I have a 97 neon and i took it to a mechanic and he said that i need a new rack assembly and catalytic converter. i know about the cat but what is a rack assembly and how much would one of these cost?

I assume you are talking about the power steering rack? Check your fluid first and make sure you're not just running low. A new rack can get expensive. As for your catalytic converter, how many miles do you have on the car? Are you getting a rotten egg smell or rattling noises from the front end? I have 155,000 miles on my 97 beast, still have the original steering rack and cat. But I have replaced alot of other things :o

usually when your rack goes you steering is slightly erratic on straight stretch of road. I agree with the above responder, it seems to early for such repairs. Get a second opinion.