Before replacing it completely (one of the most expensive "frequently" replaced parts in a car), you might try cleaning the cat first. Put 4 liters / 1 gallon of lacquer thinner into your fuel tank when it's half full, and then go for a good 2 hour drive in the highway. Should get you covered for a good while for just a 10er :)
I am glad I found this simple video. Two things helped me: 1) I finally realized that the spring-loaded bolts are Not threaded into the manifold flange (I was dreading that), but instead have a nut on the upstream side of the manifold flange. As the video demonstrates, this means things are going to come apart sweetly once the bolt is broken off or cut off. Thanks for the confidence booster! 2) The video capture of the popping spring is a great reminder that those parts can fly if you are breaking or cutting them (rather than unscrewing them). I might add another reminder (for other home mechanics, doing this procedure on your own) that new catalytic converters require a "break-in" period. Once everything is bolted up you want to: 1) start the engine (without revving it) and let it idle for 5 minutes; 2) increase rpm to 2500 rpm for 2 minutes; 3) let the engine and new exhaust cool down again before taking on the road for your first test drive. This procedure allows the internal components to go through an initial expansion and contraction cycle properly, in place, without being blown or knocked loose or out of position. Further advice: if you have not kept up with top end carbon deposits, it would be a good idea to run top end cleaner through the system Before installing a new converter. Blowing out heavy deposits into a new converter can clog it. Thanks for posting!
You did a good job with what you had. You are right about some of these repair shops. You have to question their integrity or competency of the guys doing the repair. Another smart move you made was purchasing the parts needed to complete the task.
Well done! It looks so good when you were done. I's pretty sad that even dealer shops take short cuts. I'm just starting to do actual work on my 1999 Accord so this was very helpful. You mention in the video a brand name. Is there one better than the other. I probably have a similar situation because also had an after market CAT installed a few years ago.
So basically put it on the way it comes off with new parts? Sounds easy enough for me to replace the one on my 2004 Expedition. This video has helped out more than you think. Thanks for posting. Now I see there is no way I am paying somebody $275 to do this.
Plumbers sand cloth works really well to clean off fouled pipes in tight-fitting places. You can cut sandpaper into strips, too, but I find the sand cloth wraps around easier and is a little more resilient than regular sandpaper.
Thanks for your comment. I don't think a sealant is necessary or helpful in this case. The joints at either end of the cat are kind of like a ball and socket joint, held together by spring tension, and the parts do move around a bit as the parts flex and move. If you apply sealant, and the parts move a bit, you might have a leak.
Chris, I would find another mechanic. The correct way to check for a clogged cat is with a backpressure gauge that screws into the O2 sensor hole. The parts for me without labor cost a bit over $200.
Looks like they even put the cat on upside down. I think that sheilding plate is supposed to be on the bottom to protect it from rocks & debris bouncing up. I've always said that if you want something done right, better do it yourself. Good job Alan, fixing it correctly!
Thanx Q RUclips people!!! Normally women don't work on car, but I do cuze i won't want to pay the dealer 28,20$ for replacing coils, sparkplugs, 02 sensors and cat converter on my 2007 Honda 160k 1st owner. I've got all new pts in hands under 700$. I had already checked every location where the pts. should be installed. I had replaced the radiator and timing belts on sister's car with some helps. I knew removing the cat. converter under the car is hard but hope not much harder than the pulley. of course make sure a million% in safety. RUclips people is my teachers.
Yes it could. If you're hearing a tinny sound, it might be because the monolith inside the cat is breaking up, which can also cause an exhaust restriction.
Thank you so much for making this video so i can review this .Now I'm sure of what ill need and what ill do to install the cat on my friends car, unfortunately they stole his in Los Angeles .. So I'm just going to tell him to buy one online and ill install it for him, just to save him alot of money from the dealer! Haha
Do you think this would be much different to an 2000 Honda Civic Hatch? I would like to do it myself to save money on the labour. I'll make sure to replace anything that looks like old or worn while I'm under there. Doesn't look like I can get into too much trouble:)
Good video, It just kills me how some of these "professional" shops work on cars. They charge so much labor and often times don't really do a good job. I've run into similar situations with my car and find that I sometimes like yourself I can do a better job than the so called pros.
Very helpful. Thank you.. In layman's terms, the catalytic converter filters the harmful gasses from your car, correct? Should I be concerned with removing the old one and harmful particles that may be inside it? I'll apologize in advance if its a silly question. I'm trying to get into fixing my own car. Thank you.
I have a 1998 Ford Explorer XLT V8 and it has a group of symptoms leading to a bad cat. It sometimes takes longer for it to turn on , feels like it drags a anchor when accelerating , a in efficient catalytic code P0420 , I replaced the O2 sensors pre cat and they are showing codes for slow response still . I will be ordering the cat next check but I'm sure that's the problem. What's your input ?
I haven't been under a CR-V but they should be very similar. If you go to an auto parts site like rockauto.com you can find photos and exhaust diagrams that will show what the parts look like. The CR-V is very similar, with two bolts up front and three in the rear.
They welded it instead of using flanges because it's cheaper for you. Flanged pieces increase price. Welding exhaust in is more reliable as well. Less points of leakage. I understand it's frustrating when you decide to diy after the fact but muffler shops always weld over replacing flanged pipes when possible for reliability as well as cost. As for the RTV, I agree - that's just stupid. Especially at the cat since the cat is far hotter than the engine and also tears as the donuts move with vibration.
Hi Alan. I need your help. Talking about Dodge Neon 2003 SE. This car has a mount exactly right under connection of exhaust manifold and catalytic converter. I 've been 3 times under the car trying to fix it and tighten it a little bit more but still annoying shaking bothering my ears especially when car is in idle "P" position or at the stop sign while car is in " D" gear, My engine mounts are all messed up so I already order it and waiting to arrive to replace them. My suspicion goes to engine mounts because engine jumping while gear changing and lowering down engine as well. Do you think engine mounts are causing shaking or I miss something ?
Hi, my check engine light on today . It say catalytic converter defect . But I have change it one month ago . Anyway I erase the code and check engine light gone . So my question is will it come back again. If so how long it will take to come back. Thanks Golf 5 ( 2008 ) 1.4 patrol engine I drove with bad kat about a week but no engine light on and after I drove another week without Kat no engine light on . When I change my both Kat and drove 500km not engine light. Then I put fuel injector cleaner and drove another 150 km . And after engine light on and it says on my obd2 Kat defect.
Generally, no, unless the existing converter was clogged, causing an exhaust restriction. If your converter is no longer efficient and setting a code, replacing it should give you better emissions, but otherwise you would never know the difference.
Hi Megan, tough question. It depends on the reason for changing the cats. If you are getting an inefficiency code then you should focus on the cat that is monitored by the O2 sensors, i.e. the upstream sensor is ahead of the cat and the downstream sensor is behind. If both cars are monitored you might have to replace them both to clear the code. If a cat is clogged then you would have to figure out which one, either by visual inspection, backpressure test, or possibly temperature (using infra red temp monitor). I suggest posting your question on www.hyundai-forums.com to get help from other Santa Fe owners.
AlansFix thank you that's very helpful I just bought the infrared thermometer I'm going to check them in the morning I'm more inclined to believe it's the front too if it's based on noise
Is it possible to replace the immediate exhaust pipe(the one between cat converter and muffler) without taking off the converter? because between the pipe and the cat converter, I noticed there're 3 bolts, am i able to tighten the third one easily? I saw you did it at 04:13 can i do it without taking the con converter. I just have to change the pipe
Hi very good video.i was wondering what jacks do you use to work under your vehicle.? Because I have scary pheobia. Any good jacks to work safley under the vehicle. Many thanks
My c300 Benz is jerking whilst on accelerating like it’s forcing itself to move at first I thought it was transmission issues but the mechanic checked the transmission with system and didn’t see any fault code.
I believe my cars catalytic converter is out due to constant white stream/smoke coming out of tali pipe.. also the check engine light turns on as soon as the case warms up and starts to release that smoke. does that sound like it's the cats??
Awesome job man. It dont matter if you dont have a shop or proper tools. Sometimes, you just gotta go with what you got and go HAM. How was the test drive? Did it feel like your car is no longer struggling? I think i have the same problem on my Maxima.
The Civic should be similar. I am pretty sure Honda uses bolt-on flanges instead of clamps for most of their cats. If you go to a site like rockauto.com you should be able to find a photo or exhaust diagram that will give you an idea of how the cat is mounted.
Cheers. I am thinking of getting one from a wrecker that deals with Honda parts. I know it may not last as long as a new one but we are looking at selling it. And soooo much cheaper.
Useful video. Under the car video needs much effort & patience. Who ever made this video needs to be congratulated for his selfless efforts.
Your camera focus through this entire video is great. Thanks so much for making this. I have a catalytic converter clogged and now it's a solid fix.
Before replacing it completely (one of the most expensive "frequently" replaced parts in a car), you might try cleaning the cat first. Put 4 liters / 1 gallon of lacquer thinner into your fuel tank when it's half full, and then go for a good 2 hour drive in the highway. Should get you covered for a good while for just a 10er :)
this was actually one of the best "How To" posts I have seen. It was clean and he even gave a time frame in a DIY time, not shop time..
I am glad I found this simple video. Two things helped me:
1) I finally realized that the spring-loaded bolts are Not threaded into the manifold flange (I was dreading that), but instead have a nut on the upstream side of the manifold flange. As the video demonstrates, this means things are going to come apart sweetly once the bolt is broken off or cut off. Thanks for the confidence booster!
2) The video capture of the popping spring is a great reminder that those parts can fly if you are breaking or cutting them (rather than unscrewing them).
I might add another reminder (for other home mechanics, doing this procedure on your own) that new catalytic converters require a "break-in" period. Once everything is bolted up you want to:
1) start the engine (without revving it) and let it idle for 5 minutes;
2) increase rpm to 2500 rpm for 2 minutes;
3) let the engine and new exhaust cool down again before taking on the road for your first test drive.
This procedure allows the internal components to go through an initial expansion and contraction cycle properly, in place, without being blown or knocked loose or out of position.
Further advice: if you have not kept up with top end carbon deposits, it would be a good idea to run top end cleaner through the system Before installing a new converter. Blowing out heavy deposits into a new converter can clog it.
Thanks for posting!
You did a good job with what you had. You are right about some of these repair shops. You have to question their integrity or competency of the guys doing the repair. Another smart move you made was purchasing the parts needed to complete the task.
Your one of the only people I've found that make a DIY video and know what your talking about. Good job
Thank you for this video! My son and I are going to replace ours tomorrow. Everyone says you have to weld. You proved we don't! Thank you!
You do better work than most muffler shops
+Parker Scholz WENT TO MIDAS 20 YRS AGO FOR CAT CONVERTER COST 150 DOLLARS LASTED LIKE 2 YRS
Ty for video Sir. Last one I watched was useless. Didn't show Converter at all. Yours was actually helpful.
great vid it took longer then going to the dealer but saved you at least 200 in labor
Absolutely nothing sexier than a man that knows what he’s doing in the car or home.
Best video of all on here with the replacement of a catalytic converter. Thank you
Great video thanks for posting - great that some people do the job properly unlike the "professionals" at the garage !!
Good job! The best part I like most is how you break the bolts by not cutting it.
Well done! It looks so good when you were done. I's pretty sad that even dealer shops take short cuts. I'm just starting to do actual work on my 1999 Accord so this was very helpful. You mention in the video a brand name. Is there one better than the other. I probably have a similar situation because also had an after market CAT installed a few years ago.
Great video man. It definitely takes the intimidation out of this work. Cheers!
So basically put it on the way it comes off with new parts? Sounds easy enough for me to replace the one on my 2004 Expedition. This video has helped out more than you think. Thanks for posting. Now I see there is no way I am paying somebody $275 to do this.
Plumbers sand cloth works really well to clean off fouled pipes in tight-fitting places. You can cut sandpaper into strips, too, but I find the sand cloth wraps around easier and is a little more resilient than regular sandpaper.
You made it look easy! Thanks for sharing!
Dude!!, you did an awesome video and a much more professional job than most shops out there.. 5 👍🏽 up !
thanks so much for taking time to make this video!!
Thank for showing us how to put on a catalytic converter
I was just going to say, good job! That's determination man, replacing that cat on your back just under a jack!
Holy crap that seemed relatively easy.....and shops make bank charging people for the repair/replacement of those things?! pssshhh.... nice vid
thanks for the video, helps shade tree mechanics like me! :)
Good vid just needed to see a basic diagram if what im up against , very helpful.
That was my purpose for watching this too.
Thanks for your comment. I don't think a sealant is necessary or helpful in this case. The joints at either end of the cat are kind of like a ball and socket joint, held together by spring tension, and the parts do move around a bit as the parts flex and move. If you apply sealant, and the parts move a bit, you might have a leak.
Thanks for taking the time to make this. Like you said, looks like a pretty simple job.
looks beautiful dude, great job!
Great Vid! Wish I had some Google Glass with a vid like this to make car repairs easier. Thanks
This is a great how to vid. Very thorough.👍
Also nice angle on camera. Last few people didn't know how to actually show the part. ^.^
wow man love that technique to break the bolts
When the bolts popped and the cat fell off... that was very satisfying.
thanks you man for spreading this kind of awesome job man i really appreciate it
huge thank you
It was a good video, to the point and helpfull
wow! great job thanks for sharing!
i just got to say what great video awsome thank u for this post
You did a fine job, you saved lots of money good for you.
Chris, I would find another mechanic. The correct way to check for a clogged cat is with a backpressure gauge that screws into the O2 sensor hole. The parts for me without labor cost a bit over $200.
Good job.We're very proud of you!!!
good job man
I hope it works out well for you. Thanks for posting.
Looks like they even put the cat on upside down. I think that sheilding plate is supposed to be on the bottom to protect it from rocks & debris bouncing up. I've always said that if you want something done right, better do it yourself. Good job Alan, fixing it correctly!
Thanks for the video! Informative and well done.
this guy! great video man
Wow, I hope I never need to know how to do this..
Thanx Q RUclips people!!! Normally women don't work on car, but I do cuze i won't want to pay the dealer 28,20$ for replacing coils, sparkplugs, 02 sensors and cat converter on my 2007 Honda 160k 1st owner. I've got all new pts in hands under 700$. I had already checked every location where the pts. should be installed. I had replaced the radiator and timing belts on sister's car with some helps. I knew removing the cat. converter under the car is hard but hope not much harder than the pulley. of course make sure a million% in safety. RUclips people is my teachers.
+เฟิร์น เเซ่พาน GETTING MY CAT REPLACED AFTER 20 YRS COST 350 DOLLARS PLUS LABOR,TAX ON 97 NEON
เฟิร์น เเซ่พาน should do your water pump timing belt every 80k to keep your Honda like new
Good video brother
Great video! Way to fix it yourself!!!
Yes it could. If you're hearing a tinny sound, it might be because the monolith inside the cat is breaking up, which can also cause an exhaust restriction.
How long can I drive it if it's bad?
I got a 97 ford expedition my catalytic converter is split open is there a quick fix way to fix it until I can buy a new one
Very nice job!
Very very MUCH BENEFICIALLY NICE !!!KOL.*
Thank you so much for making this video so i can review this .Now I'm sure of what ill need and what ill do to install the cat on my friends car, unfortunately they stole his in Los Angeles .. So I'm just going to tell him to buy one online and ill install it for him, just to save him alot of money from the dealer! Haha
What is the cost of Catalytic convertor for Vauxhall corsa 1.0 in UK? I have trouble getting speed on 1st gear.
Kudos! Shame on the shop that messed up the previous job....tsk tsk tsk!
Great job. Great video
Do you think this would be much different to an 2000 Honda Civic Hatch? I would like to do it myself to save money on the labour. I'll make sure to replace anything that looks like old or worn while I'm under there. Doesn't look like I can get into too much trouble:)
Thanks for posting.
Good video, It just kills me how some of these "professional" shops work on cars. They charge so much labor and often times don't really do a good job. I've run into similar situations with my car and find that I sometimes like yourself I can do a better job than the so called pros.
Very helpful. Thank you.. In layman's terms, the catalytic converter filters the harmful gasses from your car, correct? Should I be concerned with removing the old one and harmful particles that may be inside it? I'll apologize in advance if its a silly question. I'm trying to get into fixing my own car. Thank you.
Unless you stick your nose directly in the converter and breathe deeply, then you'll be fine.
DrFrohman Thanks..
MrTarzan152 shop for cataylitic
This video was very helpful, would this be useful for a Pontiac Grand Am 2000?
Good job and video.
Thank you so much for your time !!!
what is the job those guys do when they change the catalytic but usually they jus cut it and use a welding and is done! is it ok?
hopefully fixing the cat for my 2002 camry will be as easy as it looks here. first time doing this!
I have a 1998 Ford Explorer XLT V8 and it has a group of symptoms leading to a bad cat. It sometimes takes longer for it to turn on , feels like it drags a anchor when accelerating , a in efficient catalytic code P0420 , I replaced the O2 sensors pre cat and they are showing codes for slow response still . I will be ordering the cat next check but I'm sure that's the problem. What's your input ?
I really disliked exhaust work. you did great
I haven't been under a CR-V but they should be very similar. If you go to an auto parts site like rockauto.com you can find photos and exhaust diagrams that will show what the parts look like. The CR-V is very similar, with two bolts up front and three in the rear.
A good way to save money fix it your self.
They welded it instead of using flanges because it's cheaper for you. Flanged pieces increase price. Welding exhaust in is more reliable as well. Less points of leakage. I understand it's frustrating when you decide to diy after the fact but muffler shops always weld over replacing flanged pipes when possible for reliability as well as cost. As for the RTV, I agree - that's just stupid. Especially at the cat since the cat is far hotter than the engine and also tears as the donuts move with vibration.
Hi Alan. I need your help. Talking about Dodge Neon 2003 SE. This car has a mount exactly right under connection of exhaust manifold and catalytic converter. I 've been 3 times under the car trying to fix it and tighten it a little bit more but still annoying shaking bothering my ears especially when car is in idle "P" position or at the stop sign while car is in " D" gear, My engine mounts are all messed up so I already order it and waiting to arrive to replace them. My suspicion goes to engine mounts because engine jumping while gear changing and lowering down engine as well. Do you think engine mounts are causing shaking or I miss something ?
Thanks For Vid! Im replacing mine this weekend, its leaking bad
Very helpful thanks
what about the Cat in front of the engine block? I have a 2005 hyundai elantra and Im pretty sure that cat is clogged up pretty good
Hi, my check engine light on today . It say catalytic converter defect . But I have change it one month ago . Anyway I erase the code and check engine light gone . So my question is will it come back again. If so how long it will take to come back. Thanks
Golf 5 ( 2008 )
1.4 patrol engine
I drove with bad kat about a week but no engine light on and after I drove another week without Kat no engine light on . When I change my both Kat and drove 500km not engine light. Then I put fuel injector cleaner and drove another 150 km . And after engine light on and it says on my obd2 Kat defect.
Nice job, well done....
Generally, no, unless the existing converter was clogged, causing an exhaust restriction. If your converter is no longer efficient and setting a code, replacing it should give you better emissions, but otherwise you would never know the difference.
I have a 2004 Hyundai Santa fe and my catalytic converter is two parts both 450$$$ how do I know which one to buy???
Hi Megan, tough question. It depends on the reason for changing the cats. If you are getting an inefficiency code then you should focus on the cat that is monitored by the O2 sensors, i.e. the upstream sensor is ahead of the cat and the downstream sensor is behind. If both cars are monitored you might have to replace them both to clear the code. If a cat is clogged then you would have to figure out which one, either by visual inspection, backpressure test, or possibly temperature (using infra red temp monitor). I suggest posting your question on www.hyundai-forums.com to get help from other Santa Fe owners.
AlansFix thank you that's very helpful I just bought the infrared thermometer I'm going to check them in the morning I'm more inclined to believe it's the front too if it's based on noise
+Megan Torres MY 97 DODGE NEON 350 DOLLARS PLUS BALL JOINT ON 1 TIRE COST 35 DOLLARS PLUS TAX LABOR
450 WOW!! THATS MORE THAN MINE
e Kopke I have a 07 Tl I need two cats on my to I have the same problems he's having my car don't pick up speed I can't ride the interstate
Is it possible to replace the immediate exhaust pipe(the one between cat converter and muffler) without taking off the converter? because between the pipe and the cat converter, I noticed there're 3 bolts, am i able to tighten the third one easily? I saw you did it at 04:13 can i do it without taking the con converter. I just have to change the pipe
2:34
"here it comes" HA HA HA
Thanks for the video. Exactly what I was looking for.
Hi very good video.i was wondering what jacks do you use to work under your vehicle.? Because I have scary pheobia. Any good jacks to work safley under the vehicle. Many thanks
what would be cost and labor to change my cat converter on 2005 ford ranger
Do you have to change your oxygen sensors too.
Possibly, the best way to determine if it is the cat is to have a shop check the exhaust with a backpressure gauge.
Good video. Thanks
My c300 Benz is jerking whilst on accelerating like it’s forcing itself to move at first I thought it was transmission issues but the mechanic checked the transmission with system and didn’t see any fault code.
Very helpful..thnx.
Is it the same with replacing one for a jeep wrangler
I believe my cars catalytic converter is out due to constant white stream/smoke coming out of tali pipe.. also the check engine light turns on as soon as the case warms up and starts to release that smoke. does that sound like it's the cats??
I'm sorry but that sounds like a crack in the head or cylinder. Burning coolant at all?
i always heard white smoke RINGS ....... white smoke expensive engine overhaul needed..
Awesome job man. It dont matter if you dont have a shop or proper tools. Sometimes, you just gotta go with what you got and go HAM. How was the test drive? Did it feel like your car is no longer struggling? I think i have the same problem on my Maxima.
Ok, that you did it at home, who much off the ground did you do the job?
The Civic should be similar. I am pretty sure Honda uses bolt-on flanges instead of clamps for most of their cats. If you go to a site like rockauto.com you should be able to find a photo or exhaust diagram that will give you an idea of how the cat is mounted.
thanks you save me money.
Great job
Great job. Damn mechanics, trying to save a buck by over charging.
Cheers. I am thinking of getting one from a wrecker that deals with Honda parts. I know it may not last as long as a new one but we are looking at selling it. And soooo much cheaper.
Great job!!
Good video, but where did you buy the converter