Catalytic Converters

[OnAFly]

I recently had a mechanic look for the source of a rattling noise in our 2005 G6. He said it was the catalytic converter rattling and that it would eventually caused a CEL. In about a week it did and the codes pointed to the cat as well.

So, I now have a guy in town that says he could replace it for $500-600. I can find them online for ~$275. Is this something I could do myself with simple tools or would I be getting in over my head?

I've done little stuff like plugs, coils, a oil on my cars before, but nothing like this.

[Macgyver55]

I'd not suggest doing this yourself unless you have a lift and a welder.

Walker makes a fairly good "universal" converter and may have one that fits your G6 in the 100 dollar range.

I've welded in dozens of these and they seem to hold up well for at least a few years.

After a quick search I see Magna-flow sells a direct fit for just over $200 depending on which motor you have..

[muskie-mike]

You should be covered under the federal emissions warranty for 8 years or 80,000 miles. I had two converters replaced for free on a 2003 auto last year.........

[OnAFly]

It's got 134K, so no go on the warranty.

Where are you seeing a direct fit magna flow for ~200?

[CAMAN]

Coincidence!?! The cat just started rattling and set off the SEL on my Colorado the other day also. I've got one on order ($180 through Am@zon for the entire assembly made exactly for my truck "flange to flange"). I already tried pulling it to make sure it was the issue and to shake all the loose stuff out while sitting on jack stands but I just couldn't contort my body the ways I needed to to get the bolts loose. Of course if the flanges would have been designed to have the bolts on the other side it would have been a 15 minute job. I've got a buddy who has access to a lift at work and we'll do it after work one of these days.

[Macgyver55]

As I said, it depends which motor you have, but several retailers have different ones with a wide price range. You would have to check around for exact prices.

I personally have nothing against welding in a universal as we have had very few failures with them.

[Fishinguy40]

If you plan to install a direct fit yourslef, be prepared to break, hammer and or drill out the original bolts. Between the heat of your exhaust system and corrosion the bolts will probably be seized and galled. I've done a couple on our vehicles and neither came apart easy.