:04 AM

and something to add-

check with your insurance company. that may be covered under comprehensive as "road damage" and you'd be set.

but if you were, you know, drunk and drove over a curb or something (i doubt that's the case but i'll mention it anyway) don't tell them that part... they'll tell you to take a hike.

Frank Hudon · 01-15-2006, 12:17 AM

the exhaust system is made out of stainless steel and requires special welding requirements. If it was mine I'd pull it off, take and drill a 1/4' hole opposite the dent, heat the dent till cherry red, pin punch thru the hole and lightly tap the dent out. Then tig weld a patch over that hole and weld the pin hole and get new gaskets as required and put back on. A grand and a quarter puts me in the "figure out a cheaper method mode".

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01-12-2006, 02:08 PM	#1
Tideland Prius Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 13,755 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 11	I have a 2004 Prius that has been a wonderful vehicle. Unfortunately, when I brought it in for it's 30K mile service, the advisor pointed out that I have a dent and pinprick in the tail pipe assembly. He then proceeded to quote me a price of $1,229.80 for part # 17410-21500 - Pipe Assembly. My question is, does anyone know why this assembly is so expensive? The (seemingly) equivelent 'Front Pipe' on other models is only a fraction of the cost. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks. -banesong from ToyotaNation

01-12-2006, 02:27 PM	#2
Jack 06 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Winters, CA: Prius capital of US. 30 miles W of Sacramento Posts: 2,567 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Offhand, that sounds like the answer to the question, "can hybrid technology lead to unexpected, insane specialized repair costs found on no other cars?" How much of a constriction (e.g., 5%? 50%?) does the dent make in the pipe? And cannot the pinhole be covered with anything that will withstand the pressure? (e.g., tiny weld) Afraid I can't really answer your question, but I'd guess it has to do with the relative IMPORTANCE of the catalytic converter. I'd take it to an exhaust shop (e.g., Midas) just to see what they say.

01-12-2006, 02:28 PM	#3
SomervillePrius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 946 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I'm not sure but I think that on my Maxima part of the catalytic converter is in the "front pipe" making it a lot more expensive the just a pipe. I had a similar experience on the maxima where I thought it was a simple pipe and it ended up costing me hundreds of dollars.... But I'm sure people with more knowledge will help you out.

01-15-2006, 12:01 AM	#4
galaxee running WOT until out of fuel Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: central NC/ western WI Posts: 9,025 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 5 Times in 3 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 20	the prius isn't built like other cars. the "front pipe" isn't a front pipe, it's an exhaust manifold. the middle piece has twin cat's in it, which is why it's so insanely expensive. sorry to hear about that

01-15-2006, 12:04 AM	#5
galaxee running WOT until out of fuel Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: central NC/ western WI Posts: 9,025 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 5 Times in 3 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 20	and something to add- check with your insurance company. that may be covered under comprehensive as "road damage" and you'd be set. but if you were, you know, drunk and drove over a curb or something (i doubt that's the case but i'll mention it anyway) don't tell them that part... they'll tell you to take a hike.

01-15-2006, 12:17 AM	#6
Frank Hudon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 4,144 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	the exhaust system is made out of stainless steel and requires special welding requirements. If it was mine I'd pull it off, take and drill a 1/4' hole opposite the dent, heat the dent till cherry red, pin punch thru the hole and lightly tap the dent out. Then tig weld a patch over that hole and weld the pin hole and get new gaskets as required and put back on. A grand and a quarter puts me in the "figure out a cheaper method mode".