Silencer rusting

[andrew bazeley]

I noticed today that a big slab of rusty metal skin had fallen off my original silencer (2008 T5). A while back my local repairer said that such silencers are double-skinned, so wear and tear on the outside was not necessarily anything to worry about. But I wonder if anyone knows - once the outer skin has gone - how much longer I might expect the silencer to last before rusting through? Or should I get it replaced now, before it blows? I have a few long trips coming up.

 

[WelshGas]

I noticed today that a big slab of rusty metal skin had fallen off my original silencer (2008 T5). A while back my local repairer said that such silencers are double-skinned, so wear and tear on the outside was not necessarily anything to worry about. But I wonder if anyone knows - once the outer skin has gone - how much longer I might expect the silencer to last before rusting through? Or should I get it replaced now, before it blows? I have a few long trips coming up.

Put it like this, if you have any doubts get it changed as you will probably have to pay top price if it fails plus all the inconvenience etc:. At 10 years old it’s had a good life.
If you weren’t undertaking any long trips then you could wait until it goes.

 

[Borris]

If it wasn't for the long trips I'd wait until it fails. It could go on giving good service for several more years until it finally starts to blow. However, for peace of mind whilst on your travels, it's probably time to change it.
OE silencers seem to go on for ever but are usually very expensive. Unless you go for an OE silencer, don't expect to get another ten years from the replacement.

 

[Sad]

The outer skin on ours is rusting too, hasn't fallen off to be fair, but the garage aren't worried about it. Not blowing so not an MOT fail...

 

[sidepod]

Crack open another beer and worry about something that matters?

 

[AlanC]

Same here. The MOT tester mentioned it in passing but said exactly the same. So am not worrying either.

Alan

 

[andrew bazeley]

Thanks, all. My local VW repairshop manager (owner of several T5s) says I may get another ten years, if I'm lucky! So I think I'll follow the "crack open another beer" advice for now!