Need help identifying a part on a 2002 X

[jwneil]

Hello all, I need help identifying a part on the undercarriage that is rattling. I believe it to be the catalytic converter but am not sure (just bought a house w/garage and able to do my own maint. now). It is at the midpoint of the vehicle and part of the exhaust system. The exhaust system takes a turn here and runs parallel to the axles and has two clamps which are now so rusted that that have becomes detached and are loose and rattling. These clamps look like they are part of a housing that fell off and now a braided metal cable sheathing covering a part of the exhaust. Is this the cat. converter or what was left of it? Thanks in advance for your help!!

[nissantech]

This just sounds like it is the flexy part of the front exhaust pipe. It allows the engine to move while not putting strain onto the exahust system. The cat is normally further back or in the manifold.