For auto mechanics: I have a cracked resonator

[prolesunited]

how important a part is that and how soon do I need to fix it?

Took my 2000 Saturn for an oil change and they always check things out and said this was a problem. It's not covered by my extended warranty, so I probably won't take it there. I have a mechanic down the street I trust. But, how urgent of an issue is this? Only difference I've noticed is that the car is a little loud.

I also found out the motor was fried out on my sun roof. It costs $810 to repair, but thankfully, that IS covered by my warranty.

So, what's your advice?

[GOPisEvil]

1. It's not critical, unless there's a noise issue.

The resonator just makes the car a bit quiter, sort of a secondary muffler. If you have to have your car inspected for any reason, it might be a cause for failure, though.

[TreasonousBastard]

2. If it's cracked...

there's exhaust gas leaking into the passenger compartment. Maybe not all that much, but it's still nasty.

Depending on your state, this could make the car flunk inpection next time around.

Other than that, it can wait till something else in the exhaust system goes and you can do the whole thing at once. Or, it might be possible to weld the crack in the resonator. Maybe just wrap it with exhaust bandage, or an old soup can and some clamps until getting it fixed.

Get prices from the local muffler shops when you get around to getting it done. They are known for ripoffs, but can often do the whole job for less than your garage can buy the parts for.

[prolesunited]

3. Thanks for the advice!

I already passed an emissions test in February, so it must not have been cracked yet. However, I certainly don't want to be polluting the environment any more than necessary.

I'll get it taken care of when I can. My schedule is really hectic right now, so it's good to know that I can wait a little without doing any irreparable harm.