How to Remove a Subaru Forester Catalytic Converter
by Christian Killian
Removing the catalytic converter from your Subaru Forester will allow you to replace it with a new unit or a performance converter, or improve engine performance. The converter is located in the exhaust system between the muffler and the exhaust manifolds. The catalytic converter is easily removed but you need to change it when the car has not been running as it gets extremely hot when the engine is running.
Step 1
Raise the vehicle with a jack and support it on a set of jack stands. Make sure the vehicle is secure and you can safely work under it without it moving or shifting.
Step 2
Locate the catalytic converter under the center of the vehicle. The Forester has six heat shields that surround the converter and pipe. There are three sections on top and three on the bottom that connect together with studs that are pressed into the top sections and nuts that thread on the bottom.
Step 3
Remove the nuts holding on the heat shields with a socket and ratchet or wrench. Remove the lower heat shields and set them aside. Locate the front and rear flanges on the exhaust pipe. The front has three bolts securing it and the rear has two bolts.
Step 4
Remove the three front mounting bolts on the flange and support the pipe with a jack or jack stand. Locate the exhaust hanger on the driver's side of the converter and remove the retainer bolt with a socket and ratchet.
Step 5
Remove the two retaining bolts from the rear flange and remove the jack stand from under the front of the converter. Lower the converter and remove it from under the Forester. The upper heat shields will come down with the converter; set them aside to be used during installation of a new converter.
Tips
- When installing a new catalytic converter on your Forester, be sure to purchase gaskets and hardware before starting so that you do not have to stop to get parts in the middle of the job.
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Socket set
- Wrench set
Writer Bio
Christian Killian has been a freelance journalist/photojournalist since 2006. After many years of working in auto parts and service positions, Killian decided to move into journalism full-time. He has been published in "1st Responder News" as well as in other trade magazines and newspapers in the last few years.
