Catalytic converter changeout

Anyone here have experience in changing a catalytic converter? Although it looks like a pretty simple repair (simple doesn't necessarily mean easy, as my old guitar teacher was wont to say), are there any pitfalls to be wary of? I have a 2001 Subaru Forester which the repair shop wants nearly $1200 for to install a new CC, which is way too rich for my blood at this point, especially when I can get everything I need to do the work for less than a third of that from Rockauto.com. Advice from personal experience? Thanks.

I bought one online and just took it a small muffler shop and was charged I think $50 to weld into place

If it's a bolt in converter, invest in some Kroil for the bolts. Exhaust systems are notorious for rust and corrosion, and broken bolts and studs are a horrible way to start a job like that. Weld in, like G21 said, take it to an independent muffler shop.

Mine is bolted on with four bolts; the only thing I am really leery of is the two oxygen sensors in it (getting them out of the old CC and in to the new one without screwing them up). Except for the bolt closest to the engine block, the other three bolts, with the help of PB Blaster, shouldn't present that much of a problem (he said, naively).

You can pick up and O2 sensor tool at any auto place.

http://www.autozone.com/test-scan-an...mString=search
http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools...ch/948079_0_0/
http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools...et/272729_0_0/

Couple of options for you. Well worth the effort. Some shops will loan tools as well. Just have to leave a deposit.

What to be wary about is the stupid laws. Technically, only a certified shop can replace it and it can not be a generic. That said, in 99% of the cases, as long as you pass a drive-by emissions test, you will not actually get inspected. If you are not subject to the emissions tests, then you are better off.

Unless it has a hole in it usually you can get away with not changing them

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Originally Posted by MarkCO

What to be wary about is the stupid laws. Technically, only a certified shop can replace it and it can not be a generic. That said, in 99% of the cases, as long as you pass a drive-by emissions test, you will not actually get inspected. If you are not subject to the emissions tests, then you are better off.

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Sometimes I forget you guys on the front range live behind enemy lines. Ain't no one gonna inspect anything out here on the frontier.

My son has a 2002 Subaru Forester and recently replaced his-and he's not a mechanic. He's started to do his own repairs due to finances. Watches you tube tutorials and gets his parts and seems to be doing okay so far. YMMV

Swaps right out. Little elbow grease, penetrating oil, and some time will get it done. O2 sensors are usually good, all I would do is scrub them with a fire wire brush to get rid of particulates and carbon build up and they will read better. If you were getting codes try that first, then if you still get codes buy new ones.

If you know its the front or rear one, you can buy just that part. The whole thing is bolt on for less than $250.

The only thing I'd question is if it's a california emissions vehicle, and it has nothing to do with ever being in California.

That may screw with you, as there will be at least 2 converters and maybe an air/fuel sensor along with an O2 sensor.

The quote for my 4Runner with Cali emissions was extreme, as was my wife's old Cherokee.

Federal law law also says you can't de-californiaize, even if you don't live there.

The 49 state ones pass around here.

It looks like a bolt in affair buy some kroil squirt the bolts and nuts wait a couple days and swap it. http://www.rockauto.com/

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Originally Posted by sniper7

The 49 state ones pass around here.

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Yes, but if it's a Cali emissions vehicle, the computer needs to see all the cali emissions crap.

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Originally Posted by thvigil11

Sometimes I forget you guys on the front range live behind enemy lines. Ain't no one gonna inspect anything out here on the frontier.

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Yeah. I had one fail, running lean on alcohol that passed all the emissions, but the serial numbers on the cats did not match the VIN. If I had not chatted up the fellow gear head working the special test bay, when I went back I would have had to have a receipt from a dealer or certified mechanic to get my equipment passed. I made it, but not without some effort and some help including borrowing a set of Cats.