The Catalyst Converter, which is responsible for recirculating unburned gas back into the engine and cleaning car exhausts, is the key to emission control in your car. If damaged, the car will cause more pollution, and reduce fuel efficiency. Replacing a catalytic converter can be expensive, but you can save quite a bit by replacing it yourself, with a few tools, a jack and a jack stand.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Uninstalling Old Converter
Step 1. Park your car on a flat place, and jack up the four wheels of the car and place it on the jackstnad
Removing a catalytic converter is not the same as changing a tire - you have to lift your whole car off the ground, not just one. It is very important to find a flat place, otherwise the car could fall and could injure you or even cause death.
If you have access to a hydraulic lift, you can use that too. It's also a good way to lift the car when changing the catalyst converter
Step 2. Let your car exhaust cool down
If your car has just stopped, the exhaust may still be very hot, you could scald if you touch it. To avoid this risk, let the car cool down first. Depending on your car's exhaust system, this usually only takes a few minutes..
To check the exhaust system temperature, wear industrial gloves, and carefully wipe the exhaust pipe with the back of your hand. If you don't feel the heat, you can try it without gloves
Step 3. Locate the position of the catalyst converter
Get under your car and locate the exhaust pipe, which extends towards the exhaust hole in the back. The converter shouldn't be hard to find - it's usually a long or slightly oval box in the middle of your car's drain. On some cars, it may be cylindrical in shape.
Check that the converter is bolted or welded on the entire drain, at the joints. You may need to take it to a repair shop to have it removed if the converter is welded instead of bolted. You can still replace the welded converter yourself if you have a saw and a welding tool and you can use it safely
Step 4. Remove the O. sensor2 (oxygen) from the converter.
Modern catalyst converters are equipped with one or more oxygen sensors to monitor the exhaust efficiency of your car. If your converter has an oxygen sensor, remove it before you continue work.
When finished, remove the sensor so it does not interfere with your work process
Step 5. If bolted, first spray penetrant oil on the bolt
Bolted catalyst converters usually have rusted bolts, making them difficult to remove. These bolts can be very difficult to remove, so it is helpful to spray some penetrant oil (available at most auto parts stores) for a few minutes before you start removing them..
Step 6. Remove the bolts on the back first, then the bolts on the front
Use a suitable wrench to loosen it first before you remove it. Once all the bolts are loose (but still attached), remove the "rear" bolt (the part closer to the drain), before you remove the "front" one. Remove the converter after you have finished removing the screws.
Step 7. Alternatively, on a welded converter, just cut the converter
If your converter is drain welded instead of bolted, the only way to remove it is to cut it off the entire pipe. Use a hacksaw for this. Cut near the weld, then remove the converter afterwards.
If you are finished and the converter is still hanging, you can use a hammer to lightly tap it, not to damage it, as this could cause an exhaust leak
Method 2 of 3: Installing a New Converter
Step 1. Always follow the prompts
The installation instructions in this article are written for converters in general. Since the installation of each type of converter can be different for each car, these replacement steps may differ from one another. When in doubt, consult the converter's installation instructions, or ask an experienced mechanic for advice.
Step 2. Insert the gasket found on the new catalyst converter
Some converters, especially bolted ones, will be equipped with a small loop gasket that will sit between the exhaust pipe and the converter, ensuring a tight fit. If the replacement converter is equipped with this gasket, install it according to the instructions before continuing with work.
Step 3. Install the new catalyst converter in place
Then, hold the catalyst converter in its mounting position. Double-check that the direction is correct (usually there is an arrow), and that the correct side is facing down.
Since it's a bit difficult to hold the converter with one hand, for the next few steps, it's best if you ask someone else to hold the converter while you work
Step 4. Tighten the bolts by hand
If your car is equipped with a bolted converter and the holes in the new converter are in the same position as the original bolts, then installation is easy. To begin with, insert the bolt by hand and twist it by hand first, for easy installation. Do not be too tight, because the gap will make it easier for you to find the correct final position.
Step 5. Tighten all bolts
Starting at the "front" (the part that is close to the salt), tighten it with the appropriate wrench. Continue to the back after you've tightened the front.
You need to tighten it as tightly as possible, otherwise gas leaks may occur. So you will not be dizzy in the future because of inhaling exhaust gases
Step 6. Alternatively, weld the converter in place
If you have to weld the converter, the job becomes more complicated. You will need to use a professional welding tool (such as a MIG welder) and special skills are required to weld the converter in place. Don't weld it yourself if you're not an expert at this. - You can damage it or injure your body.
- Carefully weld the converter in place by attaching the converter to the end of the pile. Make sure to make a perfect tight weld. If the drain pipe is not long or wide, you will need to add a connection pipe.
- Make sure the weld is cool before proceeding with work.
Step 7. Put the oxygen sensor back in place
If you removed it earlier, put it back in now. While you're at it, check that the cables are plugged in properly and that there's no damage. This could cause an incorrect reading on the sensor, and could cause your "check engine" light to come on.
Step 8. Check your work again
At this time, if all the work is correct, it means that your work is done. Take this opportunity to check once again that the converter is properly installed and all bolts are tightened. If welded, make sure there are no leaks.
Method 3 of 3: Testing the Catalyst Converter
Step 1. Check for exhaust leaks
If you are installing a new catalytic converter, the thing you need to do immediately is to check again, there should be no gas leaks in the exhaust. Depending on the location of the leak, this can cause problems with the vehicle, such as wasting fuel, as well as other problems in the long run.
There are several ways to look for leaks. One of them is to feel it while you are driving. If your car sounds louder and louder than usual, there may be a leak. You can also check for leaks by jacking up your car, and holding your hand near the pipe joints, the leak will usually be felt
Step 2. Check for kickback in the exhaust system
Problems that can arise with faulty converters are usually they will clog up so that the engine's ability to clean itself is disrupted, causing the engine to waste fuel and can break down at some point. Luckily, checking for kickback is pretty easy - just plug a pressure gauge into the oxygen sensor hole. The pressure displayed must be below 1.25 PSI when the engine is running at 2000 RPM.
The more clogged, the higher the pressure. Very high kickbacks can reach 3 PSI
Step 3. Test with a plastic hammer
If your converter is old, you can do a simple test to see if it needs to be replaced. Using a plastic hammer or similar, hit the converter. If you hear noise, the converter needs to be replaced. This indicates that the metallic parts inside the converter have started to rust and become porous.
However, even if you don't hear any noise, it's not necessarily a good converter. There might still be a problem. To be clear, this test can only show that the converter is bad
Step 4. Try more complex tests
Catalyst converters are a bit tricky. If you are not sure if the converter is still working properly after carrying out the above tests, feel free to take it to a repair shop for a better inspection. They can perform more detailed tests on the temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide content.
In general, workshops that can carry out exhaust gas tests can also carry out emission tests
Tips
- Alligator jack is better than the original jack on your car.
- The smell of rotten eggs or sulfur from your exhaust is a sign that the converter has failed.
- Make sure you have removed the positive pole from the battery to prevent a short circuit while you are working under your car.
