Hey guys,
I just bought a direct fit catalytic converter and was gonna change it out today. So I take off the heat shield and everything, and it looks like a pretty simple job. So, i'm like ok this is going to be easy. Little did i know. I start to unscrew the screws on the ends and NONE of them will budge at ALL. the ones close to the manifold were in good condition, but i could not even get them turn a little. the ones on the other side were in such a bad condition, they were almost soft. Anybody taken their front catalytic converter off? If so, how did u take off the screws? Please help!!!!

 

What kind of screws does it have?

Maybe you can use a ratchet to get some leverage.

 

Hey man,

those things will not come off with a socket or ratchet. They cost I think $4.88 per stud at Lexus - yes very expensive. I ended up having to heat mine up to the point of breaking them to get them out. I give mad props to any man who can remove them by hand!!

Good luck,
Jonny

 

Alright, then gimme props cuz at 140K miles on my SC I was able to unbolt both sides and reuse those same bolts to install my midpipe.
No, they were not easy, but after a little liquid wrench and using a nice sized breaker bar, they came off.
The key is to have the car up in the air, so you have some room to breathe.
It's difficult to get any leverage when on jack-stands.
An effective method is an air-gun. If you don't have an air compresor, you can buy one of those electric air-gun wannabees that work just fine for gettign stuff loose.

Good luck.

~Alan

 

Hey man,

I was using an air gun to do it - the bolts ended up threading or breaking. Maybe mine were just tighter than yours
Peace,

Jonny

 

Quite possibly.
If you drive like me, chances are a lot of stuff wil get rattled a bit loose.

~Alan

 

Just took out engine and tranny this week.

You need an impact socket set and a quality air gun. Use a small bore (green air hose) to get more psi (if you are using a cheaper air gun).

Otherwise, you will probably strip the nuts and then you're "screwed."

My air gun removed the nut and stud together (3 out 4) so the nuts are at least half the time frozen.

Good luck too you. Try not to strip the nuts.