'98 XJ low-speed "rattle" (? help, please)

Jul 11, 2004 5 Replies
J

My XJ has makes a rattle from the under-carriage that I am having problems locating. It is a "thin metal" sound which I hear at low speeds (=< 10 mph). I figured it was the shield on the catalytic convereter(CC), but now i am wondering if it might be coming from within the CC, as I have stabilized its shield.



The only other thing that I know is in need of attention (final diagnosis today) is the U-joint at the RF wheel.



Any suggestions that would keep me from replacing the wrong stuff would be appreciated.



details: 1998 XJ 4.0, Auto. Full-stock. 100,000 miles. Mostly street-use. Final (un-related) question: Is the '98 XJ among those which are notorious for failures of Exhaust Manifolds?



Thanks. I'll owe you a beer. - Oh, wait. Those are carbohydrate-rich. I'll bet no one here drinks beer, any more.



Jim Grand Rapids, MI


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E

Yep. Dealership replace my TJ's catalytic converter for free even though my warranty ran out long ago.

They tested it and said the only way I'd get charged would be for the test. And that was only if the cat wasn't the problem.

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J

Thanks for the replies. I may approach another "stealership" about any warranty help because the one which my car came from has become pretty crazy about its service pricing, so I doubt that they'd be very supportive.

I have noticed, too, that the XJ emits a lot of heat, lately. Perhaps this could also suggest a clogged Cat?

Assuming that the dealer doesn't want to help out, I receive the 4WD.com catalog which offers a "free flow" catalytic converter - and they warn about a loss of HP when eliminating the Cat. Converter. Comments, anyone?

Thanks.

jim

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J

Checking with dealers, the catalytic converter extended warranty is 8 years /80,000 miles.

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J

False alarm. The rattle is coming from the front CV joint. The Catalytic converter is OK.

Thanks,

jim

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