Exhaust Component Rattle

I (http://www.sycamoresolutions.com/img_5388Scaled.jpg) have a 2003 Suburban with a rattle. It sounds as if the rattle is coming from underneath the car. I climbed under to see if I could locate the sound and I think I found it. The image here

http://www.sycamoresolutions.com/img_5388Scaled.jpg

shows the component that appears to be rattling. It sounds like it is coming from within the "bulge" shown. It looks like it is part of the exhaust system and on my Suburban there appear to be 2 one on each side. This one happens to be on the driver side of the vehicle. It the component is also located between what looks to be 2 oxygen scensors.

I have 3 questions. 1) What is this part of the exhaust? 2) Is it something that is easily replaced? 3) If not what would be the cost to get that fixed?

Thanks,

Todd Meister

1. catalytic convertor
2. fairly easy
3. no idea

If not over 80K or 8 years it is covered under federal emissions warranty.
Calf. emissions may be more coverage.
MT

Yes, this is the catalytic converter breaking into pieces, rattling in the canister. It is normal and happens with age.

The converter still works, but the rattle is annoying.

Replacement of the converter can be expensive ($350), but a local muffler shop which specializes in reworking exhausts for kid's needs for loud exhausts can do this for much less.

I had my replacement done for $125 in Texas.