How to Replace a Catalytic Converter

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The catalytic converter is a key component of a vehicle's emission control system. This piece of hardware is responsible for the recirculation of unburned gases back to the engine and the cleanup of a vehicle's exhaust. The car will run rough, reduce gas mileage and emissions will increase when it goes bad. The cost of replacing a catalytic converter is expensive. You can save money, however, by doing it yourself with a few hand tools and jack stands. Just follow the steps below.

Steps

1. 1
   Park in a level place and jack the vehicle up at all 4 wheels. Place the car on jack stands to increase stability.

   
   
2. 2
   Allow the vehicle's exhaust to cool down.
3. 3
   Go under the vehicle and examine the catalytic converter. You will need to take it to a muffler shop to have it repaired if it has already been replaced and welded back into position, instead of bolted.
4. 4
   Use an O2 sensor socket and a ratchet wrench to remove the O2-oxygen sensor from the catalytic converter. Move the sensor out of your way.
5. 5
   Apply penetrating oil on the front and rear connection bolts. Begin loosening all of the bolts before you start removing them.
6. 6
   Remove the bolts at the back first and then at the front.
7. 7
   Take down the converter and compare it to the replacement part from the auto-supply house.
8. 8
   Insert or correctly place the gaskets supplied with the new catalytic converter.
9. 9
   Put the new catalytic converter in place, making sure it is pointed in the right direction. There should be an arrow pointing to the front.
10. 10
    Finger-tighten nuts on the bolts. This will help in getting the bolts to align correctly.
11. 11
    Tighten down all the bolts in the front and back.
12. 12
    Screw the oxygen sensor back into place. Check to make sure that all the wiring is good and not frayed or nicked.
13. 13
    Check one more time to be sure the catalytic converter is connected correctly and there are no gaps or leaks at either the bolted connections or the oxygen sensor.
14. 14
    Remove the car from the jack stands and start it. Listen to how the vehicle runs and for any exhaust leaks. If there are none, the car is ready to drive.

Tips

• A rotten egg or sulfur smell coming from your car is a sign of a bad converter.
• Be sure you have disconnected the positive battery cable as a precaution against accidental grounding of the electrical system before you crawl under the car.
• A floor jack is far superior to the jack that came with your car.

Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses and gloves while working on the exhaust system under your vehicle.

Things You'll Need

• New catalytic converter
• Oxygen sensor socket
• Various sized sockets for your vehicle
• 3/8 inch ratchet with shot extension
• Jack stands
• Floor jack
• Penetrating oil
• 
  

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