Audi B6: 1.8T AMB Catalytic Converter Replacement

[@wesleye7132]

You're the silent master of car repairs my friend.

[@EXOVCDS]

LOL... not quite, but thank you. You qualify for "comment of the week"! If you want some of my youtube channel stickers... go to my KZbin "About" page and click send message. Send me your mailing address and I'll send some stickers your way! =)

[@tad333k]

10:30 U can remove grease/ splash guard from the bottom od the car using small wrench. I have managed to do it without removing the wheel. Gret video ! It helped me a lot, thank you:)

[@EXOVCDS]

Good tip, thank you for sharing and thank you for watching!

[@jmgiron4]

Great video!!! I feel more confident on tackling it this weekend, just need to purchase new bolts, nuts and anti-seize compound. Many thanks!!

[@EXOVCDS]

jmgiron4 Thanks for watching & taking the time to comment!

[@davispaul82]

This is probably the best video I've seen when comes to doing this. I've replaced my clutch when the car was on jack stands so will procedure be easy?

[@EXOVCDS]

Should be easier than clutch. Read through the comments... some good input from others.

[@hhn2002]

looking at doing this job soon, you're the man!

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for watching!

[@under0ath109]

I'm glad that you made this video. A mate and I were wondering on how to replace it, and this does seem to show it in great detail! How did you film this? Was it with a GoPro?

[@EXOVCDS]

GoPro is over rated... I use video glasses. The camera is in the nose bridge between the two eyeballs.

[@under0ath109]

+Thomas EXOVCDS Wicked! :)

[@seanthomasrauchert1695]

I have to tackle this and i dread the fight of the rusted bolts hope it goes as smooth as in ur vid thx Keep making awesome vids it does help Vag4life ;)

[@EXOVCDS]

Good luck with the project... I'm sure things will go smoothly!

[@ClarksonFisherIII]

Hey man thanks so much for all your videos. you're the best to learn from. What's that extension you use at 8:00? I need one of those or whatever you're using to get your clockwise twisting along "X/Y axes" to turn the socket clockwise along "Y/Z axes." Know wadda mean?

[@EXOVCDS]

+Clarkson Fisher III Hi... thanks for watching! 24" long extension... 1/2" drive at the head and 3/8" drive at the tip. A 17mm universal joint socket at the end of the extension.

[@ClarksonFisherIII]

+Thomas EXOVCDS ok thanks! I thought you'd need something more complicated there.

[@connermacleod4926]

Excellent video! What size are the (2) bolts/nuts/washers on the dual clip exhaust sleeve bracket. Thanks

[@EXOVCDS]

+Conner MacLeod I think they are usually 17mm... or which ever size fits. 11:15 of video?

[@connermacleod4926]

+Thomas EXOVCDS Thanks

[@qrtrscale]

You make me dizzy man. Good vid.

[@EXOVCDS]

Concentrate on what I am doing... not where the camera is looking.

[@billrimmer5596]

Dang. You're good!! Love the hot wrench!!

[@EXOVCDS]

You weren't kidding when you said you'd be watching all my videos!

[@scotthope5806]

I plan to replace my turbo and my converter at the same time. I know how to remove the turbo. but seems it would be smarter to leave the converter connected to the turbo and pull them both out together. Is there enough room to do it this way or would I be better off disconnecting the turbo from the cat?

[@EXOVCDS]

Never tried it, so I can't say. Sorry.

[@tprfk]

Thanks for the video, very helpful!! Do you happen to know the procedure for final removal of the cat from the engine compartment? Working on an 05 Passat B5.5 v6 30 valve AWD. All bolts removed, the entire cat assembly is free, and I've wiggled the whole thing MOST of the way out, but I can't pull the cat all the way through from the bottom. It appears bound between the trans/motor and frame OR it's hung up on the heat shield. Should I just pull harder and hope for the best? Thanks!!

[@EXOVCDS]

tprfk Not sure... have not pulled one yet. You might have to disconnect one of the engine mounts (on the side you want to remove the cat) and lift the engine a bit. I could be wrong. I'm currently at work, but can look for service info once I get home tonight.

[@tprfk]

Just got it out, I had to remove one layer of heat shield and then had plenty of room. Now the aftermarket cat assembly is giving me hell going back in.

[@halftank2926]

Hi, Thomas, Your videos are great. Appreciate what u r doing. I have a cat to do on a 2002 passat 1.8t and was wondering if the catalytic converter manufacturer mattered. Are they all good or should I look for a particular brand?

[@EXOVCDS]

Dealer is best... ones that are "California emissions rated" would be the next in line. I don't know all the specific brands or which is better than the other... I just install what gets handed to me. =)

[@halftank2926]

+Thomas EXOVCDS Got it thanks

[@donbarcomb5913]

i love how you made that look so easy! lol

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you... but I'm not sure if I actually did. According to some, there's a better way.

[@crate201]

.

[@ClarksonFisherIII]

Oh one more thing: Sometimes I want to use heat like you do with what I think is acetelyne but I have only a butane blowtorch instead. I don't know how long to apply heat for. I would guess the butane blowtorch gives a cooler flame but by about what ratio? or if you use acetelyene for 8 seconds, what's your guess to about how long to apply butane? 16 seconds? Assume I know where to properly apply the heat and what part of the flame to use. Thanks again!

[@EXOVCDS]

+Clarkson Fisher III Apply heat until the nut turns red / orange... that should be hot enough then. The nut doesn't have to be red, but it helps.

[@ClarksonFisherIII]

+Thomas EXOVCDS ah oh I'll look at the color. makes sense. thanks again. going to go try to take off cat right now.

[@Ygglur]

Nice video as always. Thumbs up!

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you!

[@normansmith7806]

Good job as always!

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you!

[@Reypet77]

This is a Quattro right? This does not work so easy with front wheel drive A4, I found out the hard way. There is less room around fwd gearbox and the Cat wont come down with the pipe. you have to split the down-pipe and Cat while its still in the car ( I did it after I had loosened all bolts) and the cat has to come up and therefor the air-cleaner box has to come out first.

[@EXOVCDS]

Reynir Pétursson Yes, Quattro... to be honest, I have not noticed that it will not come out the same way on a FWD vehicle. Although, I'm quite sure that I have replaced a cat on a FWD vehicle. It might have been a B5 Passat though. Thanks for the heads-up... I'm sure some of my viewers will find that info handy! Thanks for watching & taking the time to comment!

[@bornumber1]

+Reynir Pétursson I was about to go in on my base model A4 when I found your comment. saved my ass man!

[@CJFX_]

what socket tool/tip did you use to get off the O2 sensors?

[@EXOVCDS]

Google search "O2 sensor wrench" to find similar tools.

[@MrFreeze79]

hey thomas, I want to get into the mechanics trade (guess they call it technician now?), do need a ton of money to buy tools at the beginning?what can you get away with at first start? thank and love your vids!

[@EXOVCDS]

I started with a basic size craftsman tool box (box on top of box) with maybe $1500 to $2000 in basic hand tools. Ratchets, wrenches, sockets, extensions, metric & standard, 3/8" & 1/2" impact guns, some impact sockets (1/2"), pliers, screwdrivers etc., You're not expected to have all tools when you start... I still don't have everything I need / want. Add more when you can. The basic stuff can get you through the first few years.

[@fresoooon]

I have the same car with the code p0420 you you think the catalytic converter is the problem or the sensor 02 the rear one

[@EXOVCDS]

Enrique Gonzalez P0420 is usually a catalytic converter issue. Some ECM's required reprogramming because a P0420 code was being set too soon... check with your local dealer to see if reprogramming applies to your ECM.

[@jdmluisp]

Please help!! My stock cat cracked in half and I wanna put a downpipe its 2.5" in and 3" out..now my question is will it fit the rest of the stock exhaust?

[@EXOVCDS]

jdmluisp Not if the rest is not 3"

[@enddrenalinerush2059]

Why did you remove the CV joint grease guard??thank you

[@EXOVCDS]

More room for removal of converter?

[@enddrenalinerush2059]

@@EXOVCDS would this procedure work for the automatic?? I've seen mixed reviews through the comment section.

[@EXOVCDS]

I'd assume that I would be doing it the same way if it were automatic. If you can get at all the bolts / nuts from the top... then work from the top.

[@wafi3187]

I have question. Today I removed my exhaust after downpipe then I start up the car then few minutes car stall😵 So I am planning to get test pipe but if I install test pipe is the car gonna stall again? Stall mean start up rpm goes 1200 tp 0. Now I put my exhaust back and car runs fine again!!!

[@EXOVCDS]

Year, make, model, engine? Depending on engine, too little back pressure (from the exhaust) can affect power / performance of the engine (at lower engine speeds). It should not have stalled, not sure why.

[@wafi3187]

Thomas EXOVCDS Same car with that Audi A4 b6 1.8t. Tiptronic quattro And when I bought the car the car already have a Borla exhaust system. But not that laud

[@EXOVCDS]

@@wafi3187 Not sure why it would have stalled... should have stayed running. Will the cat stay in place or are you also removing it?

[@wafi3187]

Thomas EXOVCDS cat is in the place. I think i might be have some vacuum issues is that caused to stall when low back pressure?

[@EXOVCDS]

Not sure... check fuel trim values with a scan tool.

[@jiujit49]

Hi Thomas what brand cat did you use for this job?

[@EXOVCDS]

Aftermarket... don't recall the brand, sorry.

[@Sam-vt3tl]

you know what the spec diameter is where the turbo manifold meets the cat?

[@EXOVCDS]

Not sure what you mean, sorry.

[@astylessss]

Having issue getting a socket on the bottom cat bolt, can't get good leverage on it due to the angle but you don't seem to have much difficulty. Any suggestions?

[@EXOVCDS]

Heat & a swivel socket... sorry, that's all I got for you.

[@astylessss]

The swivel I've got seems to be the problem being too long I think, thanks for the quick reply.

[@nathanrspain]

+astylessss Wobble extension and articulating ratchet

[@nathanrspain]

I just got done replacing my cat today. This procedure didn't fully work on my B6 A4 Quattro 1.8t. The transmission is in the way so the cat won't just drop out. I had to get the lower 3 bolts that connect the exhaust to the cat from underneath the car and I don't have a lift so....... That was fun hahaha

[@EXOVCDS]

Guess not every car is the same... as a general guide, the video is still somewhat helpful.

[@nathanrspain]

+Thomas EXOVCDS Yea definitely. Thank you!

[@mariusu7976]

Hey I'm wondering how you got the bolts and cat out? I have a 2002 A4 Quattro with tiptronic transmission and I am pretty sure I can't pull the converter out like in the video or repair manual for that matter...

[@nathanrspain]

+Marius U You are correct. Once you disconnect the cat from the turbo go underneath the car and take off the bolts from the sleeve to loosen the intermediate pipe and slide the cat and exhaust pipe down as far as possible. You then need to take out the 3 nuts and bolts on the bottom of the cat that connect it to the exhaust pipe (this has to be done under the car and is pretty fiddly but once you get comfortable on your back and get the right angle you'll be able to zip them out). Remember the 3 bolts on the bottom have nuts on the end of them so they have to be held from both side. They are 2 different sizes but I can't remember what. 12 and 13 maybe? Once disconnected you can remove the cat through the top.

[@mariusu7976]

I appreciate the reply and help! I'm currently letting the bolts soak in PB Blaster and will be starting tomorrow or the day after. Hopefully it won't be too bad. One question, did you remove the rear 02 sensor before you started to remove the three bolts from cat-exhaust? Thanks again!

[@mariusu7976]

What transmission did this 1.8T have? I have a tiptronic engine code AMB and was wondering if the procedure will be the same... Thanks!

[@EXOVCDS]

Sorry, don't recall... looks to be a standard / manual.

[@mariusu7976]

+Thomas EXOVCDS alright, thanks anyway!

[@EXOVCDS]

***** fkh161.ca/Audi/A4/AMB_CAT.pdf

[@mariusu7976]

***** Thank you so much! This will help a lot :)

[@mg402001]

Is this the same procedure on vw 1.8t awm motor?

[@EXOVCDS]

The VW engine sits left to right in the engine bay... so it is different. I only have one VW Cat removal video. It's for a 2.0L but the setup is similar on the 1.8T: (Sorry about the darkness of the video, I will be making a new one as soon as I get the chance). VW A4: 2.0L AEG Melted Cat Due to #1 & #4 Misfire (shared coil) Using a torch will be helpful (almost a must) so you can loosen the retaining nuts without breaking the studs.

[@jaype741]

What size bolts connect the cat to the downpipe?

[@EXOVCDS]

13mm hex heads / nut or could be 12mm (depending on if they were replaced before) 8mm diameter 1.25 thread pitch. Use whatever sockets / wrenches fit... rusty 13mm bolts & nuts might slip when using 13mm wrenches, so use 12mm or vice grips. Again, whatever it takes.

[@jaype741]

***** Can i use stainless bolts in place of the old? Will they hold up to the heat?

[@EXOVCDS]

Yes, should be OK.

[@TJR32100]

can you send the brand name of the catalytic converter please

[@EXOVCDS]

Here's a selection of converters that will fit your car. www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4-Quattro-1.8T/Search/SiteSearch/catalytic_converter/?SortBy=0 Contact ECSTuning to make sure that what you order will fit your car: www.ecstuning.com/ContactUs/

[@2149mike]

Thank you so much!

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for watching!

[@15mechanix]

good video and job

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for the kind words! Thank you for watching & taking the time to comment!

[@turbo139sti]

***** very good work . I have the same car and now turbo is not fully boosting like it was . 124k miles thers no boost leak maby bad turbo stock ?

[@EXOVCDS]

Joe Winker Could be that the wastegate is not sealing / seated fully (the rod can be adjusted) or the N75 boost control solenoid is no good.

[@aldocraycray]

Does anyone have a link to that catalytic converters? Is it CA legal?

[@EXOVCDS]

Check with these guys: www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4-Quattro-1.8T/Search/SiteSearch/catalytic_converter/

[@aeban77hjimkkm]

How much cause to change it

[@EXOVCDS]

Depends on where you go... talk to your local repair shop to get an estimate. Repair costs are different from shop to shop, country to country... it's best to deal with / ask someone local.

[@odenis37]

its the same proccess for 3.0 2003 A4 quatro automatic trans

[@EXOVCDS]

+Angel Black I have not replaced one on a 3.0 before... remove what you have to, to get at what you want to remove.

[@cforeign187]

what can i use if i dont have a air compressor gun an using my backyard?

[@EXOVCDS]

Ratchets, wrenches, sockets, extensions, WD-40, Propane torch to heat nuts, hammer etc.

[@cforeign187]

Ok thanks im going to try tomorrow hopefully i can get it done, a shop said 1500 to replace

[@EXOVCDS]

+Cameron Ford Most of that is the cost of the part... a good one is expensive.

[@cforeign187]

+Thomas EXOVCDS i bought a cat delete from belguna racing on amazon for 110 so hopefully its worth it

[@EXOVCDS]

+Cameron Ford Do you have an o2 spacer for the rear o2 so the check engine light says off?

[@magnusakerlund3496]

Shit bra 🤩 just What i Need to see thank you .

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for watching!

[@ariadnagracias16]

Hi, im having the same problem as you, and i would like to know where did you buy the Catalytic Converter for an Audi A4 1.8T 2005 engine BFB europe version please help me with that or maybe you have any phone number to contact you, thanks for the help!

[@EXOVCDS]

I can't tell what the difference is between the BFB and the North American versions... is the size different? If not, you can order one from: www.germanautoparts.com/Audi/A4/Exhaust/51/1 Where are you located?

[@EXOVCDS]

Ariadna Gracias It will probably fit.

[@EXOVCDS]

Ariadna Gracias To get the correct part number, you need to phone the Audi Dealership Parts Store and give them the vehicle identification number (VIN). www.blauparts.com/assets/audi_vw_vin_door.jpg

[@EXOVCDS]

Ariadna Gracias I'm not sure... give them these numbers with your Vin number: 1) 8E0 131 089 DX for VIN up to 8H-3-017 000 2) 8E0 254 200 AX for VIN after 8H-3-017 001 Going to a muffler /exhaust shop might be easier.

[@TM-hl3el]

lol I did mine in 20 minutes N to make it easy all you have to do is remove the air box.... N when I removed the 3 bolts at the bottom of catalytic converter I swap them with shorter bolts cause its a pain with factory bolts.... oh Nd I was able to bull it out from engine bay... it was really easy but this video is just too much work from pulling all those down pipes lol....

[@EXOVCDS]

Yeah, we can't all be as good as you... LOL, nice of you to waste time watching my video. =)

[@loluspololus]

magnaflow meow tomorrow

[@EXOVCDS]

Whatever floats your boat! =) I have a 3" exhaust from turbo back... on my car. Needed 2 resonators to quiet it down though. =( E34 BMW... this is before the resonators were added. instagram.com/p/BQJXszHBAmh/

[@thunderthumbz3293]

@@EXOVCDS how dare you work on audi/VW's and drive a better brand

[@EXOVCDS]

@@thunderthumbz3293 LOL.

[@thunderthumbz3293]

@@EXOVCDS do you find comparing bmws and audi are like comparing apples and oranges? Or is there a superior engineering? From owning both I think BMW's have more quality materials and the 3 series is pretty reliable

[@EXOVCDS]

@@thunderthumbz3293 My BMW's are 30 years old... I don't see many new BWMs. All manufacturers are over engineering things these days. Everything is difficult to work on, lots of plastic. I like the good old days! =)

[@Odysseus38]

What a way to do it lol take the whole fucking car apart

[@EXOVCDS]

Not everyone is as good as ChrisFix.

[@Odysseus38]

Who?

[@EXOVCDS]

The guy you subscribed to.

[@Odysseus38]

Didnt even know I was subscribed to him thanks

[@davidr.derting8705]

CAN NOT REMOVE THE CAT as shown thru the bottom of the car on my '03 B6 Auto transmission A4 - cat's to fat - due to rust on the three downstream cat bolts had to cut out the flex pipe and remove the cat thru the engine bay - not helpful video.

[@EXOVCDS]

Worked for me, so it has to be helpful to some.

[@jgoeke1]

Very good video if you have the manual. If you have the automatic, the down pipe assembly cannot be removed as shown. I'm trying to do that myself right now. It's loose but cannot figure out how to extract it from the top which is the only way. Might try disconnecting the cat from remaining down pipe now that it is all loose and I can move and rotate the whole thing a bit....

[@timtierney3975]

what size bolts connect the cat to the turbo?

[@EXOVCDS]

Size of the wrench / socket? Or size as in: length, diameter?

[@timtierney3975]

***** I think it takes a 17mm wrench, right? I'm wondering length and diameter. I replace my cat myself about a month ago. And my car began running loud/slow a couple days ago. I looked under the hood and realized two of the bolts had shaken loose and fallen off and the gasket had shifted. So, I'm going to replace all three bolts that connect the cat to the turbo with self-locking washers and pray it doesn't happen again. I just can't remember the size of the bolts I need. Thanks so much for you help!

[@EXOVCDS]

The cat connects to the turbo via three 17mm nuts... the turbo should have studs that the cat slides on to. At 5:26 you can see me removing a nut from one of the studs. If the turbo does not have studs, then they are 10mm (diameter) bolts, with a thread pitch of 1.5 and about an inch long. The other end of the cat needs 3 bolts & nuts. 8mm diameter, 13mm head (bolt & nut) and a thread pitch of 1.25 Or, whatever bolts will fit through the holes.