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Catalytic converter removal

Tiny
ALEX19899
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
I am trying to remove the nut on the catalytic converter where it connects to the exhaust manifold. I have be using a breaker bar to remove it but it will not move. I even used PB Blaster.
Tuesday, March 13th, 2018 AT 9:15 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
They can be very tight due to rust, give it a good spay and let it sit a while. Also, there is a good product call freeze and release, that may be available to you. It is in a spray can. Always use a single hex socket and work back and forward as this will help break the bond, this method should work to remove stubborn nuts.
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Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 AT 2:21 AM
Tiny
ALEX19899
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  • 171 POSTS
Will it be alright to use an impact wrench?
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Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 AT 2:25 AM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
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Risky, as you do not want to use very high torque, you do not want to snap the stud. Try low torque and see if it moves, but still use the back and forth action to help loosen the rust.
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Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 AT 2:41 AM
Tiny
JOHNNY G.JR
  • MECHANIC
  • 320 POSTS
Have you tried heat, ie torch?
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Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 AT 3:55 PM
Tiny
ALEX19899
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  • 171 POSTS
It is in a hard to reach place. I cannot really fit a torch in that area.
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Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 AT 4:43 PM
Tiny
ALEX19899
  • MEMBER
  • 171 POSTS
It has a couple wires by it.
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-1
Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
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I was going to say the same thing that there is not a lot of room and using a torch may damage other items.
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Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 AT 6:56 PM
Tiny
ALEX19899
  • MEMBER
  • 171 POSTS
I am going to try some liquid wrench and see how that goes.
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Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
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Give it a good soak and let it sit for a while, you may be wise to do this a few times and work the nut back and forth.
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Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
ALEX19899
  • MEMBER
  • 171 POSTS
On another topic my wheel bearing wire snap.
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Thursday, March 15th, 2018 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
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Not sure what you mean by wheel bearing wire?
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Thursday, March 15th, 2018 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
ALEX19899
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  • 171 POSTS
The wire for the wheel sensor is cut.
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Thursday, March 15th, 2018 AT 8:27 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
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Okay, the speed sensor, best to replace the sensor as re-joining the wire if not done correctly with solder and a good connection may cause issues. If it is the other side of the plug in the main loom, you will have to solder and seal, but you must make sure it is a good connection or as I said you may have problems.
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Thursday, March 15th, 2018 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
ALEX19899
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  • 171 POSTS
If not replaced what issues would I come across?
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Thursday, March 15th, 2018 AT 9:32 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
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ABS will not work, but I will have to look into the schematic to see if it generates a signal for any other system.
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Thursday, March 15th, 2018 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
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It looks a s if the speed sensors are only used for ABS input.
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Monday, March 19th, 2018 AT 11:31 PM

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