Is a broken catalytic converter damaging my car?

[tobyd@callnetuk]

Hi,
The cat converter on my 94 E280T has been rattling like its full of bolts for a while now but I have yet to bite the bullet and get it replaced (it passed its emissions test ok) but I was wondering if it is likely to be doing any other damage to the car?
Thanks for looking.
Toby

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Any loose fragments could possibly get sucked back into the engine.

Having said that, a mate has a Clio 172 and the cat has rattled badly for two years or more. He thrashes it, and it's still going strong.

<< touches wood >>

 

[Dieselman]

Drill a small hole in the casing and screw a self tapper in to trap the catalytic material to trap it.