did you ever kick it to test?

cats can fail 2 ways:
1. they plug up causing poor performance
2. they crumble and blow out your exhaust

I smacked it with a mallet but wasn't absolutely sure what I should be listening for?? I have never hammered on one before so I have nothing to gauge against it. It did sound like something may be loose in there but nothing that was an ah-hah if you know what I mean!! So I am still not absolutely sure!

Mac

If #2 happens will the rattling eventually go away (nice technical term)?? It is not constant either...the wife heard the other day and she went balistic! The questions started flying...is that going to kill our car?...is the engine going?...why didn't you tell me about it earlier????? Her biggest question was could this have been caused by the accident I just had. A 5 mile an hour collision into a Dodge truck with front of the SSEi with approx $3,200 worth of damage??

Mac

use your foot not a mallet.. the mallet will be louder than the rattling if that is the problem.. if you can just grab the exhaust at the cat and shake it.. you will know if there is broken pieces in there

If you can hear a noise from inside the cat., that would not be normal so is likely your problem. It will often be heard more during acceleration or deceleration.

If it is starting to crumble, what happens first is the packing that holds the pack in place comes apart. That give the pack holding the catalyst the opportunity to move around - thus the rattle. As the packing deteriorates more - the rattle gets louder. Replacing the cat is the best solution.

It'* not real likely that it was caused by the crash.

Gotcha...if possible I will try it tonight! Thanks!

Mac

Ok...tried shaking Cat but didn't really tell me anything more than I already knew which was only what you have told me so I took into my mechanic today to have him take a listen to confirm and he did!! I then took into the muffler shop her recommended and that guy quoted me $400 installed out the door!! Does that sound a bit high to you cause it sure did to me based on what I have heard on here so far??? Please let me know what you think but I will be calling around to get prices today. Thanks,

Mac

get an aftermarket high-flow cat online.. do not let them sell you "their" cat

should be able to scoop one up for $50

http://www.ebay.com
http://www.summitracing.com/

That does seem like a lot! I had a special high flow cat put on at Midas for half that price - parts and labor. Don't know if there would be that large of price difference in CA.

Thanks Archon...hopefully someone from Cali will chime in...