Catalytic converter changeout

[DAL357]

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.

[glock21]

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

[TFOGGER]

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.

[DAL357]

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).

[thvigil11]

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

[thvigil11]

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.

[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.

[Wulf202]

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

[thvigil11]

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.

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.

[StagLefty]

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