A vital part of a car pollution control system is the catalytic converter. It is in charge of cleaning up the exhaust. When this component breaks down, the vehicle emits more pollution, runs rougher, and uses less fuel. During that time, it is important to remove catalytic converter bolts.
Catalytic converters can be flange-connected with exhaust systems, or integrated with the front pipe. No matter what separation the converter has from the exhaust system, nuts and bolts must still be removed. To remove catalytic converter nuts, you will need to raise your vehicle and heat the nuts.
In this content, you will know some steps which can help you to remove catalytic converter bolts. You will also know how to remove converters in different vehicles. Finally, there are some tips for you.
So, let’s dive in.
6 Steps to Remove Catalytic Converter Bolts
Step 1: Place the car in a flat spot and lift it on its four wheels
Lift the vehicle from the ground. Use jack stands to support it. This maintenance should be performed in a convenient area. If your jacks break, you face the risk of being seriously hurt or even dying.
Suppose you have access to a hydraulic lift of a professional level and are familiar with how to use it safely. In that case, this is another legal method for lifting your car when removing the catalytic converter.
Step 2: Allow your car’s exhaust to cool down
Your vehicle’s exhaust system may still be boiling if it hasn’t been cooled down after running. Allow your vehicle to cool down properly before you start working on it. This will reduce the chance of getting painful burns. The exhaust system of your car will determine how this changes. This may take several minutes.
Put on heavy mechanic’s gloves to test the exhaust heat. Gently brush the tube with your back using the glove. You can continue the test with or without the glove if you don’t feel the heat.
Step 3: Locate your catalytic converter
Slide underneath the vehicle to locate the exhaust tubes, which should extend to the rear exhaust. The converter should be easy to find. It will typically appear as a rectangular or round “box” at the center of your exhaust system. Some models may have a more cylindrical shape.
You should check to make sure the converter is securely bolted or welded at the connection points. If the converter has been removed, you may need to bring it to an auto shop for repairs. You can still fix a welded converter if you know how to use a Sawzall or comparable tool and have the training to use them correctly. However, these tools are not for amateur mechanics.
Step 4: Disconnect the O2 (oxygen sensor) from your catalytic converter.
Modern catalytic converters are equipped with one or more oxygen sensors that continuously monitor the exhaust system’s efficiency. To remove an oxygen sensor attached to your catalytic converter, you will need an oxygen sensor socket.
Once you are done, remove the sensor from your path, so it doesn’t interrupt the rest of the process.
Step 5: Bolts should be loosened with penetrating oils
Some bolts in catalytic converters can have rusted or partially corroded bolts. Penetrating oils are available at most auto shops. These bolts can be difficult to remove. Let the oil seep into the bolts for several minutes, then lubricate them briefly before trying to remove them.
Step 6: Start by removing the bolts from the back, then the front.
Next, use a suitable-sized wrench to loosen all bolts. After all, the bolts have been removed; you can remove the “rear,” which is closest to the exhaust, and then the “front,” which is further away. Once you’re done, take out the converter. You may need to support your exhaust after the converter is removed.
As an alternative, remove the converter from welded-in converters.
If your converter is not bolted into the exhaust system, the only way to get it out is to remove it from the pipes physically. A Sawzall or other comparable tool will typically be used for this by mechanics. Once the converter bolt has been released, remove it by cutting along the existing weld lines.
If the converter doesn’t move after you are done, you might consider using a hammer. Be careful not to damage other parts of your exhaust system.
How to Remove a Catalytic Converter Bolt from a Chevy Truck?
Items you will need to remove a catalytic converter bolt from a chevy truck
- Penetrating oil
- New gasket
- Ratchet wrench
- Floor jack
- Wooden board
- Jack stands
The truck should be raised and supported on jack stands. Unplug the negative cable from your battery in order to avoid damage.
The oxygen sensors’ electrical connectors should be taken out. Each catalytic converter has a pre-converter and a post-converter oxygen sensor attached to it.
With a small ratchet tool, you can remove the flange bolts that connect the catalytic converter and the exhaust pipe. Support the pipe by separating the converter from the tube. You can place a board over the top to prevent the floor jack from damaging the line.
The bolts connecting the converter’s header pipes to the exhaust manifold must be removed. For easier removal, you can apply penetrating oils to the studs and nuts.
Disconnect the catalytic converter from its pipes. Repeat the procedure with the second converter if necessary.
You can remove any carbon deposits from the mounting flanges using brake cleaner or penetration oil.
Read Also: Best Way to Hollow a Catalytic Converter – 3 Methods
How to Remove a Catalytic Converter Bolt from a Dodge 2500?
Items you will need to remove a catalytic converter bolt from a dodge 2500
- Jack and two jacks Rust dissolving Solution Goggles Ratchet, socket set Wrench Set Chisel, and Hammer
Place your vehicle in a flat place the night before you intend to remove the catalytic convertor. You can lift the van or truck with a jack. And support the front using jack stands.
Use a rust dissolving agent to soak the joints holding the head pipe to the exhaust manifold, catalytic convert to the intermediate line. This will allow you to remove rusted bolts, making your job easier the next day.
Double-check your vehicle the next day. Before starting the job, ensure your vehicle is supported correctly on the jack stands. Sometimes, you may need to remove rusted parts with heavy hammer blows.
Wear your goggles. Use a socket, wrench, or ratchet to remove the catalytic converter bolts. To leverage the bolts and nuts that are difficult to remove, you can insert a steel pipe onto the handle of the wrench or ratchet. A twist and a heavy hammer can also be used to loosen bolts or nuts.
To remove scale and rust from the head pipe, twist it at the joints. If the pipe twists but won’t come apart, try a prybar and a hammer to remove it. The clamp might have broken the joint. If you want to reuse the same components, you can use a pipe expander to restore the crushed joints.
The clamp joint that holds the catalytic converter to the intermediate pipe must be removed. The catalytic converter might be bolted to the mounting bracket on Dodge Ram 2500 light trucks. To release the catalyst, simply remove the bolts.
Read Also: Easiest Way to Hollow Out a Catalytic Converter Without Removing
How to Remove the Catalytic Converter bolt in an E46?
Items you will need to remove the catalytic converter bolt in an E46
- Hammer
- Eye protection
- Jack
- Socket wrench
First of all, wear your eye protection. You will be facing the catalytic converter when working on it. This will increase the chances of road crud getting in your eyes.
Use your socket wrench to disconnect the battery. Even though it’s doubtful you’ll get shocked while working on your catalytic converter; it’s still a smart move.
Your jack will lift your BMW E46. Place the jack underneath the car’s metal frame. If you attempt to lift the vehicle by using the jack underneath it, it will cause damage to the body.
The exhaust pipe will lead you to the engine by following it from the back of your E46. Here is where you will find your catalytic convertor.
Look at the catalytic converter to see four bolts. The catalytic converter has two bolts at the front and two at its rear.
By turning the socket wrench counterclockwise, loosen all four bolts. Grab the catalytic converter on both sides, and pull it towards you.
If the catalytic converter seems stuck, tap it gently with your hammer. Sometimes corrosion or road debris may cause the catalytic converter to stick to the exhaust tube. By tapping it with a hammer, you can make it more flexible.
How to Remove the Catalytic Converter Bolt in a Blazer?
Items you will need to remove the catalytic converter bolt in a blazer
- Straight pipe
- Wrench set
Install a straight pipe replacement that will fit under the Chevy Blazer’s catalytic converter. They will need to know the year of your Chevy Blazer so they can provide you with the correct length and bolt pattern straight pipe for your Chevy Blazer.
Place your back on the ground. Locate the catalytic convert by crawling under your Chevy Blazer. This device looks similar to a small muffler and is bolted onto the exhaust pipe that exits the engine.
The four bolts that link the front and back of your Chevy Blazer’s catalytic converter with the exhaust pipes must be removed.
The straight pipe should be placed in the same place as the catalytic converter. Please fix it. This pipe will carry exhaust to your car’s muffler and eliminate interior noise.
Tips & Warnings to Remove Catalytic Converter Bolts
Before you light the torch or heat the bolt, make sure to measure the socket and wrench required for the job. This will ensure that the nut stays hot and that the tools are assembled and ready to use.
It will be easier for a smaller torch to target the bolt than a giant torch, although it may take longer to heat up. It’s a sign that the bolt is moving.
Manifold-connected converters may require an extension in addition to the socket and ratchet to remove the bolts from the catalytic converter.
