Hello:

My 2000 disco II has been making a "ringing" noise when I step on the accelerator. the repair shop says that the platinum in the catalytic converter has broken up and the noise is the little pieces rattling around. He initially thought it might be the heat shield. He checked that and found the problem with the cc.

He's quoting $1500 (approx.) for parts ($1000) and labor. I'm assuming his part supplier is quoting him for the whole Y pipe.

the highest price i can find online for the part is $730 (includes shipping) from british atlantic. other sites have it for under $500 (not including shipping).

Questions:
1. is this a reasonable quote from the shop? I've found this shop to be pretty honest (though they might be 'playin' me') in my past dealings.

2. if i get the part myself, is this a repair i could do myself in my driveway?

thanks for the help.

Matt

 

The going rate for a shop (hi-end) is about $150/hr.

It would take a good shop about 1- 1-1/2 hrs to replace if it goes poorly. (i.e. broken bolts,etc.)

You know what the part costs, (they are not going to pay more than you)

So let's say they mark it up 50% ($750 for the $500 one)
And it takes them 2hrs. ($300)

That comes to something like $1050.00 out-the-door and that's being very philanthropic to them.

I think something like $700 - $800 is more than fair.

luck,greg

 

Thanks Greg. I tried another shop and got an estimate of $800 with a life time warranty on the part.

 

if you only need the cat it shouldnt be that much. if you are replacing both and more than $800 is a good price. anything over a $1000 is nuts.

 

How many miles on your truck? Consider going to a good muffler shop and have a couple new hi-end cats installed for around $80 a piece plus labor. Then, go figure what killed your cat so it doesn't happen again.

 

DEC is the premier aftermarket brand for cats. They are more expensive than other aftermarket cats but a lot less than stock (with online shopping). fap99.com can get them but you have to get a quote. Don't let the retail price scare you - the actual price is always much less.

If going cheap - do like Mike says. We have a Mennonite exhaust shop here in Lancaster County Pa that would put two cheap cats on that thing in about an hours for under $200.

Working on exhaust sucks. Anything beyond installing a high quality cat back I leave to the pro's.

 

mike hit the nail on the head.. If not you can get the whole replacement online for under $400.00 and do it yourself. this is not rocket science. about 8 nuts and bolts and a six pack. I would do it yourself. i too have ben quoted $80.00 for a new cat installed at a muffler shop..

Good luck, Chris

 

Ecellent

luck,greg

 

That is correct - unless an exhaust manifold stud snaps off. I am not sure how the studs are on these LR's.

 

So, I've found out that my catalytic converter is bad as well. There is a thunking sound on the left when I go over bumps, and there is heat coming from under the passenger side footwell (which the mechanic says is caused by the bad cat). Would one of these $80 jobs at a muffler shop be a possible fix, or would I need the whole y-shaped assembly, which as we all know is much more...?