Catalytic Converter: Service and Repair

Catalytic Converter Replacement (5.3L and 6.0L Engines)

Removal Procedure
1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.





Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice.

Notice: Refer to Excessive Force and Oxygen Sensor Notice.

2. Unscrew both front heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) sensors (1) from the catalytic converter.
3. Unscrew both rear HO2S sensors (2) from the catalytic converter.
4. Remove the rear propeller shaft.
5. If equipped with four wheel drive (4WD), Remove the front propeller shaft.
6. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
7. Remove the transmission support.





8. Remove the exhaust muffler nuts.





9. Separate the exhaust hanger insulators from the exhaust system and position the exhaust system rearward for additional clearance.





10. Remove the left exhaust manifold pipe nuts.





11. Remove the right exhaust manifold pipe nuts.





12. Raise the transmission with the transmission jack for additional catalytic converter pipe clearance.
13. Tilt the catalytic converter (1) in order to lower the left side catalytic converter pipe below the vehicle frame. Rotate the catalytic converter outlet pipe toward the left side of the vehicle to gain the necessary clearance for the right side catalytic converter pipe to clear the vehicle frame. Remove the catalytic converter (1) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the catalytic converter (1) in reverse order of removal by starting with the catalytic converter outlet pipe angled toward the left side of the vehicle and positioning the right side catalytic converter pipe above the frame. Rotate the catalytic converter outlet pipe toward the rear of the vehicle and lift the left side catalytic converter pipe up above the frame. Then position the catalytic converter (1) to the exhaust manifolds.





2. Install the exhaust hanger insulators to the exhaust system.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

3. Install the exhaust muffler nuts. Ensure the catalytic converter is held in the installed position before tightening the nuts.
^ Tighten the nuts to 45 Nm (33 ft. lbs.).





4. Install the right exhaust manifold pipe nuts. Ensure the catalytic converter is held in the installed position before tightening the nuts.
^ Tighten the nuts to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).





5. Install the left exhaust manifold pipe nuts.
^ Tighten the nuts to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).
6. Install the transmission support.
7. Remove the transmission jack.
8. If equipped with 4WD, install the front propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement - Front.
9. Install the rear propeller shaft.

Important: A special anti-seize compound is used on the HO2S threads. The compound consists of liquid graphite and glass beads. The graphite tends to burn away, but the glass beads remain, making the sensor easier to remove. New, or service replacement sensors already have the compound applied to the threads. If the sensor is removed from an exhaust component and if for any reason the sensor is to be reinstalled, the threads must have anti-seize compound applied before the reinstallation.

10. If reinstalling the old sensors, coat the threads with anti-seize compound GM P/N 12377953, or equivalent.





Notice: Refer to Component Fastener Tightening Notice.

Important: If the HO2S sensor is connected to the main wiring harness during installation. Rotate the HO2S sensor several turns counterclockwise before threading the HO2S sensor into the catalytic converter. This action of initially reverse winding of the pigtail wires will prevent a condition where the HO2S sensor pigtail wires become severely twisted or binding once the HO2S sensor is installed into the catalytic converter.

11. Install both front HO2S sensors (1) to the catalytic converter.
^ Tighten the sensor to 42 Nm (31 ft. lbs.).
12. Install both rear HO2S (2) to the catalytic converter.
^ Tighten the sensor to 42 Nm (31 ft. lbs.).
13. Lower the vehicle.