Catalytic converter problems...

I have a '99 GLS (new Jetta) with 94k miles on it. Recently, the catalytic converter has been rattling (past 2 months) but it is now getting pretty loud. Haven't had it looked at but a guy at the VW dealer said that's what is was just by listening to it. He said likely a $1000+ repair. Well, needless to say, there is no way I'm putting that much into a converter. I just dropped $1000 on other repairs on this thing so I don't have cash to do this. Two questions:

1. Are there any cheaper ways to replace this?? I've had a converter replaced on one of my cars (non-VW) several years ago and it was $100.

2. Is any damage being caused by driving with a rattling converter? I assume it's more of a nuisance issue.

Thanks for any help!!

Eric

Sure...you don't necessarily have to fix it. These are the symptons of a blocked or dead cat. http://www.ae92gts.com/ae92gts_cat_symptoms.html
Although yours is only rattling, could mean its on the brink of dying...Lots of people don't use cats....are they completely necessary? Some argue no, but if you want it to be loud, stinky, and have it kill the earth don't repair it. :p

*W/o the cat, btw, you won't pass inspections...

Thanks for the response. I think I'm at the point now where it is just embarrasingly loud. I don't want it to do any damage either. Is there anywhere you know thatyou can get a cheaper cat? I've seen them online for $500'ish which is still high (for me). I live in Florida so emissions are not an issue but I have no way of gutting it myself.

You could get a test/race pipe on ebay for 30-40 bucks that would replace your cat if emissions aren't a problem for you. The rattling noise is caused by a bit of the chemical stuff inside the cat becoming dislodged from the sides and rattling around in it. It wont do any damage to your car. Seriously take your car to meineke or a local exhaust shop or mechanic, any mechanic can change a cat, it isn't rocket science or anything, and if you go through them, you should be able to find a cat for alot cheaper. Stay away from dealerships, they screw you as much as they can.

I checked out some universal cats from Magnaflow but I can't figure out which size I would need. Does anyone know if this would be a decent option, and also which particular one might fit??

Thanks!

Universals can work fine, what you need to be concerned with is the diameter of the piping, and overall length of the cat. Of which I don't know either on your car.

We had to replace the cat on our 99 Jetta last year (87,XXX miles). Cost for the part (independent shop) was like $650 if I remember correctly. Apparently VW warranties the cat, but only up to 75k miles. Bummer.

Just a follow-up to my initial post about a bad cat. Went to a local muffler shop today and the guy installed a universal cat for $180 installed. I really don't understand these dealerships. My local VW dealer wanted about $1000 for one. The part itself was $850. It's a conspiracy I tell ya......

yeah dealerships rape you every chance they get. Glad to hear you got it fixed though.

I went to a local VW Dealer and they told me $1500-$3500 for a new converter! I then took it to a mechanic and got a new one put on for $170 (for everything, parts, work, tax). That was for my 95 Jetta though.

My friends cat went out on her 98 Jetta at just about 100K miles. She got a new one at allcatalyticconverters.com for $150 and got it put on at a local shop for $100. You should check to see if the website has a new cat for your car. BTW, cats seem to be a VW weekpoint. I've heard of many 99-01.5 Passats having to have theirs replaced.

I hope this helps you out.

Jeremy

Okay, I'm retarted. Only AFTER posting did I read through all of the posts on this thread; needless to say, I didn't realize you've already settled your problem. Sorry.

Jeremy