Aftermarket CAT = RATTLE CAT!

harriman · 02-12-2009, 08:03 AM

Hello all,

I recently went down to NAPA and bought a bolt on cat. Now after 4 weeks of use the CAT is starting to rattle when the car is idling. What should I do? Live with it? or try to install an OEM cat? According to all the auto parts stores around here, since Jan1. no one can get anything but an OEM cat.. something to do with a new law or something?

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Harrison

**wolferj-RIP** · 02-12-2009, 09:29 AM

Harrison;

I would go back to NAPA with the cat on the car and make them listen to the rattle. They should stand behind the unit they sold. If they can't get you a non-OEM replacement due to new laws (which I haven't heard of), then they shoud give you a refund... I do feel that it is always better to get an OEM cat because aftermarket ones tend to cause a lot of problems, but the price for and OEM is a big drawback. If you can't afford a new one, look on ebay. You might find a decent one, but this is a case of you get what you pay for...

(Sorry, I don't have an extra one to send to you either...

)

Marv17 · 02-12-2009, 03:51 PM

i have an OEM cat if needed.

bmvw · 02-13-2009, 12:25 AM

Do not install generic cats in Calif! Cal Smog requires OEM or approved list cats only & they will check at smogtime. They will fail you even if the cat is passing otherwise. Mine - I mean, a friends - BMW had a cat identified as coming off a Chrysler and failed smog, I I mean he had to find a corrupt smog dealer who wouldn't look under the car and read the numbers off the cat.

This state is really screwed up, no resale of used cats etc.

& yes those generics rattle like no tomorrow.

harriman · 02-13-2009, 04:48 AM

I passed smog with no problem and I still don't have a CEL. So even if I take it back to NAPA they might replace it with another rattle cat?

bmvw · 02-13-2009, 06:04 AM

They owe you a new one, swap it & see what happens, but if I were you I'd get my money back and take Marv's oem.

harriman · 02-13-2009, 06:11 AM

Here is a link to the new laws. In my case this cat that I bought from NAPA was a bolt on, specifically made for the car.
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...ftermktcat.htm
-Harrison

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