Catalytic converter rattle

I have been having a bad rattle coming from under my truck. I finally investigated by tapping on the catalytic converter and when I do, it makes a bad rattle sound. I have heard of people taking cover off, but I don't think that is a good idea. Is there any fix or solutions to help this? I'm not missing any clamps or anything am I?

 

Here are a couple pics

 

That could be your frame rattling considering there's a fist sized hole in it. Take that dude to the dealer and get it reframed. The rattle will probably be gone by the time they put it all back together.

 

Yup, I have an appointment next week.

 

I think I'll put a couple rivets to hold the top and bottom together better. When I hold it together with my hand and tap on it, it sounds better. We'll see if that helps

 

I put a big hose clamp around mine and it has held up for over a year now without a problem

 

You might have some debris between the heat shield and the catalytic converter. I had the same noise and removed the shield and sure enough I had some pebbles between the shield and converter. You might check that too.

 

Check for rocks between the shield and the cat as Atron mentioned, but if the rattle is internal, then your cat has pieces of catalyst broken off on the inside, and if that is the case, the cat will need to be replaced.

 

Since the bolts were pretty much rusted together, I took some air and blew it in there. Then I put a hose clamp around the back end, where it was rattling. Sounds great now. Thanks for the suggestions!