Removal Procedure

Servicing of the catalytic converter 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 in General Information.
2. Remove the 4 bolts securing the oxygen sensor wiring harness heat shield to the floor panel.
3. Remove the oxygen sensor wiring harness heat shield from the floor panel.
4. Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor at the pigtail.
5. Remove the heated oxygen sensor if replacement is necessary. Refer to HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR in Engine Controls-4.6L.
   Fig 1: Oxygen Sensor Wiring Harness Heat Shield & Bolts

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Remove the 4 bolts securing the front floor panel tunnel brace to the floor panel.
7. Remove the front floor panel tunnel brace from the floor panel.
8. Remove the 4 bolts securing the rear floor panel tunnel brace to the floor panel.
9. Remove the rear floor panel tunnel brace from the floor panel.
   Fig 2: Front & Rear Floor Panel Tunnel Brace

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Remove the 4 nuts securing the catalytic converter to the rear exhaust manifold pipe.
11. Remove the catalytic converter gasket. Do not reuse the gasket.
12. Suitably support the exhaust system.
    Fig 3: Catalytic Converter & Rear Exhaust Manifold Pipe

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
13. Using a pry bar, bend the front body support brackets open, enough to allow the front hangers to be removed.
14. Remove the front exhaust hangers from both the front body support brackets and the front exhaust pipe hanger rods.
    Fig 4: Front Exhaust Hangers

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
15. Apply a suitable lubricant to the body support brackets (1) in order to ease the removal of the intermediate exhaust hangers (2).
16. Pull outward on the intermediate exhaust hangers (2) in order to remove them from the exhaust pipe hanger rods (3).
17. Pull inward on the intermediate exhaust hangers (2) in order to remove them from the body support brackets (1).
    Fig 5: Intermediate Exhaust Hangers

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
18. Apply a suitable lubricant to both the body support brackets (1) and the tail pipe hanger rods (3) in order to ease the removal of the tail pipe hangers (2).
19. Pull outward on the tail pipe hangers (2) in order to remove them from the tail pipe hanger rods (3).
20. Pull inward on the tail pipe hangers (2) in order to remove them from the body support brackets (1).
    Fig 6: Tail Pipe Hangers

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
21. With the aid of an assistant, Lower the exhaust system.
    Fig 7: Exhaust System

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.