What does this part do?
 

I have been doing a lot of maintenance lately on my 99 turbo 2000, I don't have a particular knowledge of mechanics but I have found that I have been able to replace and service a lot of parts just through forums like this and youtube.
I have however noticed a metal pipe that is in some way connected to the engine has corroded through and there appears to be several large holes in it, even though the car still seems to run ok.

I was just hoping somebody here could tell me what this pipe is exactly, as in how vital is it to get it replaced (and if it is a simple diy unbolt and replace job). The photo I have added is taken from underneath the car with me standing at the front looking underneath near the foglights, and as you can see is right next to the oil filter. It basically runs right along the bottom near the radiator.

As I said, I am no mechanic so I apologise if its something silly or obvious to ask :)

Thanks!

Attachment 74450

Exhaust pipe

Ah cool thanks!
I guess it should be a fairly straightforward replacement job then?

It looks like the header to up pipe flange & may be a pain to fix. Is it actually blowing?

Not that I have noticed, it's been like that for months now. Is it possibly just heat shielding that has rusted?
So far I haven't really poked about with it incase I made it worse :)

Looks like the heat shield to me. Mine has rusted off.

Heat shield, yes.

The heatshield has already been removed. Unless its actually blowing just leave it :) though there does appear to be a small weep (black soot) between the flanges in that pic

correction: just zoomed and seen the heatshield, dam phone!

If it's not blowing leave it alone. If it starts to blowing Iv got a set of headers & slip jointed up pipe I can sell you, you will just need gaskets & possibly bolts to fit.

good luck removing that nut in future :)

Well thanks for all the help everybody, I'm just going to have to leave it for now until it has to be replaced :thumb: