W00GYB00GY

My catalytic converter makes alot of noise and I believe its just the loose metal inside, so I want to take it off clean it out and put it back on, but I can't get it off.

I've removed the 2 U bolts that hold it up but where it connects to the exhaust and the other side wont budge. I've sprayed PB blaster on both of the seams where the cat connects to my exhaust and it still won't budge.

I've tried taking a flat head screwdriver and a hammer and try to wedge the screwdriver in between the fitting but still doesn't budge.

I really don't want to take to take the entire exhaust out, can anyone help me out?

99 Purple XJ

Use a sawzall or a grinder and cut it out

Pnguyen7

Is it welded?? Mine was had to cut it. If its rattlin its bad get a new one. Somone will say u dont need it but thats illegal...

Pnguyen7

Ps read the rules there is a section about converters

W00GYB00GY

It isn't welded and I don't want to cut it out I just wish I could pull it out, I'll take a pic of what it looks like.

99 Purple XJ

You might have to cut it out if its stuck that bad if you have access to a mig welder its easy to weld back

W00GYB00GY

I'm not removing the cat, just cleaning it out and replacing.

Pnguyen7

If it rattles its no good. Get a new one. I no ur not removin it but someone will say it

W00GYB00GY

I know it needs to be replaced, but I don't have the funds for a new one at this time. I just want to clean it out and replace.

Pnguyen7

Look man. I had one too. It rattle, i cut it off, tiltied it st8t up and nothing but black ash and crap fell out. there was no cleaning it.

1991Jeep_Man

To the OP, Pnguyen7 is correct. If it's rattling badly, then it's done for. The catalyst brick inside has be compromised and deteriorated. The only 'cleaning out' you can do is to just clear it out with a chisel, but that is illegal. I know you said funds are tight, but may I offer a suggestion? Look in the vendors section and find mudfrog. He sells a High Flow cat converter. It's really cheap too... like $40 and still legal unless you're Commufornia. Plus, you get a 10% member's discount. And I think they get free shipping too. Get that when you can along with a couple of clamps and pipe from autozone. Maybe cost altogether $50 or so. Until then, I can only suggest deal with the rattle. Taking it off completely or blowing it out is illegal and against forum rules.

W00GYB00GY

Pnguyen7

It is welded. I can see the weld.

W00GYB00GY

No the picture is bad, it isn't welded i'm 100% positive.

It is fitted right into the muffler pipe and the other pipe towards the front.

W00GYB00GY

It isn't welded because I can put a flat head screwdriver in between the pipes to try to pry at it, but it still wont budge.