catalytic converter

[johnny911]

My converter is making rattling noises. My buddy told me there is a cone in the converter and that probably has broken apart. Is this true and can it be repaired or do i have to get a new converter?

[mdshunk]

Quite often, the sheet metal heat shield on the catalytic converter will pop a few spot welds, and rattle like the devil. This can be fixed for 5 or 10 bucks at a muffler shop. If the catalist inside the conver has actually fractured, and that's what's making the noise, the only repair option is a new converter.

I'd crawl under the car first and see if the heat shield might just be loose.

[Mr T]

Most modern cars will detect when the convertr is not working (via oxygen sensors), and if its been bypassed. If your check engine light is not on, and your car is runnign ok, your converter is probably fine.

Most likley a heat sheild. You may notice it rattle more at certain engine speeds when it starts to resonate.

[greystreak92]

Most modern cars will detect when the convertr is not working (via oxygen sensors), and if its been bypassed. If your check engine light is not on, and your car is runnign ok, your converter is probably fine.

Most likley a heat sheild. You may notice it rattle more at certain engine speeds when it starts to resonate.

O2 sensors are upline of the catalytic converter in the exhaust system. the heat generated by the "cat" would render an O2 sensor useless. I'm inclined to believe that the heat shield is the culprit in this instance. If you are ambitious enough to do it, crawl under and carefully check that the outer metal cover is not loose. DO THIS WELL AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN SHUT DOWN! Best time would be in before heading out for the day that way you KNOW the cat is cooled off.