Exhaust braided mesh

[flamingm0]

What is the point of the braided wire mesh round exhaust pipes, close to the manifold and cat?

It looks like it's supposed to allow flexibility in the system but it can't be gas tight and there is a pipe running through inside it.

Reason I ask is I think it's the source of a metallic rattle that seems engine frequency related and was gonng to put a couple of large jubilee clips round it hold it steady to make sure it's that and nothing more sinister while still under warranty. Thoughts appreciated.

[Youth Gone Wild]

I think it's to allow you to drop the section of exhaust behind it.

[flamingm0]

Sounds sensible though there would still need to be some kind of gas tight joint in the pipework beneath the braided mesh (e.g. ball and socket type arrangement). If thats the case then I guess the mesh could be there just as a protective barrier from the elements, maybe to stop it seizing?

[GavinPearson]

The way it works is that the bellows do the sealing but the mesh is there to ensure that the bellows don't get stretched beyond their design limit. This ensures that the component should seal for the life of the vehicle.

[flamingm0]

I see, what is the bellow material generally made of that is both flexible and heat resistant? I crawled under the motor last night and strapped it up with two jubilee clips and it seems to have stopped the rattle which is a relief. Question is whether it will do any harm to leave them on there? I gave the system a good shake and it still allows movement.

[kenmorton]

Have a look at this link
www.senioraftermarket.co.uk/index.html
explains all.

[GavinPearson]

www.microflexinc.com/products/trans_auto/auto.htm

Shows some applications, if you surf the site you can see what drives the use of braiding.

[flamingm0]

Ahh, all is now clear! Thanks indeed for the info, much appreciated.