New Backbox apparently...

[Maximus2000uk]

So, my Leon has been making an odd noise recently.

The noise has been tracked back to the exhaust, and I took it to Kwikfit this morning who told me it needed a new backbox. The noise is akin to a vibration but only hits at low revs.

Kwikfit have suggested the parts will cost circa £250 because they have to replace the Backbox and the piping (apparently SEAT fit everything as just one part, but for replacement you have to order each pipe individually!).

A few questions therefore:

1) The car is out of warranty by 1 year, but should I talk to my local SEAT dealer (Russell AC), and see if they can get me a SEAT discount on the parts?

2) Is it common for the Backbox to fail after 4 years (the car has only done 27,000 miles)?

3) Are there any cheaper options, as in an after-market Backbox, opposed to the standard one?

Many thanks everyone!

Max

 

[invisiblekid]

Are you sure it's the exhaust? You don't sound convinced to me.

Call me skeptical and no disrespect to Kwik fit employees, but I'd be dubious about letting Kwik Fit make that decision.

If it is the exhaust get a Milltek cat back - you know you want to

 

[Maximus2000uk]

I'm positive the issue lies with the exhaust because with the window open, you can clearly hear a noise that shouldnt be present! It is only at low-revs and the car feels & drives fine at the moment.

I'm skeptical that the solution is to replace the back-box, but Kwikfit know more than I do. I'll get a second opinion from Russell AC, and report back.

How much would a Milltek cat-back cost me?

 

[w8scc]

As far as I know a brand new back box for cupra is 340ish with stealers. Cheapest I know milltek to be brand new is £400. You have aero kit? Centre exit?

 

[vroomtshh]

I'm positive the issue lies with the exhaust because with the window open, you can clearly hear a noise that shouldnt be present! It is only at low-revs and the car feels & drives fine at the moment.

I'm skeptical that the solution is to replace the back-box, but Kwikfit know more than I do. I'll get a second opinion from Russell AC, and report back.

How much would a Milltek cat-back cost me?

No offence, but if kwik fit know more than you do, then I don't think you can say it's definitely the exhaust.

And never, ever, take the word of a bunch of monkeys who supply exhausts, that you need a new one. I'm not sure who Russell Ac are, but personally I'd get a decent mechanic to check it. Most will be able to tell you pretty quickly where the problem lies

 

[dazjb69]

but Kwikfit know more than I do.

I don't know about that mate! Take it to a local independent exhaust fitter let them take a look, next thing you know kwik fit will want to fit you new brakes etc!!

 

[kazand]

I wouldn't trust Kwik s*it ! had a price off them for two new tyres recently, reckoned he could do two for £240 and the price would be held for 30 days, when I went back two weeks later i was told that the guy I'd spoke to no longer worked there and there was no way they could do them for less than £260! so I had them done at a local independant for £240 ... (Bannings just off spaghetti junction brilliant service ) also my better half rang another Kwik s*it depot for a price on the same tyres to be told....£165 each! surely not because she was (is!) a wooooman ?

 

[OLDOILER]

So, my Leon has been making an odd noise recently.

2) Is it common for the Backbox to fail after 4 years (the car has only done 27,000 miles)?

3) Are there any cheaper options, as in an after-market Backbox, opposed to the standard one?

Max

It is VERY low miles for a four year old and that will possibly the reason for the back box [and the rest of the system??] being in a poor state. If it is the back box there are a few dealer sponsors on this web site that will give discount etc.

 

[5miffy]

If your car is a genuine 20 odd k and has FSSH etc, then I am sure Seat may do something for you, may not be much but might be worth a chat to someone with half a brain

 

[dannychapman10]

Is it like a humming noise at about 1.5k? If so, mines the same. Definitely is the exhaust

 

[Maximus2000uk]

Regarding KwikFit, I went there because it was a Saturday morning and my main people, Russell Automotive Centre, were closed. Does anyone have a mechanic in London that they can recommend?

Yep its a humming/vibrating noise which hits at below 1500 rpm whether accelerating or braking.

M

 

[sportbilly]

Standard FR exhaust? I have a brand new back box from mine which was taken off at PDI when then R style exit was fitted - assume it would fit pre facelift models.

I would make sure it is that though, didnt think they failed that often.

 

[dannychapman10]

Yup, exactly the same as mine annoying really

 

[Maximus2000uk]

Yep its the standard FR exhaust. I have looked after the car very well and the 27,000 miles have been mostly trips across the continent opposed to in-town driving so very odd the Backbox should have failed already.

I'm going to head to the dealers tomorrow and see if they can offer me a 'Sympathetic Warranty' price.

 

[Maximus2000uk]

Booked into the dealer for Wednesday morning so I'll let you know what he says.

 

[Maximus2000uk]

So, went to the dealer this morning who said that, quite simply, I dont need to worry!

The dealer did the same checks as Kwikfit did, but with a different end-result. The interior of the Backbox is lined with layers of a material similar to loft-insulation. The noise that I hear, is a result of the small bits of the insulation coming loose (natural wear & tear), and then rubbing against the side of the Backbox. It is for this reason, that the noise resonates.

Kwikfit suggested I needed a new Backbox and, the dealer said that if the problem worsened it may be worthwhile doing. However, for now, it is just a small noise to live with.

 

[sportbilly]

Jsut keep your eye out for one and change when you can be bothered then - not an MOT failure though is it?

 

[Maximus2000uk]

In its current state, I cant imagine why it would be an MOT failure.