Catalytic Converter Rattling Noise

Hey everyone,

My Tacoma has been having a rattling noise lately and after browsing these forums, originally I thought it was the converter heat shields on the driver side. Took those off and the noise was still present. So I did some more digging and turns out there is something loose/rattling on the passenger side Catalytic converter. Does anyone know what it could be or how something even gets dislodged in there?

No check engine lights have been thrown and truck runs as good as always. Truck currently sitting at 140,000 Miles.

I'll attach links to the videos I have of the noise.

 

Sometimes the honeycomb material can separate from the piping, and it will rattle

 

Generally speaking, if the rattling is coming from the converter, the honeycomb has broken up inside. Take off the Y-pipe and shake out the loose pieces. Fortunately, the rear converters aren't the important ones on a Tacoma.

 

Just be aware, that if they are internally failing(most likely the rattle), and block the exhaust, you truck will lose power and just "not go" anymore due to the backpressure

 

I figured it was most likely the honeycomb material but also didn't want to believe it in fear I would need a new cat lol. Also never heard or encountered a vehicle with this issue so didn't know it was possible for this to be part of wear and tear.

Got it! Thanks! I was wondering if it could be as simple as taking off my cat and removing the broken pieces. Guess I have something planned for the weekend now.

Love your wheels by the way! Hope to run one of your sets sometime in the future!

Good to know. Will make sure to address this issue sooner rather than later. And for my sake soon since the rattle has been driving me insane.



Thanks for the replies everyone! Really appreciate the help! Since it's practically confirmed that the honeycomb material has broken into pieces, will this cause any issues in the long run? I know it was mentioned that the rear converters aren't as important, but will I have to look into replacing the cat in the future or can I just remove the broken pieces and not worry about it?

 

if you have to go through smog inspection, very little chance of it being an issue. If you dont have to go through smog, no issue at all.

 

@KingTaco247

I had this same situation a few weeks ago with my 2013 Regular cab. In just a matter of a few weeks after first hearing the rattle, the truck lost power and then it threw a code with C.E.L.

My code reader identified the downstream O2 sensor as having a fault.

I ordered a new pipe with catalytic converter and both upstream and downstream O2 sensors. Replaced it all and it the truck runs great.

Good luck with your truck.

 

Got it. Well I live in CA so I have to do a smog test every two years but so far no codes or issues, so hoping it continues to be the case.

Thanks! Going to hope I don’t have to resort to this. Your truck is the 4 cyl though correct?

 

Yes, I have the 4 cylinder in my truck. If your CC is broken and you have to have emissions tested, I’d bet you’re going to have to replace it. Good luck.