lower exhaust manifold

[protegepete]

the exhaust pipe on my '01 protege 2.0 started leaking(127,000kms) upon investigation found lower exhaust manifold (where actual exhaust pipe connects) has the "ears" rusted off! these "ears" or bosses connect the pipe to the manifold via two spring loaded bolts that pass through the pipe clamp and the cast iron bosses on the manifold. since the is nothing left to support the clamp, the exhaust leaks. this is the first time i have ever seen a cast iron exhaust part wear out BEFORE the other parts(muffler,pipes etc.) Mazda should definitely be called on the carpet for this one. is the a recall for this DEFECT! any other similar failures i would appreciate hearing from you.

[jeg0024]

Your car is over 6 years old and im sure you live up north... It happens. I have a 5 year old exhaust system without rust, I can sell you my J-pipe if thats what you need, its in good condition. To answer your questions there are no recalls for any part on the exhaust and if it was a defect it would have leaked far before now. Take it up with Mazda if you feel you have a claim though, good luck to you.

PS. Someone move this thread because I can't anymore.

[mrmikey]

Know what you mean.
Daughters '99 1.8 Protege, went the same way and after checking the wifes, '01 2.0 Protege hers was on the way out too.
After finding out from the dealer what it was worth, CAN$250 for the 1.8 and CAN$450 for the 2.0 which was the same except for one more small tab I made two from stainless steel pipe.
I guess I'm lucky in the fact that I'm a weldor by trade and I had access to the material. I don't know how people do it when they can't do the work themselves and have to pay someone, I know I couldn't.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not shooting people down as we all have things we're good at and some things we can't do but it's gotta be hard.
Now, I'm gathering up info to do the intake manifold on the 1.8 as it's sucking air. The cars still driveable, thankfully, so it's not a big panic so I'll probably end up doing it this weekend, weather permitting.
Some great info on this site, other that the tips that I've already seen, anyone got any others.....Mike