On my Peugeot 206, the pipe connecting the exhaust system has separated. Could this be cured by simply replacing a bracket that could have broken or loosened? Will this damage the car in any way if I use it until the problem is fixed?
The mechanic says...
It is impossible to tell the extent of the damage without examining the vehicle. However, if the exhaust pipe has already separated/broken, this could be due to a number of possibilities. If a support bracket or clamp has loosened or broken, it may be possible just to re-fit the support, or to install a replacement. However, often when an exhaust pipe separates, it is due to corrosion or erosion due to ‘burning’ of the metal. Either way, the security of the entire exhaust system could be compromised, with the possibility that the whole system could fall from the vehicle, with obvious safety implications for you, and for other road users/pedestrians.
It would be very unwise to use the car until the cause of the problem has been investigated, and the trouble fixed. You need to have the car examined by an exhaust specialist or a competent mechanic, who can advise you about precisely what is needed and how much this will cost. Looking on the bright side, if the car only needs a new clamp or support bracket (as opposed to a section of the exhaust system), this should not cost very much, nor take long to fix.
