My cat is making a rattling noise. I took it into to have it looked at (check engine light). the light is for a bad O2 sensor. So my question is should I replace the CAT since it is rattling around and doesn't sound good? Or just the sensor? Also how much should this cost? The shop is telling me it will be $1100. 630 for the cat and the rest in labor. This seems to be a bit much after looking around and seeing CATs for 2-300.

Thanks for the help.


Andy

1999 Dodge Ram 2500

 

That is way too much ! Make sure it's not just the heat shield rattling first. But, take it some where else and get another price. You can always buy the cat. yourself and just go to a shop too have it installed. OMG $630 for the cat. LOL

 

Do not go back to that shop, ever.

 

You can actually get a Magna Flow direct fit high flow cat at summit or jegs for under 200 bucks and add a little performance to your truck. They are trying to rape you ! That is list price from the Dodge dealer. And if you want to go stock, Rock auto (for one example) has them for under 300 bucks. And so would your local Parts store.

 

Thanks for the input. Yeah I thought it was way to pricey. I was looking at CATs on Summit and Jegs. How do I know which ones will fit my truck? (Since i don't have it here to look at) I am not sure what size I need. Also, I am assuming that Direct Fit means that I can take the old one out and just bolt the new one in?

Andy

 

where the hell did you take it ?
like squirrel said - never go back.

check for loose heat shield.
if you have a light for a bad 02, you might need to replace one or both of them. they cost about $50-75 each. you probably have 2, one pre-cat, one post-cat.
take it to a basic aftermarket muffler shop, and have them check the cat. if bad, replace it with a basic aftermarket, universal style cat. they're sort of expensive, around $200. plus some labor to cut off the old and weld in the new, maybe $50-100.

 

I did have a CEL for the Post-Cat O2 sensor. The cat seems to be rattling like marbles. The heat sheild didn't seem to be loose. The shop that I took it to wants way to much to put in a new CAT. I think I may buy a direct fit on and put it on myself.

I will definatley be calling around tomorrow to research prices for parts and what not.

Andy

 

My Meineke shop sold me a Magnaflow high flow converter, a Super 44 muffler, and did all the labor for about $400. If had done my research, I would have bought the muffler and converter myself from Summit or someplace, and had them install it, but oh well. Would have been cheaper. But oh well, lesson learned.

That shop reminds me of 01DodgeRam360's nightmare shop.

 

I really appreciate all the replies. I contacted someone at 4Wheel Parts. (www.4wheelparts.com) They will charge me $150+/- for a CAT plus $75 dollars for the install. This other place is a FREAKIN joke. I think they will be getting and ear full from me.

Also, for the transmission code that came up. I need a new governor solenoid and pressure sensor. They want $600+ to fix that. I called around to a tranny shop that 4 Wheel told me. They will do this for about $450.

I don't understand mechanics sometimes. What happened to quality customer service? Why would you try to fleece your customer? I mean if you do good and reasonably priced work your are most likely going to get repeat business and referrals. NOT THIS GUY!!!

If I treated the people I see at my job, the way these sh*theads do, I would not have a job or would be in some serious trouble.

Again all the input from everyone here is very helpful.

Andy

 

You could do the solenoid and sensor for less than half that price yourself, with a minimal amount of tools and know how.