04 Prius 'Front Pipe' Exhaust question

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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".

 

crap; do as FRANK HUDON says;
just hammer the dent out, well the hole, good to go.
$35.00 repair if you remove the pipe yourself, and have any weld shop weld it.
ooopss TIG IT.............. so french.......

 

This is why they make junk yards, so you can go to one and order a used front pipe.

 

Re: 04 Prius 'Front Pipe' Exhaust question

Junk yards are not allowed to sell used catalytic converters by federal law. In this case the front pipe is integrated with the cats.