Cat converters and e-brakes

[WahooSteeler]

A member was complaining of lack of power and just as I was thinking several people suggested that his catalytic converter may be clogged and/or shot. Now, I knew this is a common sympton for power loss, but what I did not know was how wide a range of pricing there seems to be on replacements, because I personally have never had to replace one on any vehicle I own. I don't think the one on my truck is the original at 213k, but might very likely need replacing soon. So, looking online at Advanced auto parts they range anywhere from @$85-250?? On ebay, which I am hesitant to what you are getting on auto parts, they range from $53-$150. Other than some custom models with 2 into 1's etc., what are the differences in all these models?

 

Second tech question, my inspection is up this Friday and I have yet to replace my broken e-brake cable on the right rear. I am planning to replace the whole rear of the e-cable. How involved is this?

[garmj]

Before anyone spends any money on new catylitic convertors I would suggest calling your local Jeep dealer. There are active recalls open on many of our vehicles and the cats could be replaced for FREE. Call your local Dealer service dept with your VIN and see. I know there is one on my 90 and plan to take it there as soon as I can. Open recalls don't depend on mileage or age.

[jtdesigns]

I can't tell you much about the cat but the ebrake cables are pretty easy. You'll have to take the tire and drum off, then unhook the old cable and basically go in reverse of removal. The only real pain that I can remember was a squeeze click fitting on the brake end of the cable, and I should have worn safety glasses cause dirt kelp falling in my eyes.

[WahooSteeler]

Before anyone spends any money on new catylitic convertors I would suggest calling your local Jeep dealer. There are active recalls open on many of our vehicles and the cats could be replaced for FREE. Call your local Dealer service dept with your VIN and see. I know there is one on my 90 and plan to take it there as soon as I can. Open recalls don't depend on mileage or age.

 

Thanks, I think Taz ran my VIN before to see if there were any open or active recalls and they were all done. Might be worth double-checking. Again, mine is not bad right now, just being curiously proactive to know what the cost would be when that time comes. So, at this point, no real answer to my question.

[BLHTAZ]

Yes, I can run VIN's to check for open recalls if you wish. If anyone wants it checked just PM me with the last 8 digits of your VIN and I will let you know.

 

I can't remember which one for sure, but it's either Eagle or CW that had a link to a good deal on a quality Cat Converter.

 

The brake cable should be pretty simple to do and not take more than 20 - 30 minutes. I can't remember if you have to actually take the brakes apart or not, but even if you do it's still not a hard job.

[comanche87]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAGNAFLO ... QQtcZphoto

[WahooSteeler]

:wall: Begin rant. :rant:

 

Helloooooo, people! READ my post and ANSWER the question, i.e. don't give me a link to eBay, as I mentioned at the top, I've already looked there and at auTo parts dealers online, WHICH PROMPTED MY "QUESTION", what is the difference between lower and higher priced Cats? Sorry for the outburst, but I just want to read a response that gives me some details. I can guess on my own logic what is the likely answer, i.e. that the cheap ones probably will fail sooner, come apart at the weld seams sooner, clog sooner, don't breathe as well etc. and the expensive ones are the opposite of that, but I'd like to get an educated answer so I don't ASSume anything.

 

End rant. :chillin:

[Eagle]

Second tech question, my inspection is up this Friday and I have yet to replace my broken e-brake cable on the right rear. I am planning to replace the whole rear of the e-cable. How involved is this?

Pretty simple if you don't have trouble getting the brake drum off -- about a 1.67-beer job.

 

If the drum is frozen on, it becomes a 12-beer, 5-pound sledge hammer job.

[FxRacing282]

a cheapo cat converter does not work as well. it may fail sooner internally. but as far as externally it is all dependnt on the operator. if you do not get hooked up to the sniffer and you only have one O2 sensor which is before the cat then i would not replace it. if its clogged take it off stick something through it to empty it out and put it back on. OR some people will pay BIG money for these cat's because they have platinum in them. see what they will pay for it and if they have any empty ones theyll give you. then you make some cash and get like 2hp out of it.

up here a cat out of a head pipe on a euro or jap car was over $100. a look a like aka autozone was only 20 dollars give or take depending on the size.

[mjtjnj]

I was looking at these for my 2.5, but it's a start towards finding a good hi-flow for your truck:

 

http://www.performance-air-filters.com/ ... parts.html

 

http://www.autoanything.com/exhausts-mu ... 55808.aspx