97 explorer possible catalytic converter problem

I have a 1997 explorer xlt and I've been noticing that sometimes when I stop at a stop light, i hear a noise coming from underneath the truck. It sounds like a ticking noise. My friend told me that it might be the catalytic converter that needs to be replaced. Has anyone had a problem similar to this?

I have had a ticking noise, you actually should listen very close when you accelerate. If the noise ticks faster, the more you accelerate this could be a result of a loose spark plug (mine was #2 loose and #3 half out and sparking I have boycotted that mechanic since). If it is more like a rattle the heat sheild could be loose from the cat. Or you could have a small hole in the exhaust.

hey, i just replaced my exhaust because i had a similar problem, the sound actually went away, i think the way to check this is if you accelerate and you hear an increase in noise, most likely its the exhaust, however, after i replaced the exhaust on my truck, almost all of that extra noise went away, actually dont hear anything while driving, however if the car is idle and i come outside, i still hear some noise that shouldnt be there, mechanic said its the catalytic converter, however said not to replace it since its costly
hope it helps

I traded my 92 Explorer a while back but before I did, I had a rattling from the cat. I found that the heatsheild was loose and bolted a piece of plumbers tape around it and it went away. On a side note, if you don't have to get your truck inspected, I would advise knocking out your cat and doing away with the muffler. Of course it is alot louder but it will gain alot of performance and I went from 19.6 mpg on the highway to 23.4. Monster gains but not legal in some states. :2cents:

hey, i just replaced my exhaust because i had a similar problem, the sound actually went away, i think the way to check this is if you accelerate and you hear an increase in noise, most likely its the exhaust, however, after i replaced the exhaust on my truck, almost all of that extra noise went away, actually dont hear anything while driving, however if the car is idle and i come outside, i still hear some noise that shouldnt be there, mechanic said its the catalytic converter, however said not to replace it since its costly
hope it helps

thanks for the reply, but how much louder will it be? i dont really want my car to be like thoe race out little civics with huge exhaust, you know what i mean, i like it quite. plus, will that do anything negative for the car?