Catalytic Converter???

Question

OK, so I take my 1998 Infiniti Q45 (179K) in to get the exhaust checked... It's not as quiet as it used to be, but not loud at all. They lifted it up, and just from a visual inspection, they tell me that BOTH catalytic converters are bad - and that each part costs $1,311, for a grand total of $2,915.93 (including installation). There is NO check engine light on, but there is a slight rattle when I accelerate. Gas mileage is pretty good for a V-8 (I fill up about every 6 days), no black smoke, exhaust comes out hot, car does not overheat, so I'm not sure the converter(s) is bad. I looked online, and found these parts (including pipes) for $285. Even if both converters are bad, is this price excessive? Also, how likely is it that BOTH converters are damaged, and how can they know for sure without actually checking the converters out?

I took it to Meineke, and they tried to tell me that that was a dealer-only part.

Answer 1

I call bull s***. Get another opinion, NOT an Infinite dealer, an independent.

When catalytic converters go out, they tend to smell like rotten eggs. Before they go out the car's performance goes down noticeably and gas mileage suffers. You're experiencing none of this.

Answer 2

My advice is to take it back to the same keep to substantiate it isn't any longer the same concern. this is attainable that interior the cat. conv. fix, multiple the connectors to a sensor would gotten loose and brought about a bad connection. in spite of the undeniable fact that, in the event that they declare that this is a clean concern and not concerning the previous fix, request a replica of the codes saved if attainable on the artwork order. Then tell them thank you for checking it out and which you will reschedule an appointment to have them do the maintenance or something like that. however the plan is to get a 2d opinion from a great fix keep and get there comments on the placement. additionally provide them the fix historical past so they'd examine and analyze what they got here across. As a ways your question in the journey that your vehicle has 2 cat. conv. i'm assuming that your engine is a V6. meaning that there are 3 cylinders in step with cat. conv.

Answer 3

Cats can go bad and rattle on the inside, but rattling is usually the heat shield coming loose. That price is insane. And I wouldn't let Meineke empty my ash trays. They probably are bad at that age. You can use generic cats if a good muffler shop does the job. And even OEMs would only run about $140 each.

Answer 4

I highly doubt your CAT is bad. Louder exhaust means your muffler is not doing as good of a job. This could come from things such as hole in the muffler, exhaust leak etc. Unless your emission is bad, I would not bother with the CAT. Take it to a different shop.

Answer 5

there could be holes in your cats but that is still way too much money unless your mechanic is going with oem parts....

Answer 6

I'd get a second opinion