While replacing my O2 sensors and catalytic converter a couple of weekends ago, I noticed a broken ground strap.

Fairly small woven binding strap hanging from the somewhere above the front mid-pipe to catalytic converter flange. May even have been connected to one of the mid-pipe to catalytic converter flange bolts.

Anyone know if this might be especially essential?

I have been having some alternator/starting/charging issues.

 

Probably 75% of Maxima have this strap broken. Mine has been for a long time and I see no reason to fix it.

We'll see what others say.

 

Had 97 I30 with that strap broken. Never a single problem with the car.

 

Is it a metal strap that was supposedly there to hold the exhaust heat shield. I am not 100% sure but a pic would definitely get a 100% answer.

 

Mine have been gone for years w/o issue. Look elsewhere for your alternator, starting, charging issues IMO.

 

Theoretically the whole exhaust should be grounded back to the cylinder head. The bolts bridge the gaps from the gaskets. The strap could be insurance against lots of rusty bolts. I no loner have the strap on my max and I also have no issues.

 

I didn't have any issues either, though I did replace it when I installed my cat back.