Front exhaust pipe crack : few questions

[klam]

Over the weekend I've changed oil and oil filter, and when I was wiping the exhaust pipes I've notice the crack on one of the pipes (tell me why my mechanic haven't noticed those before, must have been there as I'm 100% sure I haven't hit anything, undercover would be in pieces I reckon):

exhaust_pipe_crack.jpg (108.14 KiB) Viewed 1480 times

The schematic diagram of the front exhaust pipe is here and the part is circled in red:

fron_exhaust_pipe_schema.jpg (108.43 KiB) Viewed 1480 times

Questions:
1) what is the exact part name?
2) could this crack be a possible cause of my hesitation issues (infamous for 2.0R)? I've came clean on diagnostics three times, cleaned EGR, MAF, Secondary Air valves, Subaru UAC applied, spark plugs, oil and filter changed)
3) to replace that part, does the whole front exhaust have to be removed? I'd think so...
4) what would be the approximate repair cost?

Thank you.

M

[zch91]

You will find that is in fact not a crack.. Just the heat shields over the exhaust piping.

One way to find out.. Listen for the leak with the engine running

[klam]

thanks I thought that this is a shield, but how would one like this appear in the first place?

[Mat04]

Cracks usually happen due to hitting things but also vibrations and constant ones from the engine are more than enough to fracture such a thin piece.

[teh_mechanic]

Is just the heat sheild, absolutely nothing to worry about. It's very thin metal exposed to heat constantly, over time it will crack.

[klam]

Is just the heat sheild, absolutely nothing to worry about. It's very thin metal exposed to heat constantly, over time it will crack.

appreciated. Like you have said, so did my mechanic that that is ok. Thanks

[jp928]

Problem might be that the crack travels, and eventually gets big enough to make a noise as the edges vibrate against each other. If its got any warranty left, I would report it.
jp 08 gtb 5mt wagon