How to Change the Catalytic Converter on a Chevy Silverado

by Chris Moore

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The catalytic converter regulates and reduces pollutants within the vehicle's exhaust. Vehicles are required by law to have them, so you need to replace them if they are no longer working. On a current Chevy Silverado, the catalytic converters are welded to the front exhaust pipe assembly, so replacing a catalytic converter means replacing the entire front exhaust pipe assembly. This process can differ on older models (specifically ones made prior to 2007), so check with your mechanic.

Step 1

Raise the truck and support it on jack stands.

Step 2

Disconnect the electrical connectors for the converter's upstream and downstream oxygen sensors. Unscrew and remove the sensors using an oxygen sensor socket.

Step 3

Unscrew and remove the three nuts that are on the upper-left and right flanges connecting the front exhaust pipe assembly to the exhaust manifold's flanges using a wrench. Remove the nuts for the rear flange of the front exhaust and remove the front exhaust pipe.

Step 4

Install new flange gaskets onto the three mounting flanges of the replacement exhaust pipe (which will include the replacement converters).

Step 5

Coat the threads on the mounting nuts and bolts with anti-seize compound. This includes the threads on the oxygen sensors.

Step 6

Install the exhaust pipe system and securely tighten the nuts and bolts for the three flanges connecting it to the manifold and the rest of the exhaust system.