Muffler ??

[avguy]

This looks to be the exact same type of failure that I described above on mine, just in a different location. Are you a decent welder? If not, I strongly recommend that you have shop take a look and give you an estimate. It's very likely the bolts are rusted on both mid pipe flanges, and you would need to get them out in order to replace the mid pipe. I only had to do one flange on mine, and used a combination of Dremel and drilling out the bolts, which was a really tedious job (there are some other words I used while doing the work). Trust me that this is not a happy job. You could probably rig up some patch job without welding, but I can't imagine it holding up for long because there's nothing left on the flange to give it strength.

And the other consideration is what kind of shape the rest of the system is in and how much longer you plan to keep the vehicle. If you intend to keep it for any length of time, and there's lots of rust in other places, it might make sense to replace the entire system (including cat) now. That BTW would be a reasonable DIY job. Just undo the cat/header flange bolts (which probably aren't rusted), bolt all the shiny new parts together, and drop it all into the hangers. If I had it to do over, that's what I would do. Again, a decision like that depends on your future plans for the vehicle.

[BattlingMaxo]

Actually, I took some images of it It looks like I can slip in back in but of course i need some welding done which I don't do
I know a mechanic that might be able to do this Check out the image (sorry the image is a bit blurry my hand was moving as I tried to take pic.)
http://www.digitalart.x10host.com/muffler1.png
BM

[Pickles]

thats not the muffler thats the resonator. the muffler is way back by the rear bumper

[avguy]

Yep, that looks like it could be welded back good as new. You're fourtunate it went like that - on mine the pipe itself was rusted through.
I'm curious about those flange bolts - they look fairly new and definitely not factory stuff. Did you do any previous exhaust mods or repairs, or did you buy this Aveo second hand recently?

[BattlingMaxo]

thats not the muffler thats the resonator. the muffler is way back by the rear bumper

you're right, I looked this morning.

avguy, No I never had anything done with exhaust system but I did a lot of repairs. I was actually looking to add two clamps together to re- attach the pipe, It should work, if not I will get it welded.

BM