Possible Failed Cat

[Westie]

I have an 06 V6 4x4 with approximately 140k miles on it. Started it up this past Sunday and noticed a loud vibration/metal on metal rattle coming from under the car. I researched other threads and checked some possible areas where this problem could be coming from. I've narrowed it to the second Cat (moving toward the rear of the truck) on the driver side. It vibrates like crazy. I held the heat shield and the noise got better but was not completely solved. Additionally, from the first cat going to the second cat the pipe is extremely hot but the pipe coming from the second cat that is vibrating is noticeably cooler. The other strange thing is that my CEL has not been tripped. After driving the truck the noise greatly reduces and essentially goes away. It is only on start up that the truck acts up and the noise is extremely noticeable. I'm at a total loss with this issue.

I'm assuming this is a failed catalytic converter, but I'm not an expert at these kinds of things. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Stuck CAPS]

I have an 06 V6 4x4 with approximately 140k miles on it. Started it up this past Sunday and noticed a loud vibration/metal on metal rattle coming from under the car. I researched other threads and checked some possible areas where this problem could be coming from. I've narrowed it to the second Cat (moving toward the rear of the truck) on the driver side. It vibrates like crazy. I held the heat shield and the noise got better but was not completely solved. Additionally, from the first cat going to the second cat the pipe is extremely hot but the pipe coming from the second cat that is vibrating is noticeably cooler. The other strange thing is that my CEL has not been tripped. After driving the truck the noise greatly reduces and essentially goes away. It is only on start up that the truck acts up and the noise is extremely noticeable. I'm at a total loss with this issue.

I'm assuming this is a failed catalytic converter, but I'm not an expert at these kinds of things. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Check how she runs without the heatshield, not long of course, but to see if its loose in more than one spot.

 

[zonianbrat]

Rip the heat shield off and make sure you havent broken a pipe hanger.

 

[1st Timer]

I had something similar happen. The aluminum heat shield corroded around the washers and was kind of dangling. I picked up larger fender washers, unbolted the nuts (think 10mm) that were supposed to hold up the heat shield, put the fender washers in. One thing I had to do was "cup" the fender washers. I'm sure there are numerous ways to do this but this is how I did it. Took a socket a little smaller than the fender washer and tapped it with a ball peen hammer till it fit properly.

 

[1st Timer]

It being the fender washer. I did this on the work bench not on the truck.

 

[earthrealm]

SOMETHING SIMILAR HAPPENED TO ME...ON CLOSER INSPECTION..IT APPEARED THE EXHAUST had got broken at one of the jnts near the back of the truck..and the 2 loose ends were clanging against themselves!.............the noise was awful

 

[ebg18t]

I also had the heat shield rattle. Two of the connections were rotten thru. Two minutes with a pair of pliers I ripped the heat shield off and all was good and quiet after.

 

[Westie]

Thanks for the input guys. I found a bracket bolt loose right behind the cat that attached to what appeared to be near if not on the transmission area. Quick tighten and the noise has gone away. I appreciate the replies!