2002 Honda Accord EX Catalytic Converter replacement
I go through the simple steps to replace the catalytic converter on my 2002 Honda Accord EX. I was starting to hear a rattling noise when driving, and finally pinpointed that the element inside the "cat" had come loose. I have about 200k miles, so I guess it was time. Let your vehicle fully cool before working on this!
Lesson learned #1: the new cat came with a heat shield. So you don't need to be careful removing the old one.
Lesson learned #2: If the bolts are rusted, get an Irwin bolt removal kit. It will literally save you hours.
Lesson learned #3: It was WAY faster to have 6 new bolts/nuts ready for the new cat, instead of worrying about trying to use the old ones... I said in the video that the old ones don't come off the factory cat - but that's wrong. They were just so rusted on there you couldn't see that they would indeed come out. So I had to get new ones anyway.
Parts:
Walker Catalytic converter (I had a coupon and only spent around $150): shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/w...
Walker "House" gasket:
shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...
Walker "Triangle" gasket:
shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...
Bolts/Nuts from Advance:
Dorman 981-537 and Dorman 983-110D
MUSIC from Royalty Free Music on audiojungle.net
- Upbeat Retro (audiojungle.net/item/upbeat-retro/23214480)
Пікірлер: 47
your video is awesome because you shared all the lessons learned and didn't cut out all the struggles. thank you durk
@durk1980
Жыл бұрын
Awesome, thank you! We learn through the struggles don’t we?
Thanks a lot, Durk. Very helpful you wrote down in the Description your lessons learned and all the links to the parts and part numbers. Really appreciated.
@durk1980
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
I replaces my 2000 Accord cat not because it is bad but it rattles,I kept it in the garage, I know someday it will be worth hundreds because there are precious metals in there.l paid $375 for a Magnaflow CARB compliant.Two years later it got stolen.I replaced it $600 @ the muffler shop welded it in because they cut the mounting 3 screws on both sides.I put an alarm and also a camera with motion detector so far no more attempt on it for 5years now.
@durk1980
Жыл бұрын
I hate thieves.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
@durk1980
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment!
so touching for an excellent video
@durk1980
Жыл бұрын
:)
It sheared because your trying to use a 1/4 inch drive adapter, when in reality you should have used a minumum 3/8 drive ratchet and socket… btw, its 1/2 inch socket. For future references.
@durk1980
Жыл бұрын
You are 100% correct. Over the years, I’ve acquired most of my tools because of this type of trial and error learning. You shear something once and you never use that size again. My good friend who gave me the proper tool looked at me like “you really used that?” It was all I had! Not anymore:)
Great video. Thanks
@durk1980
Жыл бұрын
You are welcome!
Hey Durk, thank you for posting this video... Really helpful! Do you have the part numbers for the 6 nuts and bolts you purchased at Advance?
@durk1980
4 жыл бұрын
Thx Peter! Good question. Had to ask Advance; luckily they keep purchases on file. Bolt: Dorman 981-537. Nut: Dorman 983-110D.
@peterjohntapia
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I'm getting ready to remove my old converter in this coming week. I bought the same exact converter you have. Would the bolts be any easier with heat applied?
@durk1980
Жыл бұрын
Perhaps. As a general rule that helps, but you have to get them really hot. What I would do is get any good penetrating spray, and let it sit for a few hours before, and then, if the normal socket doesn’t work, get one of those grippers that I use. It will come off!
@paulsheffield4729
Жыл бұрын
@durk Thankyou so much. I just bought the socket grippers. I can't wait to get a dry day to get underneath the car. When I tried starting the car the engine was racing and wouldn't idol down. The catalytic converter was smoking big time. So I'm anxious to see if that fixes the problem
did you have to jack up all 4 sides? or front 2 was sufficient to do the job?
@durk1980
Жыл бұрын
Front 2 is sufficient. I’m a little claustrophobic, so anytime I can get 6” of car off my chest, I like it. For this car, the cat is pretty close to front jack point, so you should be fine. Totally not needed, just user preference.
My 2012 Honda Accord check engine light came on yesterday took it to the autozone and check it out it’s said I need oc cat replacement . Can I still driving the car without fixing it for a while ? Do you know how much it’s cost to fix it ? I can’t take it to the auto shop they gonna charge a lot .
@durk1980
3 жыл бұрын
@Zuzzy, not sure on your car being much newer than mine was, but in general you shouldn’t drive with a bad cat. It’s keeps the exhaust gases from exiting properly. Sure, maybe it’s just something minor and you’re only failing an inspection and emitting bad fumes, but chances are with the check engine light there’s something there you need to address sooner rather than later. Just my advice since I haven’t seen it, but hopefully you can get a good deal on the replacement part, and don’t take it to the shop to replace. You can do it!
My problem is finding an online retailer that is able to ship to California that's not charging super high prices
@durk1980
3 жыл бұрын
Luckily here in AL we don't have that problem. Good luck!
@rogeryanez8107
3 жыл бұрын
They wont ship it to CA due to tight emissions laws from the state which is bs all other states are lucky that they can get purchase these online, same thing for O2 Sensors you have to buy specific ones which are more expensive for CA emission cars total BS.
Hi. Is 6 cylinder or are the same?
@durk1980
2 жыл бұрын
This was a 4 cylinder. Not sure what 6 looks like, but I suspect it would be different.
How much is that cat. Is that A CARB compliant?
@durk1980
3 жыл бұрын
I paid $150 with a coupon. I see it’s $300 now. I don’t remember what the list price was when I bought it to be honest, but I know it wasn’t near that much. Maybe with COVID the prices are sky high since it’s hard to get people in the factories. I don’t know about CARB compliant. Just looked it up on website (link in description) and it doesn’t say.
What size are the bolts?
@durk1980
Жыл бұрын
Not sure which one you're referencing. If I didn't say in the video, I don't know :|
I’m giving you a like because I laughed so hard I pulled a muscle. Take a breath!! YOU DO NOT NEED THE TOOL. Take a cut tool or a 25$ angle grinder with a extension from Harbor freight. It’s really easy. Get your self some new nuts bolts and washers and the heat shield does not need to come off ever 🤣. That was so great. CUT THE HEAD OFF ALL THE BOLTS! You do not need anything but new grad 10 bolts forget the tool and cut them all!! Man. You made me feel like a lucky guy. Hard work I love it so you got a like my friend. Lesson learned. Check out my page. I’m doing one soon. Ima show you how to do two. Both 120$ or so a pice off line. It’s on a 2001 I will do it all live. I always do. I have made mistakes this is how we learn but tell me why did you not juts think to buy bolts grade 10 and replace the instead of putting the rusty mess back on. Also should have at least cleaned the sensor? Loved the effort. That was epic! 👏 oh I did my video on the first Honda. Haha. I never did the second part I got so mad but it went pretty easy other then they gave me the wrong part ordered on EBAY. So upset. I had to ouch it out for now bolt up the old one while I wait on the part. Thankfully I cut it perfectly so it went back on pretty easy about 2 mins and I’m waiting on the part. Smh. A hair off. Local it’s closed to 1200$ for the part smh.
@durk1980
Жыл бұрын
As I’ve said, the learning curve for DIY automotive work is steep! Each new job you make mistakes, and then the next time you’ll do it faster with less errors…and the right tools! Yes, cutting bolts off would’ve been way better!
@TourettesMobileMechanic
Жыл бұрын
@@durk1980 hey. I give you credit. That was some hard work you put into it. I do this all day and learning is part of the job. I was amazed how you never gave up. Only down side was when I saw you finally getting a lift and not completing the job without some cheating involved. 😂. You earned that lift after laying on the ground with your neck up for about 4-7 hours or so. I’m sure is was a work of hurt. As long as you saved the money and got it done that’s all that matters. Great perseverance!! I would hire you I cannot find anyone to put in work Like that. 👏
@akem0020001
Жыл бұрын
yeah exhaust nuts can be a PITA, but i think a lot of the problem started at "half mm bolts" lol
@jasonstrout4502
7 ай бұрын
@akem0020001 That wasn't the problem. The problem was using a 1/4" socket to being with. Because you should always use an impact, and 1/2" sockets. But he did get it done that's all that matters really IMHO.
Hey...do U realize how lucky U'R dealing with a non rusty vehicle....Here in Canada (or new england states ) we deal with a whole different scenario... A 9 or 10 Y.O. car undercarriage is almost similar to Titanic wreck so pleasssssse dont complaint about stiif nut....Just take a look at SMA Auto repair website his name is Eric O. (in Avoca NY ) and U will see what I mean by rust Just keep whistling U R favorite tune while Eric O. and I are struggling with rust frozen nuts and bushings 😣
@durk1980
3 жыл бұрын
Lol. Fair enough.
@durk1980
3 жыл бұрын
BTW, I love SMA. He's seriously the best mechanic I know online. If I lived closer, he'd have a lot of my money!
@denisst-cyr3558
3 жыл бұрын
@@durk1980 my son drive a 2000 Acura EL...(never sold in USA) his mechanic, named dad, is still having fun adding anti -seize on each nuts/bolts whenever possible. This Honda EK base car is just unbeatable as long as dad remind son that oil change is due...
If you still have the oem converter I pay $900 for it
@durk1980
3 жыл бұрын
William Keeley, I'm sorry but I sold that car and I don't have anything for it anymore.
@briancampbell3242
3 жыл бұрын
I have a v6 2001 accord im scraping it and selling the cat
1/2mm bolts? Lololol.
@durk1980
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I’m dyslexic so I do that kind of thing all the time, lol. Good thing I know what I mean when I’m doing it!