Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converter problem?
No sweat at Vehicle Masters Auto Repair in Oak Forest, IL. A catalytic converter is the component of an exhaust system that converts harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions. Driving with a faulty converter can result in an increase in these harmful emissions and a loss of power, especially during initial acceleration.
Stolen Catalytic Converter?
We can help! Not only can we replace a stolen catalytic converter, but prevent it from happening again by installing a Cat Clamp system on your vehicle!
Get back on the road with confidence. Our experienced mechanics use all diagnostic tools at their disposal to get to the heart of the matter and minimize the cost of repairs. They diagnose any troubles that could lead to the replacement of your catalytic converter. If a replacement is necessary, they work with you to make the process as easy as possible. No matter what exhaust problem you’re facing, our team is ready to help get your vehicle like new again.
Ask about solutions to lock and protect your catalytic converter from theft and other issues.
Muffler and Exhaust Services
EVERYDAY STREET
OFF-ROAD, HI PERFORMANCE,
AND POWERSPORTS VEHICLES
Exhaust Manifold
Connects to the engine and expels exhaust fumes away from the engine and into the other exhaust system components.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter will burn off and remove as much of the toxins as possible in your exhaust fumes, thus reducing air pollution and minimizing deadly carbon monoxide.
Muffler
The muffler minimizes the sound coming from your exhaust, so that your vehicle runs as quietly as possible (unless you have a custom exhaust that you want to sound louder on purpose).
Pipes
Pipes connect the various exhaust system components to conduct the travel of the fumes, ultimately expelling out of the tail pipe at the back of your vehicle.
Vehicle Masters has you covered with almost
every automotive service you could need.
Our most common services are listed throughout the site, please consider us for all your vehicle needs.
Oak Forest, IL 60452
159th between Central and Oak Park Ave.
FINANCING AVAILABLE
Vehicle Masters Auto Repair
6012 W. 159th Street
Oak Forest, IL 60452
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Catalytic Converters
How do you know if your catalytic converter is broken?
You’ll notice a loud rumbling or roaring sound when you turn on the engine if your catalytic converter is missing. This sound gets louder when you hit the gas. The exhaust is not working correctly, so the vehicle also drives rougher than usual, often with a sense of sputtering as you change speed.
Will catalytic converters cause check engine light?
Your check engine light can come on for a variety of reasons. One of them is a failing catalytic converter. If your check engine light is on, get it looked at as soon as possible. If it is flashing, pull over immediately and call for help.
Why does my car sound so loud when I accelerate?
If your vehicle sounds louder than normal when you step on the gas pedal, it may be a sign that your muffler or exhaust pipes are leaking or getting worn out. Get them checked out asap.
How does exhaust affect fuel consumption?
This can be a sign of many different issues, but exhaust problems are one reason why your fuel economy is starting to diminish.
Where is my catalytic converter located?
Catalytic Converters are a part of the exhaust system and are generally under the car near the rear. Replacing or repairing a catalytic converter requires an experienced mechanic for welding and a heavy-duty lift to raise the vehicle to a proper and safe height.
When it comes to maintaining and repairing your exhaust system, catalytic converter and muffler, count on the team at Vehicle Masters. Call us today at 708-687-9955 or schedule an appointment online.
I see they got a real engine hoist now. When I used to work there we had to pull motors with a forklift. how's Steve and Linda?
I randomly contacted this shop for just some basic advice and troubleshooting. I was instructed to bring my vehicle in to be looked at. I not only got a thorough breakdown of... what was wrong, I was quoted a decent price for the level of work that's required. I spoke with a Mr. Steve Becker, and his bedside manner was a display of professionalism, and good knowledge of what and why the vehicle needs what it needs. I am going to use them, and I recommend them to anyone looking for a knowledgeable shop to work on your vehicle.read more
Finally an honest business person who took time to check my car out for my mother and make sure there were no safety issues for her. Really appreciate the attention to customer... service. Will be bringing our car back when we need work.read more
Best place ever. So kind and helpful. I had a problem and called and talked to Steve. Steve told me to come the same day and he would look at it. He fixed it the same day. ... Very polite people. Clean waiting area.read more
I was serviced care of by Steve and Frank. Great guys, always kept me in the loop of what was going on. I will definitely be bring all my vehicles to this shop. Excellent customer... service and extremely professional. Thank you for everything.read more
Alternator needed replacing, was from out of town had to head to Roscoe Illinois to drop off my brother I'm law same day and head to Tennessee the following morning, he got me in... immediately and took care of everything was able to get back home without being delayed they were greatread more
Excellent job, Steve service my car promptly, and was helpful and friendly.
Vehicle Masters always do a great job. Steve is trustworthy and always explains what’s needed or not needed. They seem to price fairly and always find a spot in their schedule.... Hard to find a mechanic you can trust, but this is the one.read more
After seeing some of the oak forest neighborhood reviews I felt it was necessary to share my family's experience last summer. We took a vehicle here for seemingly routine... maintenance and everything was a disaster. The owner likes to bable about how great he is and how everyone else sucks but he couldn't order simple parts or diagnos simple problems. One day we went here to check on things it took so long we in the neighboring plaza to get food and they warned against doing business with vehicle masters. They said the owner is unhinged and often puts weird and odd posts on his billboard. Makes false claims against the neighboring businesses. We asked the owner about this and he said they are dirty and jealous, odd. Another time we went to check on the car, two of the mechanics were in a heated argument about who screwed up a customer's car. We asked Steve when the car would be done and he just kept talking in circles. When we finally went to pick up the car the was a customer in ther saying his wheel fell off due to their negligence. If you are thinking about going here don't!!! It cost you your and family their lives!! Go on to the oakforest neighborhood blogs and groups and see some of the horror stories about this place! Customers have said the owner doesn't feel confident doing oil changes !!! If thats the case he shouldn't be working on cars at all!! Our vehicle was in worse condition after they worked on it and ultimately we had to trade in. One more thing, the guy doing their drywall was often high and very unprofessional. It looked like he was on meth or crack . Not a good place to bring family or kids.!! Stay away from this place it could cost you your life!!!read more
Same owners who owned Merlin mufflers. Great people, very knowledgeable techs. I highly recommend.
Vehicle Masters owner and technicians in Oak Forest are very knowledgeable, efficient, and reliable. Their prices are very reasonable. It has always been a great experience doing... business with them.read more
I cannot say enough good things about Vehicle Masters. They are honest mechanics and good people. I have complete faith that they will be able to help, give you a fair deal, and... treat you with respect.My wife and I are not really car people, and we brought in a used car that we were thinking of purchasing for a pre-purchase inspection. The person that looked over the car, I think it was Steve, was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and generally cared about whether or not we bought a lemon when he had no monetary reason to. He went through everything with us, explained potential red flags, and even cautioned us about doing business with the specific used car salesman based on his history with him. We ended up not buying the car based on his assessment, and I will be taking the car we did purchase to Vehicle Masters even though it's a good 45 minutes away from our homebase because of how positive our experience with them was.If you're looking for an honest, knowledgeable mechanic, who will treat you with respect, Vehicle Masters is absolutely the place to go.read more
We absolutely trust Vehicle Masters and the owner, Steve, to give us honest, reliable answers and fixes for our cars.
I have been going to Vehicle Masters (formerly Merlin's) for years. Steve and his mechanics have always done a great job on my cars, keeping my two Toyota RAV4s running for... years. Appreciate Vehicle Masters and the great work that they do.read more
A couple of months ago I brought my car to Vehicle Masters with an unusual problem. Some areas of the under carriage of my 2006 Honda Pilot was rusting in the area of where the... unibody and rear subframe bolt together which was becoming dangerous. This job is what earned my respect and total trust for Steve and his crew at Vehicle Masters. Steve quoted me a price that seemed fair and a couple of days later, he called me stating that he reassessed of how to best repair this job and had a new solution, plus saving me a couple hundred of dollars. Steve had to order a special part that was hard to find for that year and make of SUV and refused the part when it came several times due to imperfections. With this Steve would call and keep me updated. This totally earned my respect and confidence as Steve could have just thrown the part on and let me go, but he did not. Steve made sure the job was done right and tried to save me money! I feel safe driving my Honda Pilot and thank God it is driving well. For general maintenance and major repairs, I 110% recommend Steve and his crew at Vehicle Masters!!!read more
Totally professional. Steve and crew do a great job. If you have and old school vehicle. This is where u go. You get what you pay for.
They are very friendly and helpful, it’s affordable prices alsoThey checked my car problems when i came to change oil only for free
It seem Steve was able to have my 2 - star review removed. Not sure what tricks he uses to get his negative reviews removed but let me try again. He got the car fixed but many... mechanics can do that. The customer service was worthy of 2 stars - but now gets 1 star because he removed my original review. He spent way too much time, wasting my time on the phone, while patting himself on the back and justifying how hard he works for his money. He was given $4600 in labor costs from the warranty company for a two day job. I have no problem with that but when he told me it would make more sense to do the alignment after the new tires were installed he then refused to secure me an reservation for two days later even though he had the opening in his book to do so. He wanted to leave that open for new business. When I suggested he give me the $140 to have the alignment done at the place that was installing my tires he said he could give me $100 of it but he worked too hard with the warranty company so felt justified keeping $40 of it for his "time". Then he said I'll just align it with the old tires on it. All would have been good but he spent a good amount of time every time I spoke to him telling me how much time he "spent on the phone with the warranty company while he multi-tasked." He was self-absorbed, and self-praising and I felt very much like this job was a burden to him rather than a job where he really appreciated that I brought him the business. I didn't hassle this guy, I waited patiently for the updates. But plain and simple he didn't appreciate my business and showed me so by telling me it was better to have the tires aligned after the new tires were installed but refused to accommodate me with a reservation. I recommend he save his time and energy, and bypass the complaining, self-praise and say, "Thank you for your business, we really appreciate it." I rather take my business where it is appreciated. That is part of good customer service, too.read more
I met Steve he diagnosed my issue and promptly repaired a exhaust clamp. I was in and out less than 30 minutes. Very fair pricing with exceptional service, I will return in the... future and recommend. 7/18/23read more
Overall experience was great, went to get my flex pipe fixed and they even showed me what would need to be done and the different price ranges depending on how hard the job would... be. Manager and employees very nice, would recommend to anyone looking for a good place to have there car looked at.read more
Steve is so detailed-oriented and will make sure to figure out the problem with your vehicle! He’s very thorough and knows what he’s talking about and I have full trust in him... that he will make my car go the distance!After taking my car to the dealership and then having an issue just 2 days later, Steve was able to diagnose the issue, and even gave me suggestions on what to do for my next visit to keep my car running for as long as I can!Essentially, Steve is the only mechanic I trust! My mom and dad also go to him as well!read more
Steve assessed and completed a safety inspection on my vehicle and discovered a problem that needed immediate attention. My vehicle is heavily modified and he took extra care to... fix the issue. Steve was very professional and knowledgeable about my specific twin turbo setup. Thank you! I would definitely recommend their services!read more
Great business wedding long for the repairs very comfortable facility and work on. My vehicle was done in a time be fashion and to the best standards. I feel they could complete a... job well done guys. I'll see you soon for the next repairs.read more
I had a great experience at Vehicle masters! Steve was incredibly thorough and got my car diagnosed properly. I had an oil leak repaired and diagnostic testing on a battery light.... Now my car is up and running smoothly again! They have very fair pricing and made no attempts to overcharge. In fact, when some of the work took less time than anticipated he informed me and charged the proper rate. Nothing like a great and honest mechanic!! Thanks Vehicle Masters!!read more
I was very impressed with the professionalism, knowledge and service at Vehicle Masters. Steve provided me with thorough updates and information and was always considerate of the... price for us. I am very excited to have found a reliable place that I can trust.read more
I have had all of my vehicles serviced and repaired for over the last 25 years going back to when he ran the shop as a Merlin's. He and his team have always done great work and... have always charged very reasonable prices for the work. They also always explain and show you what is wrong with your vehicle, bringing you into the shop to see the problem with your own eyes.read more
I contacted Steve to perform a PPI on a used vehicle in the Oak Forest area, as I am an out of town customer and to say he was generous with his time is an understatement. He and... his team were extremely gracious and they provided me with the comfort and confidence I needed in order to make an out of state purchase. Additionally, he did it at no cost. I would recommend Steve to anyone looking for an honest automotive repair shop. Professionalism to the max. Thank you Steve and team!read more
I highly recommend this shop. They do everything your vehicle needs to run like new. Very fast, very honest as the owner tells you everything that he's doing and how every penny... is spent ..as well as break down the details of the repairs and the best possible way to repair the vehicle.. Love this place!!!read more
I had a screw in my tire causing a slow leak. I went to two shop on 159th, Firestone and Sams Club. They both said they were closing come back tomorrow. I kept riding down 159the... and noticed the lights on in the shop. The owner, Steve was there cleaning, even though he was closed, he stop and checked my tire found the nail. He went ahead and plugged my tire no charge. Steve is a good guy. I will be going back soon for my oil change. Small business are the best businesses.read more
My dad has been taking our family's cars here for as long as I can remember and we always come back for great, and friendly service. I took my car in for the first time by myself... and, although the name changed from Merlins to Vehicle Masters, hearing the owner Steve answer the phone was an immediate reassurance, knowing I would get straightforward, honest, reasonably priced, friendly, and good care. My car is very old and probably shouldn't last as long as it has- I know I owe Vehicle Masters great care for that!Taken in for everything from my alignment//breaks, to fixing the latch on my hood!read more
A+ customer service. Steve made sure to communicate with me regularly in regards to what was going on with my vehicle. He addressed every concern and if there were any other... concerns, he made note of everything and made sure my vehicle was taken care of. I will definitely bring my vehicle back here and recommend Vehicle Masters to my friends and family for service.read more
Excellent. Very happy. My son’s car didn’t start. It just made clicking sounds. I did have a charger at home and charged up the battery enough to get it started. I really... couldn’t be sure if maybe my son left the lights on and accidentally drained the battery is 1 year old or if the alternator wasn’t charging the battery. I did call a place closer to my house but that guy was just trying to sell me a battery without even looking at the car. I called Vehicle Masters and Steve said he would check the batter and test the alternator. Vehicle Masters got me in the same day, tested everything, fully charged my son’s car battery. End result was my son probably just left his lights on and he is not in danger of getting stuck somewhere without the car starting. They didn’t even change me a diagnostic fee. They were very accommodating. Seems like they want to develop long-term customers.read more
This establishment is located within the heart of the south suburbs. The environment is clean, the staff is friendly and they provide excellent service to the customer for... reasonable prices. The owner Steve is honest and will do everything possible to ensure quality work as well as customer satisfaction. I recommend anyone in need of auto body service to stop by here. You will not be disappointed.read more
Steve went above and beyond to help me with a dinky little job bending an exhaust pipe - it was probably more of a hassle for him than anything, but he really went out of his way... to accommodate me for such a small thing. Steve is the kind of mechanic that's really hard to come by - he's good at what he does and isn't out to rip you off. So much in fact he didn't even ask me for any money for helping me out (but don't worry, i know it's not charity work). Only reason i mention that is because it speaks volumes about his character. Super pleased with the service - would recommend him to anyone. Thanks Steve!read more
Called ten places for help with diagnostic testing - everyone was three days out to help. The owner here was very helpful in trying to determine if this is a simple fix or... something more complicated. He was very accommodating and didn't hit me with a $175 fee just to walk in the door. I appreciate his business ethic a lot!!! Great A++++ service. Super fast and very fair with pricing! It was a simple fix for $80 and the other places around here wanted to charge me $100-$200 just to tell me what the problem was. He said let’s rule out the simplest possibilities first. He has my business in the future!!! I highly recommend them for your car repairs.read more
Lifted my jeep Wrangler 4in in the front and a 3/25in in the rear causing a squat affect..They did a great job had a few problems but the owner took care of it in a timely... manner...read more
Have always been very straight forward, fair priced, and eager to get my truck back to me as soon as they can. Have not had to return for any issues they have addressed.
I had a great experience. They fixed my car out quickly and even some problems I wasn't aware off. They provided quick and wonderful service.
Had my fourth vehicle exhaust done by Vehicle Masters(Merlins) Excellent jobThanks Steven
Great guys! They do great dependable work, honest and always helpful and willing to go that extra mile to help.
My family and I have been getting auto repair work done with Steve and his team for over ten years, and every experience has been nothing but professional, courteous, and... knowledgeable. Over the years, we have had repairs done on nearly every part of our cars and the team at Vehicle Masters has always been up to the task. I trust Steve to give me an honest assessment, and to do a high quality job with all repairs. I cannot recommend them enough!read more
We have been bringing our cars here for the last six years or so. Sometimes we are visiting more often than we would like for various issues, but dealing w/ Steve and team is... always a pleasant experience. They are everything you want out of a mechanic - honest, reasonable, reliable. Steve always takes his time to explain in detail what needs to be done to your car, when, and why. This last time, I mainly dealt with Shin, who also took his time to explain everything going on. As someone trying to get every last mile out of their car, I'm glad they are around. Highly recommend!read more
I highly recommend this shop quality work by honest people Dave is the man for the job
Great business! Very professional, thoughtful, and they make sure you are completely satisfied with the work throughout the process.
First visit after the change over and my experience is starkly different. Much more amenable to discussions and alternative options. Going back shortly to get secondary work... done, looking forward to it.read more
Went here to get my Highlander’s drivers side window fixed towards the time they were closing but they still squeezed us in. Excellent customer service! I am definitely coming... back 🙂read more
Went to get my car serviced & was done in less than an hour!! Parts were the original but new parts for my truck!!! Definitely will be going to them for anything else needed!!!... Highly recommended!!!read more
The crew at Vehicle Masters is very knowledgeable and trustworthy with my auto repairs and brakes. They are great mechanics that work on all types of cool cars but also work on... regular daily driver vehicles and trucks. I would recommend these local mechanics to anyone looking for a solid, trustworthy service for vehicle maintenance and repairs in Oak Forest. Thanks STEVE!read more
Good job. Great folks. Straight shooters, reasonably priced, same folks(owner) for decades. I'll definitely be back. Polite, friendly and professional ???
I have been going to Vehicle Masters Performance Center (old Merlin's) in Oak Forest since I was 21 (I am almost 49 now). Steve is the most polite and thorough mechanic and owner... I know. Everyone talks about staying local and keeping our small businesses open, etc well this is definitely one that is a staple of the town of Oak Forest. Highly recommend coming here first and save yourself time shopping around for the right place. This is it! I won't go anywhere else.read more
VEHICLE MASTERS
PERFORMANCE CENTER
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the best for yourself while
supporting a locally owned business!
6012 W. 159th Street
Oak Forest, IL 60452
708-687-9955
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We offer competitive pricing for new customers.
