Apr 16, 2016 - Install Magnaflow Universal Catalytic Converter. Welding the pipes together is the ideal install, but the exhaust clamps are more than. How To Install Catalytic Converter. More power your vechile will get without checking it.

Learn how to replace a bad catalytic converter. We are a team of ASE certified mechanics that have created this service guide to help you save money by replacing the part yourself or at least see what you are paying for when having it done at a repair shop. How Does it Work?

A catalytic converter or cat converter as it is sometimes called is designed to remove unspent fuel in your cars exhaust system which is produced from the normal process of the engine running. Unspent fuel will enter the atmosphere in the form of hydrocarbons which creates air pollution. To reduce unspent fuel this catalytic converter is fitted to the car's exhaust system just behind the exhaust manifold. This positioning is used to heat the catalyst material which creates a thermo reaction to burn the unspent fuel. Service Costs Catalytic converter costs can very greatly depending on manufacturer and configuration. The part alone can cost between $550.00 and $1250.00 (US) and labor should be between $125.00 and $220.00 (US). There is sometimes a core charge which will be redeemed when the old cat has been returned to the dealer or parts house.

How Long Do Catalytic Converter Last? Typically a catalytic converter will last between 90,000 and 140,000 miles but they can loose their efficiency sooner if the car is driven aggressively. A cat converter works best when the car is driven mildly and for long distances. There can be several which will very from simply not passing a smog test to the. Watch the Video! There are typically two types of replacements. A signal catalytic converter replacement and a Y pipe style which is incorporated into the exhaust head pipe.

The video below shows a signal cat replacement while further down we show a video on a Y pipe style. After watching the video continue down our guide to pick up on addition information which is updated regularly. Tools and Supplies Needed • Pry bar • Socket set with universals • Wrench set • Replacement catalytic converter • Shop towels • Protective eye wear and gloves Step 1 Remove the Catalytic Converter: Before removing the catalytic converter its a good idea to spray WD40 into the mounts nuts and bolts to help penetrate the rust which typical is present on the exhaust systems. Locate and spray the front exhaust flange and tail pipe flange connection bolts. While the anti-rust liquid is settling in, locate and disconnect the oxygen sensor electrical connectors that are mounted on the catalytic converter and sometimes in the head pipe.

These connectors will have safety clips that will need to be pushed inward before they will come undone while gently pulling to get them apart. Follow the wiring and removing the oxygen sensor wiring from their holders and safely set them out of the way so they don't get damaged while removing the catalytic converter. Most catalytic converter's have heat shields designed to keep heat away from the vehicle's undercarriage. To gain access to some of the mounting bolts these shields may need to be removed. After the anti rust liquid has sat for a while use a 14mm, 15mm or 17mm wrench of socket to remove the bolts by turning them counterclockwise. You may need an extension to help with the removal, a universal socket also helps. These nuts or bolts can be tight and a little rusty so be ready to put some force on them.

Continue by removing the exhaust pipe coupler mounting bolts using a 15mm or 17mm wrench or socket at the rear of the catalytic converter. Each application will very and some may need to be cut using a hacksaw and then welded up once the new catalytic converter has been installed. They also make a exhaust pipe repair kit that is basically a wide clamp which you can get from Amazon or the local parts store to put the pipes back together. Once loose use a pry bar to further loosen the clamps to aid in the removal process. This will help create clearance between the clamp and exhaust pipe. Once the rear exhaust mount has been removed use a plastic or rubber hammer to separate the muffler from the catalytic converter outlet pipe.