How to Install a Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is essential to your car's emissions system. Often it goes unnoticed until your car fails its emissions test. Replacing it yourself typically saves you more than half the cost of a professional job, including service and parts. Give yourself a day for this do-it-yourself job to allow for any problems.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car jacks
• Jack stands
• Lubricant
• Socket wrench
• Hammer
• Spare 2-inch bolts
• Spare lock washers

1. Lift your car on flat ground using car jacks. Once lifted to a height where you can fit underneath, place jack stands under your car's heavy frame areas.

2. Spray penetrating lubricant on the bolts, which connect the catalytic converter to your car. Loosen with a socket wrench or breaker bar.

3. Take off the heat shield first, if present.

4. Remove the old catalytic converter. If stuck, use a hammer to help break it free, but be careful not to hit other parts of your exhaust system.

5. Install your new catalytic converter. You may need someone to help you hold up the converter as you align it with the bolts and tighten them all down.

6. Start your car to check for any leaks in your exhaust system. If you have a leak, most likely it's due to a loose bolt.

7. Reinstall your old heat shield if it's still in one piece.

Tips & Warnings

• Exhaust systems are highly prone to rusted parts and bolts. Use as much penetrating lubrication as needed to loosen bolts. You may need to reapply the lube for a couple of days before removing bolts.
• Make sure you have spare 2-inch bolts and lock washers on hand in case you break a bolt or two during the process. This saves you a trip to an auto parts store during your installation.
• You may smell a strange odor from your new catalytic converter for a few days, but this is normal.
• Under federal EPA regulations, you can't change a catalytic converter until your vehicle reaches 50,000 miles unless it's damaged in an accident.