Hi, I don't know much about cars, so this may seem like a dumb question to you all. But I've had this 94 Bonneville for about 7 years and my father had it before me for 3. We've taken good care of it, and this car -is- my life at this moment.. I have to have it to make rent because work is an hour and a half away. Anyway enough background, here is the problem.
Driving to work today I heard something drop, fall loose from the car, and my engine started booming loud, it was running fine, but running LOUD and I could tell I was dragging something. Got out, looked under the hood, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Looked under the car, and noticed something...
So, if you are looking as if behind my car crouched down. On the lower right side is my exhaust pipe, thats fine, still attatched, checked it.
On the lower left side tho, is a piece of pipe that comes down a little bit, curves right to about the middle of the car, and then goes pretty much straight forward to about middle to tip of the car, thats what fell off, right at that tip point, its hanging there.
Now I've no idea what it is, my car drove fine though, I could still turn it off the road, could still shift gears, and could still break.
So I've no idea what it is..I know the description is vague but not being good with cars, I've no idea how to explain. I'll check the forums and feel free to e-mail me with any feedback.
Please and thank you.

slade_darkangel@hotmail.com

Based on the description, it sounds like the catalytic convertor broke off. Why it would fall off, I'm not sure!!

If it is in fact the catalytic convertor and you're not a car person, it would be best to take it to a muffler shop to have them look at it and if needed, weld/clamp in a new convertor.

I second that. It does sound like the front portion of your exhaust is the issue. That would explain the sound and the location is dead on for the catalytic converter and smoe of the pipes.

BTW: I would recommend posting your e-mail as slade_darkangel at hotmail dot com to avoid getting spam from internet crawlers.

Alright, so the converter which is the front part of the exhaust is the problem, so I have two questions. Is it okay to drive to a shop, and how much would it cost to get that repaired? And thanks so much for your help with this ^^

and it didn't so much fall off, as much as the the front portion where I suppose it connected is hanging down.

You caould probably drive it for a while.... As long as it is only loose, and not clogged, it should drive like normal with the possible following exceptions:

1) Louder car
2) Possible change in gas mileage
3) Hope it doesn't drop all the way off, catch on the road, and mess up stuff underneth the car.

I'd say there should be no worries about bringin it to the shop. Should be an easier repair. Depending on what happened for sure, my guess is that it could cost anywhere from $50 - $250 depending on if it needs to be replkaced or just bolted back up.

Side note.... Have you noticed any stumbling durring acceleration prior to this breaking? If so, you may be due for a tune-up!

Might be that they will just put a spot weld on it for ya for next to nothing. Wouldn't hurt to ask.

Welcome to the club, and awesome screen name!!