What is a simple solution for catalytic converter rattling?
2 Answers
Catalytic converter rattling can be simply addressed by removing the catalytic converter for inspection, as the rattling is often caused by internal ceramic breakage leading to fragments continuously colliding with the metal housing. If the internal components of the catalytic converter are found to be severely damaged, replacement with a new one is necessary. The catalytic converter is a crucial external purification device installed in the vehicle's exhaust system, transforming harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx emitted from the vehicle into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. Its internal structure primarily consists of asbestos fiber felt, purifying agents, a substrate, and metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium.
Last time I encountered abnormal noise from the catalytic converter, I first crawled under the car to inspect it. I found that the heat shield had come loose, so I used a wrench to tighten each screw one by one, which solved the problem. If the casing has cracks or the gasket is aged, you'll need to go to a repair shop to replace the parts. Actually, if you usually pay attention to not scraping the undercarriage and slow down when going over speed bumps, you can avoid these kinds of impacts. I've also seen people stuff steel wool into the exhaust pipe as a temporary measure - don't ever try this trick, as it can block the exhaust and is even more dangerous. If the catalytic converter is truly broken inside, the only solution is a complete replacement, so it's important to address any abnormal noises early on.
