Rattling in exhaust pipe

[emmortal]

I have an annoying rattling sound coming from my exhaust pipe. It seems that something (not sure what) is stuck in the pipe, this was verified by two or three mechanics. They said it's not dangerous at all however the sound is very unpleasant. So I finally decided to replace it soon however don't want to just throw my money in, with tuition, books etc... coming up. The only price quote I've received so far is $200 which would be to remove the pipe, and add in a new pipe (not for a complete exhaust system).

Is this a reasonable price? Are there any other options for my problem? Thanks in advance for any help/consideration.

[bluevp00]

$200 is a somewhat reasonable price for a pipe replacement. I paid about that much to get my center pipe replaced. Shop around and you can probably get a better price though.

[emmortal]

Thanks a lot I just needed a broad estimate to make sure it wasn't way off. I probably will do it at this mechanic because I've had satisfactory service from him before, where he had estimated a job, and it was more than he originally thought and he did the rest of the job for free.

I'll check a few other places just in case though.

[MishaA]

Are you sure it's inside the pipe? Usually it is a pipe or cat heatshield that generates that kind of sound...

[bluevp00]

Originally Posted by MishaA

Are you sure it's inside the pipe? Usually it is a pipe or cat heatshield that generates that kind of sound...

True, a rattling sound rarely comes from inside the exhaust pipe. Be sure to check both the front heat sheild, as well as the muffler sheild to make sure they aren't the problem. There also is a known problem where the exhaust pipe, right before the muffler, vibrates against one of the rubber hangers attached to the undercarriage.

Be sure to rule out ALL of these possiblilties before you go about replacing the pipe.

[emmortal]

Originally Posted by bluevp00

True, a rattling sound rarely comes from inside the exhaust pipe. Be sure to check both the front heat sheild, as well as the muffler sheild to make sure they aren't the problem. There also is a known problem where the exhaust pipe, right before the muffler, vibrates against one of the rubber hangers attached to the undercarriage.

Be sure to rule out ALL of these possiblilties before you go about replacing the pipe.

Its definitely not the heat shield and we did try to find other possibilities, it is awkward that the rattling is coming from something in the exhaust pipe however when raising the car with it on, and standing under the car, you could directly hear the sound coming from the middle pipe sounding like something is bouncing around (sounds almost like a rock yeah i know very awkward) should I still proceed to check the muffler shield and rubber hangers attached to the undercarriage. Thanks for the responses.

[Greenblurr93]

with the car off and exhaust cool, tap the cat and see if its that.... your cat may have had a chunk break off

[emmortal]

Originally Posted by Greenblurr93

with the car off and exhaust cool, tap the cat and see if its that.... your cat may have had a chunk break off

You were right its the damn catalyctic converter. What do I do now? Is it even ok to drive this way? It seems that I'm lookin at about $450 in parts and labor from the two estimates I got. Is that a reasonable price? Is there anyway I can get this done cheaper. It seems like all my expenses like to hit me at the same time lol. Anyway thanks for the tip in the first place and any further help from anyone is much appreciated.

[Schister66]

i'll bet its the heat shield....

[emmortal]

Originally Posted by Schister66

i'll bet its the heat shield....

Not the heat shield because we tried that, the heat shield isn't even there anymore. Unless theres another heat shield in another location that I'm not aware of that can also cause this.