Side Pipe Failure

[japollon]

I have had a failure in the bracket that attaches the side pipes to the hanger on my 289 FIA on both sides. The passenger side has failed completely and the driver's side is not far behind (see pictures). I am wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and, if so, what is the common fix or repair. The crack has occurred in the perimeter, outside of the weld. On a side note, I only have about 1000 miles on the car and so the failure seems premature but perhaps I'm just not looking at it correctly. Thanks, Joel

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[FLPBFoot]

On the Mark IV the recommendation is to only put in one bolt and tighten it only slightly. This allows extra movement and helps prevent this type of failure. Not sure if it's the same on the 289 FIA?

[chuckster]

One bolt only on my 289. I also ran a rubber bushed hanger from the jpipe/sidepipe joint to the frame. Lessened the load at all three points l think.52A45DBF-CE92-427B-86D6-B3B24EE5EAF2.jpeg

[Cobradavid]

Agree with both chuckster and ILPBFoot. Make a hanger to support the front of the pipe at the j-pipe. Use just one bolt in the pipe-to-bracket attachment. Two bolts will put stress on that welded tab.

I have 13k miles on my Mk3.1 and no issues with the side pipes.

David

[japollon]

Great suggestions all! Thank you guys. I am in the process of repairing the pipes now and will send pictures of the progress. Joel