1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: 02 Mini Cooper S blew exhaust flange welds

  1. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    #2 mrntd, Sep 11, 2013
    From the pic it looks like the lower bolt is broken. That would cause a leak from the between the flanges.

    I had this exact thing happen last year on my WRX. It looked ok until I went to check the tightness of the bolts and the the one sheared in two. It broke in between so both ends were still there.
     
  2. Thumper460

    Thumper460 Active Member

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    #3 Thumper460, Sep 11, 2013
    I would agree.. it is all exhaust related!! I gave up on mine..lol. Running hard and long, or making short bursts on Nitrous Oxide.. those gaskets don't hang too long. ( neither do O2 sensors..) I do have a pretty loud exhaust so the add'l noise is just that... noise!! When I want quiet.. I replace and rock!!

    As for the exhaust leaks causing any drivability issues.. mostly NO, it is just a freer flowing exhaust..

    Just me...................

    Thumper
     
  3. countryboyshane

    countryboyshane New Member

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    #4 countryboyshane, Sep 11, 2013
    Sheer 4-banger power! Time to upgrade to some grade 10.9 bolts down there!