MOT Failure :-( - Exhaust / Wheel Spacer Question

[MTBApple]

My Freda has just failed it's MOT on 3 points:

Centre exhaust major leak - I've seen it and it completely corroded around the join with a small section of the pipe
Rear exhaust major leak - Again, seen the corrosion and there's a hole in the box and corrosion through the pipe.
Nearside front tyre is fouling part of the vehicle.

Two questions:

I presume that I am better off just buying an entire new exhaust (they can't weld it due to the extent of corrosion). Do I need to buy anything else with a full exhaust (supports, bolts etc)? I've seen them for around £125 on eBay.

The wheel is very slightly rubbing the antiroll bar, not on drivers side though. Has anyone used spacers? Would these sort the issue?

Thanks for any help to a very untechnically minded soul.

Pierre

[MTBApple]

Also, can anybody recommend a place to buy a new complete 4 part exhaust from?

[roosmith]

I can't answer the exhaust bit but I don't think may people will recommend the spacers. It will get you out of this hole, so you can get it re-moted but I don't think it would be a recommended long term solution. What wheels has it got on to be fouling anyway?

[MTBApple]

Oh, that's a shame, I was hoping that spacers would be the answer. The rubbing is so light on the anti roll bar and only on one side. The wheels are 17" mazda wheels with 225 50Zr 17 (98 XL) tyres.

[roosmith]

A small spacer may be OK then but they are a bit of a bodge job really. Some people will use them quite happily, others wouldn't go near them.

[MTBApple]

Thanks dude,

I'll chance the spacers (order some 5mm ones) to get it through the MOT and see what the result is.

Just got to get some info on the exhaust now then (",)

'Pierre'

[winchman]

I got my exhaust from Ebay, you need the correct joints as its then easier to fit, from memory they are two different sizes.
A motor factor called CES supplied mine.
My old wheels had a 3 or 4mm spacer behind the fronts for added clearance, new wheels are fine with out.
I have ran several 4x4 type vehicles with larger tyres and spacers and never had an issue, make sure your insurance are aware though.

[winchman]

A small spacer may be OK then but they are a bit of a bodge job really. Some people will use them quite happily, others wouldn't go near them.

I feel spacers users fall in to two groups.
One the world will end if you fit them .
The other just stick them on and forget about them.

[roosmith]

A small spacer may be OK then but they are a bit of a bodge job really. Some people will use them quite happily, others wouldn't go near them.

I feel spacers users fall in to two groups.
One the world will end if you fit them .
The other just stick them on and forget about them.

Exactly!

[Gasy]

Is there a difference between the winter pack exhausts and normal
I'd check before splashing cash

[MTBApple]

Gasy, that's a good point. I've no idea. Mine has a winter pack though.

Perhaps that's what the box is that appears to be linked to the exhaust that the garage had no idea what it was.

Anybody know?

[Gasy]

Yep that's your cold start bit
Might be a good time to get rid of the winter pack
There is info on here somewhere about how to do that
I will when mine needs doing

Someone will be along soon who knows

[MTBApple]

Thanks Gasy.

Is there some advantage to ditching the winter pack?

I've already ditched the second battery for a leisure one.

[Gasy]

Think people get rid of it
So it don't go wrong and cause a problem
Engine runs cleaner
We don't get that cold over here to need them

[Gasy]

I've split my 2 winter pack battery's with a 200amp relay
And added radio etc to second battery
I will replace it for a leisure when it dies