Question about broken tail pipe bracket
 

Today when I left the office I noticed a horrible rattle that I hadn't heard before. Since I read 996 forums all the time I am a horrible hypochondriac when it comes to the C4S. Needless to say it scared the crap out of me (was it the water pump, a/c compressor or something even worse???).

Turns out the tail pipe bracket broke at the weld. No idea how this would happen but I'm just so glad that's all it is.

I'm really just curious about how important this bracket is. It seems like the tailpipe doesn't move at all without it in place.

I definitely want to fix it but just wondering how much of a hurry I should be in. It is $137 for a new OEM replacement pipe (996 111 251 55). I could also just get a friend to weld it back but I'd like to see if there are any aftermarket tail pipes that might look better than the factory oval covers.

For now I just turned it around so it wouldn't rattle.

Here is the bracket I'm talking about
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g...0/DSC02388.JPG

You can see where it broke here
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V...0/DSC02383.JPG

Slide the chrome tip off and weld it. Or if welder can reach it weld it with the tip on it.

Ya that is my plan. I'm not much of a welder but a friend of mine is good enough to at least get this re-attached. Do you think jb-weld would be strong enough to hold it? hahaha

JB weld is good stuff and will work, but you must prepare the surface correctly and use the correct version of JB weld. The best solution is to just re-weld.

Also check the motor mounts AND the trans mount in the end of the case towards the front. Many times it's weak or worn mounts that allow additional vibrations to transfer thru the car that end up causing broken welds.

Thanks for the tip I'll do that! Any tips on the best service manuals to get? I think its time to invest in some.

I had the same problem. Rewelding it many many times. It only lasted a few days/weeks before breaking again. Ended up just buying a new pipe and tip, to the tune of $630.

Did you have any of the other problems onefastviking mentioned (motor or trans mounts?)

I guess it is worth trying to weld it at least once before getting a new pipe.

^ nope my bracket broke after it got stressed while someone parking, backed in the car over a curb and scratched the tip. The bottom of the tip was very lightly scratched and the bracket didn't break for a few weeks afterwards but I know it was the cause of it.

btw $137 for the pipe is very good deal, I replaced mine through the Cdn Dealership and got raped.