Rattling Cat...need advice
 

Hey guys, on my C220 i'm starting to have a Rattling Cat.Convert. Like in the mornings when I start the car up, i hear the exhust pipes rattling and crackling. I lifted my car up one day, knocked on the cats and it seems like the lead in it, is falling off. It sounds awful like theres an exhust leak. Do you guys think its my cat? or would it be some loose screws somewhere? Also if its my cat, do i risk damage by continuing to use my car like this? It drives fine, sounds retarded. I called a indy mech and he told me if its my cat, eventually the loose parts will burn off and it'll stop making the Rattling Cat noise, but won't pass emissions.... So what should i do? try working on it? leave it alone, or swap it?

The warranty on the emission system, including catalytic converters, is 8 years or 80,000 miles. If you're beyond that I suggest replacing it with an OEM catalytic converter unless you don't intend to keep this car.

I tried many ways to find the source of rattle in my system but found the best way is to hit it with a rubber mallet. This sets up the vibration without making any noise of its own. Then you can hear where the noise is coming from. If it is the cat, whatever you do don't get a CATCO replacement. Get something else.

Mike

Yea i knocked on it with my fist last time i checked and it sounded like the source. How much are the OEM cat's? and is their a cheaper after market alternative? I don't want to spend to much money on this car, but I plan on keeping it also. Do i risk damage if I keep using it like this? thanks

I am not an expert on this subject. I think if you do a search you can find some info. I know there are 3 or 4 brands of after market Cats available and they are a lot cheaper than the OEM. I believe the danger of letting it go is it could clog up and/or over heat as the guts fall apart. Or it might just make noise. Some of the aftermarket ones are not that expensive. It depends on the car. Hopefully someone can recommend one for you to buy if you choose to go that way.

Mike

Thanks for the response. I would infact be very interested in hearing about a good cheap aftermarket cat for my car. Also wouldn't I need 2 cats for my car? If someone has any suggestions please post them here to help me out. Also should their be any concern for me to change my O2 sensors aswell? is I change my cat?

thanks

One thing to check is your heat sheld. Sometimes it comes loose, and makes a pretty good rattle.

It's pretty cheap to re-weld the heat shield.