Monday, October 21, 2013
DIY Catalytic Converter Replacement
A catalytic converter in a car helps eliminate harmful exhaust emissions that contribute to air pollution. After many years of use, the converter can become clogged and cause the vehicle to run poorly. Usually, the car will have very little power and will not be able to achieve a speed above 20 miles per hour. These are the two main symptoms that a new catalytic converter may be needed.
Instructions
- 1
Locate the catalytic converter by tracking the exhaust pipe from the engine: the catalytic converter will be the first large rectangular-shaped object that you come across. It looks somewhat like the muffler, but it will always come first in the exhaust system before the muffler. Raise the front corner of the car on the side that the catalytic converter is nearest to with a jack. Slide a jack stand under the frame of the car and lower it onto the stand with the jack. Crawl under the vehicle and spray penetrating lubricant onto all of the bolts on the exhaust system near the catalytic converter.
2Use a wrench to unscrew the oxygen sensor that connects to the exhaust system near the catalytic converter. This sensor will be a small piece sticking out about the size of a spark plug. There will be a wire attached to it. Allow the sensor to hang off to the side by this wire.
3Loosen the bolts in the clamp between the catalytic converter and the engine with a wrench then remove the clamp. Move to the back of the converter and locate the bolts in the coupling in the exhaust pipe. Use the wrench to remove these bolts. The catalytic converter and the pipe attached to it will drop down slightly.
4Work the assembly back and forth to pull the pipe apart where it was clamped in front of the converter. You will also be pulling out the pins attached to the exhaust pipe that go through the rubber bushings on the exhaust pipe hangers. When all of this comes loose, you will be able to pull the converter out from under the vehicle.
5Slide the new converter under the vehicle. Lift it and slide the pipe on the front of it onto the exhaust coming from the engine. At the same time, push the pins into the bushings on the hangers. When the catalytic converter is properly positioned, the rear coupling should be ready for the bolts to be reinserted and tightened. Use the wrench and tighten these bolts.
6Move the clamp back into position in front of the converter and tighten the bolts to fasten the pipes securely. Screw the oxygen sensor back into the port on the exhaust pipe and tighten it with the wrench. Start the car and check for leaks. Tighten the bolts if any leaking is present. Remove the jack stand and lower the jack to return the car to the ground.
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