2007 Honda Pilot EX-L with 164,000 miles. I found out that the rear flange of the rear catalytic converter is pretty much gone and is the cause of an exhaust leak between the cat and the resonator pipe. My mechanic said that the catalytic converter and everything rear of that needs (including the resonator pipe, resonator, and the muffler) to be replaced. I had a second shop also look at it and they said the same thing. The cost for essentially replacing most of the exhaust seems high for what is essentially a broken joint.
It seems crazy to have to replace a perfectly working catalytic converter (there are no engine codes for inefficient cat) just because the flange wore out. Is there any way to just fix the flange or other ways to repair the joint? I would have thought welding would be the answer, but neither shop liked that idea.
It sounds like both places are trying to take you for a ride. Find somebody with a mig welder who will charge you $20 to weld up the flange.
I wish someone would do something for $20. No one around here does anything for $20!
I feel your pain Brother.
Would need to see photos because it depends on how the rest of the exhaust looks.
Did you go to a shop that specializes in exhaust? A lot of general mechanics don't possess good welding skills. They would rather bolt things on.
Yes, I went to two shops, one of which specializes in exhausts.