cat on the ground...

[mcgon1979]

Think its possible to do this job on the drive. Cat replacement removal and insertion of Cat.
should be handy enough, 4 bolts, just concerned I won't have enough of a turn to loosen and tighten the nuts properly on the ground with trolley jack and axel stands.
anyone done it?

[crayzidane]

yea should be no prob, i done mine in bout 15 min twice
once to pass nct and once after (passed first time)

[power]

reckon it depends if your fto is lowered! i done mine before i got it lowered with all 4 wheels on ground! Don't think i'd have a cance now with the apex's on!

[mcgon1979]

Aye, shes lowered on Tein springs, would defo not be able to reach it while on all four wheels. I'll give it a go though. the rest of the exhaust should hangon the rubbers, so it should be handy if the bolts are not too tight. I can always soak them in rustola/wd40 for a bit too. I won't put the cat in tight, so the second change to put it back should be easier again.

[crayzidane]

Doesn't matter when using axle stands,
you can still do it, mines lowered aswell

[colm_mcm]

make sure you use axle stands as opposed to jacks.

spray the bolts with penetrating fluid 30 mins before removing the bolts.

[mcgon1979]

cheers lads. Will use heavy duty axle stands for sure. See how I get on.

[gt94]

Done this on my gpx it was lowered on apex springs,used axle stands was a tight squeeze to say the least not much elbow room.As for time it took me at least 1hr as i had never done this before it was a learning thing i think next time maybe 30 mins.Make sure you have new gaskets mine were shot and check for rust on the sensor.

[colm_mcm]

you probably already know this but you don't have to unbolt the temp sensor on the old cat (if fitted) just trace the wiring back to a rubber grommet in the floor, pull the grommet out and you should be able to pull the wiring out of the car, there's then a plug you can disconnect.

[gary d]

No difference whether your car is lowered or not as your jacking the body up wheels will no longer have contact with the ground!!! A high lift trolley jack would be useful here as it can be tight for space to work under there otherwise. I found this out the hard way when fitting my cat back system and the bolts will probably shear on the heat shield for cat. good luck

[d_dan]

i did it with 2 jacks handy job

[CJ]

i did it with 2 jacks handy job

Guys, if you're getting under your car to do work of any description, please use axle stands. I'd hate to hear of anyone getting crushed due to a faulty or improperly positioned jack.

CJ

[gary d]

Axle stands aint expensive so there's no excuse ,an essential part of any amateur mechanics tool kit

[colm_mcm]

There's a fair bit of horsing around getting the nuts off for the cat. no way I'd chance it just using jacks.

It'd be a lot easier to do the job if a replacement exhaust system has been fitted in the last while, but if you're looking at a 10-15 year old exhaust system that's never been dismantled, the nuts are gonna need more than a little persuasion to come off.

[CJ]

but if you're looking at a 10-15 year old exhaust system that's never been dismantled, the nuts are gonna need more than a little persuasion to come off.

+ one

WD40 is your friend, if he doesn't do the biz, get a new friend (i.e. a blowtorch).

CJ

[colm_mcm]

invite Mr. L Hammer along too, I suppose.

[gfalls]

Make sure you have replacement bolts at the ready, coz half the old ones will probably shear off..

[Muad_dib77]

I've done this a couple of times..

Prior to investing in axelstands I'd use the Kerb out side the house..two wheels on the kerb...Slide tools and WD40 (Trade Size Can if you can get it..) under the car...then shimmy in...wear clothes you dont like,... Prepare to get WD40 and Rust all over your face and hands.. (I managed to eat some, all part of a varied diet!).

1st time takes the longest - cause the bolts (as it's already been pointed out) will be siezed..

I'd recommend getting the axel stands - they're not that expensive - and they will enable you to do more stuff in your drive.

Enjoy!

[kona]

the safest way is if you lie face up in a pot hole and get a friend to drive the car over you.
i know plenty of pit sized potholes around my area if your stuck..

[Sebastian]

i just bought some ramps.. if it helps you can collect use and bring them back

[gary d]

I didn't think youd be able to get an fto up a ramp, not from the front at least anyways. maybe if you were to reverse on? have you tried these yet Seb?

[colm_mcm]

I didn't think youd be able to get an fto up a ramp, not from the front at least anyways. maybe if you were to reverse on? have you tried these yet Seb?

you can reverse up ramps on an FTO no problem,

[gary d]

too bad if its the front your wanting to raise. I'll stick with good old faithful Mr trolley jack and the axle stand brothers.

[Sebastian]

I didn't think youd be able to get an fto up a ramp, not from the front at least anyways. maybe if you were to reverse on? have you tried these yet Seb?

didn't try them as i just got them . but i'm sure i can put the front onto them

[mcgon1979]

did it on a ramp in the end... And good job too, its not as "handy" as it sounds with gaskets and lining it up and bolting it. Car went through emissions no problem and the cat was off 2 hours later. I have to go back for a re-test anyway though... see my other thread in technical section