Failing Cat
 

Hello,

Over the past two weeks I have had a rattle coming from underneath my ZTT and thought it was a loose exhaust bracket.

The dealer has diagnosed it as a failing Cat. :SHOCKED:

Emissions are OK at the moment however it will need replacing and until tonight I thought it was covered as part of my RAC warranty but it appears not! :(

Does anybody know how much a new CAT would cost for a 1.8T?

I have recently seen one on ebay for £150. Also any idea of a ball park figure for labour for fitting?

The rattle is getting worse but apart from this could any damage be done to any other components in the car?

Finally what causes a Cat to fail? - the car has only done 10k (7k of which with me as an owner).

Many thanks in advance

Andy

CAT's are actually quite fragile and several things could have happened to it.

One is being hit/knocked would cause the materials inside to fracture and crumble away therefore rendering the CAT inefficient and ultimately cause it to become useless.

Another is thermal shock. (ie cold water splashed onto the CAT, when driving through a ford/deep puddle etc) this would also cause the materials inside to shatter/fracture.

Once a CAT starts to fail the engine management will notice a deteriation in emisions and adjust the fuel/air mix to suit. Overtime this can lead to inefficient running and a decrease in mpg.

From what I recall, CAT systems for the 1.8's are difficult to come by. It is possible to get an aftermarket one fitted but I do not know of costs involved.

Another is inadequate mileage which could well be the problem here.

Pootedly mileage to and from the shops each day (or anthing under say 10 miles) is unlikely to get the CAT up to its optimum operating temperature and effieciency. The engine will certainly be no where near optimum and will be coking the exhaust with all manner of crud. This kills the cat prematurely.

What kind of noise was / is it? as I have a strange noise at certain engine revs ie at idle in drive and at about 2000rpm also while in drive. I've not noticed it in neutral though (will check).
It's a very metallic sort of sound (almost like a loose bracket).
Noise is always at 2000rpm regardless of what gear the autobox is in.

A Genuine one from XPart is............Wait for it and sit down ready...........
£477.29 + VAT :SHOCKED: :SHOCKED: :SHOCKED: :SHOCKED:

Price from EPC.

Cough!

How much! :SHOCKED:

Yes I had to check the Listing as I couldn't believe it.
The Turbo one appears more expensive than the other 1.8 model Don't know why. Haven't checked the V8!
Patent Part ones will only be around the £180 mark I hope, will have a look tomorrow.
Thank God I have a Diesel, You just De Cat it when it goes. LOL.

Or £700 for the V6 but nobody buys OEM cats do they
Plenty available from all sorts of third parties for a lot less

try the obvious www.cats4less.co.uk

Decided to look in all the models and my God Keith their some dear ones out there.
The 2500cc Petrol Cat Costs £851 Inc Vat.
Your one keith should have VAT added to price!
Where do they dream up these prices.