Well, it sounds like my '98 A4 2.8 needs new catalytic converters.

Has anyone replaced them themselves? The dealer here wants about
$1500 per side...

Oh, yes, I'm in California, USA, so all the 49 state legal ones that I
find at on-line stores are probably illegal here.
--

I did it on my 1.8T, it's not a complicated job but there is very little
access/clearance to get at some of the bolts, which are probably
rusted/seized on, so its a b*** getting them off, and slightly less so
torquing the new ones on. having a lift would definitely help, or at
least jack up the car on all 4's as high as you can first, and spray
penetrating oil on the nuts at least the night before (don't start the
engine until you're finished). It helps to have a few ratchet extensions
and swivel joints /swivel sockets, & a long handle swivel head 3/8"
socket wrench.

For $1500 ea/ i'd get a second opinion. its possible there's a lot more
in the way on the V6 that needs to be removed first, compared to the
1.8T, but its hard to imagine how it could take more than 1/2-day, or 1
day for a complete noob home mechanic.

What make you think you need new CAT's anyway? I though mine was dead
too, turns out its just the O2 sensor, cat was fine.


--
frob
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On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:58:54 UTC, frob
<frob.3h428q@no-mx.audiforum.ca> wrote:

>
> I did it on my 1.8T, it's not a complicated job but there is very little
> access/clearance to get at some of the bolts, which are probably
> rusted/seized on, so its a b*** getting them off, and slightly less so
> torquing the new ones on. having a lift would definitely help, or at
> least jack up the car on all 4's as high as you can first, and spray
> penetrating oil on the nuts at least the night before (don't start the
> engine until you're finished). It helps to have a few ratchet extensions
> and swivel joints /swivel sockets, & a long handle swivel head 3/8"
> socket wrench.
>
> For $1500 ea/ i'd get a second opinion. its possible there's a lot more
> in the way on the V6 that needs to be removed first, compared to the
> 1.8T, but its hard to imagine how it could take more than 1/2-day, or 1
> day for a complete noob home mechanic.

The problem is that the replacements don't seem to be available for
the CARB certified ones. If I lived in the other 49 states, it would
be easy.

> What make you think you need new CAT's anyway? I though mine was dead
> too, turns out its just the O2 sensor, cat was fine.

It's rattling and I checked with a mechanic that I trust. He says
that Audi wants abou $900 for the converter alone. "It's got platinum
in it" - says the Audi Service guy.

Thanks.

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