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Rattle in catalytic converter.

10K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  Rocky Bar 
#1 ·
At idle there is a serious rattle from what I believe is the catalytic converter (above the skid plate). What is a good replacement and is it something I can do myself pretty easy? It's a 97 with 140k miles. Should I check out the muffler and tail pipe too?

Something else that might be related...if I floor it, it seems like there is back pressure and there is no real acceleration.

Also, in my research I read where there are more than one catalytic converter? If so where are they?

Ryan
 
#2 ·
I just went through this with my 2004, I used the Eastern Catalytic part. The fit was surprisingly good and so far I'm pleased with it. It's not a fun job but it's not really hard either. I would also suggest replacing the downstream O2 sensors. I may be wrong but I think your year only has one.
 
#3 ·
I'm sorry, but you are wrong. One of the misnomers to do when there is a catalytic converter problem is to change the O2 sensors. Even the dealership made that mistake on my 1997 Wrangler. The rattle sound is a clear indication that the Catalytic converter is bad. Changing the O2 sensors that monitor it, won't fix the bad catalytic converter. And yes, a bad cat will affect your Wrangler's performance. The exhaust will back up into the engine, choking it. If you know what you are doing mechanically, change it yourself, if you have good welding skills. If not, I would recommend a good muffler shop. It's an hour job for them.

Note: 1997 Wranglers had a recall on the Cat. I had mine changed too, when I experienced all the symptoms that you had(OP) and more.
 
#8 ·
There's been twice for me that the heat shield around the cat has become loose and rattled while the cat itself was fine.

Once fixed it with a steel strap, second time with a couple of self tapping screws being careful to only screw into the very edges of the cats heat shield.
 
#10 ·
Rattle

Yeah, same with my TJ cat. Had muffler shop replace stock cat with one from Mega Flow,that was approved for Ca use. 02 sensors ok with no codes. 92k on od. The guys at the muffler shop said that crossing deep streams kills cats, since they are red hot, then the cold water does it. But if there is a stream trail crossing, I will still cross it up to the rock sliders, and hope for the best.
 
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