Removal Procedure

Servicing of the catalytic converter, resonator or pipe requires the replacement of the exhaust system as a complete one-piece unit.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE .
2. Remove the oxygen sensor wiring harness heat shield. Refer to OXYGEN SENSOR WIRING HARNESS HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT  .
3. Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor at the pigtail.
4. Remove the heated oxygen sensor if replacement is necessary. Refer to REMOVAL (HO2S 2) .
5. Remove the four nuts securing the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifold pipe.
   Fig 1: Removing Catalytic Converter To Exhaust Manifold Pipe

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Remove the catalytic converter gasket. Do not reuse the gasket.
7. Suitably support the exhaust system.
8. Remove the two bolts securing the center exhaust hangers to the rear suspension support brackets.
   Fig 2: Removing Center Exhaust Hangers

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. With a single muffler system.

   Remove the bolt securing the rear exhaust hanger bracket to the rear compartment rail.

10. With the aid of an assistant, lower the exhaust system.
    Fig 3: Removing Bolt Securing Rear Exhaust Hanger Bracket

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Remove the nut securing the rear exhaust hanger to the rear exhaust hanger bracket.
12. Remove the rear exhaust hanger bracket from the rear exhaust hanger.
    Fig 4: Removing Rear Exhaust Hanger Bracket

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
13. With a dual muffler system.

    Remove the two bolts securing the rear exhaust hanger brackets to the rear compartment rails.

14. With the aid of an assistant, lower the exhaust system.
    Fig 5: Removing Two Bolts Securing Rear Exhaust Hanger Brackets

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
15. Remove the two nuts securing the rear exhaust hangers to the rear exhaust hanger brackets.
16. Remove the rear exhaust hanger brackets from the rear exhaust hangers.
    Fig 6: Removing Rear Exhaust Hanger Brackets

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.