Got some used hot pipes and was peering in by the flex coupler. To my amazement it was disintegrating and looked like a metal birds nest. I was told the pipes only had 300 miles on them so it seemed a bit strange. I managed to grab pliers and pull it out as one piece. Question is should I replace the coupler and is this normal for flex couplers? Seems something like this could destroy a turbo quickly if it happened while driving.

 

Replace it

 

Be careful
Don't use flex coupler that have steel braided mesh in the inside.

 

If you can get all the mesh out reuse it.

 

I just gut all the braided steel outta it. Works fine. I use a Dremel to cut the steel out takes a little time but it works.

 

Why not buy the right one. No need to cut anything out of?

 

I seriously had no idea that couplings came with or without the mesh inside, makes perfect sense though, it pulled straight out and if I don't have to re-weld another one that would be nice. There has to be someone out there that has grenaded a turbo this way!

Here is a couple photos. The mesh just twisted out. The tabs inside need to be pushed back so they are not sticking out or removed?

 

Very true. But like me when I first started building my own kits I just ordered any coupler and found out the hard way. Where do y'all usually get your couplers from without the braided stuff inside? Race parts solution is my source and they usually have it inside those.

 

First time I ever ran across this issue. All the articles I have read in the past don't mention this or maybe I overlooked it... Good to know lol

 

this is going to happen to every flex couple with braided mesh inside. The Vibrant performance flex joint with interlock is the only way to go.