2003 V70 catalytic converter replacement
#1
2003 V70 catalytic converter replacement
My '03 (~110k) V70 has a bad cat, rattling has been getting worse last few months and verified this past weekend by tapping the cat and hearing the rattle. At the point the irritation level as gone up enough to do something about it.
Not sure as to the reason, the car hasn't thrown any CEL codes. In talking to some folks at IPD, their impression was that the back part of the catalyst has probably collapsed and the front part is ok, which is why the back O2 sensor hasn't picked up on it (since it's between the two). Anybody have experience w/ these failing due to age (w/o engine issues?).
Anywho - I'm shopping around for a replacement converter, not cheap since we're talking about the pipe from the manifold back to the mid pipe, including the flex coupling.
Alternatives are:
DEC (have generally heard good things, $450 ish)
Eastern Catalytic Converters (not much to go by, but some worrisome reviews by folks out there, $300 ish)
Volvo - OEM, from TASCA, ~$800
Wondering if folks can share any experience they might have w/ these before I buy. I'm probably going for the DEC, since the cheapest solution is ususally the one that fails in a year. Also would like any feedback on replacing O2 sensors at same time (I'm leaning towards it).
Thanks!
Not sure as to the reason, the car hasn't thrown any CEL codes. In talking to some folks at IPD, their impression was that the back part of the catalyst has probably collapsed and the front part is ok, which is why the back O2 sensor hasn't picked up on it (since it's between the two). Anybody have experience w/ these failing due to age (w/o engine issues?).
Anywho - I'm shopping around for a replacement converter, not cheap since we're talking about the pipe from the manifold back to the mid pipe, including the flex coupling.
Alternatives are:
DEC (have generally heard good things, $450 ish)
Eastern Catalytic Converters (not much to go by, but some worrisome reviews by folks out there, $300 ish)
Volvo - OEM, from TASCA, ~$800
Wondering if folks can share any experience they might have w/ these before I buy. I'm probably going for the DEC, since the cheapest solution is ususally the one that fails in a year. Also would like any feedback on replacing O2 sensors at same time (I'm leaning towards it).
Thanks!
#4
I also had a 2000 v70 turbo that needed a new cat. I had an after market one put on and it cost be about $600-$700 parts and labor. It did not work because for some reason, my certain model of car and it being a turbo had to have an original volvo one. I got my $ back for the cat, but not the labor. I took it to volvo and got it redone. It cost close to $1000.00, but it was fixed right, so I guess it was worth it. It sounds to me like volvos have a cat problem for some reason.
#5
Did you end up using the DEC or Eastern Catalytic catalytic converter?
I have a 2003 V70 that has a bad cat. Volvo wants $2500 for the catalytic converter and O2 Sensors (I could probably get away without replacing the O2 Sensors). The DEC runs $633 and I have a mechanic that will install it for me, but I am worried about how the aftermarket will perform. I have been told that if I use an aftermarket cat that it will throw codes for the rest of the car's life.
Any thoughts or experience with this kind of issue would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I have a 2003 V70 that has a bad cat. Volvo wants $2500 for the catalytic converter and O2 Sensors (I could probably get away without replacing the O2 Sensors). The DEC runs $633 and I have a mechanic that will install it for me, but I am worried about how the aftermarket will perform. I have been told that if I use an aftermarket cat that it will throw codes for the rest of the car's life.
Any thoughts or experience with this kind of issue would be appreciated.
Thanks!
#6
I never ended up replacing. The rattling go so bad it was driving me bonkers. Pulled the pipe off and removed the broken up pieces of the back area of the catalyst (the front area was still intact). Put it back on and never looked back. No rattles, no codes. Wish I could help you more.
I do remember a significant price difference for the DEC from different vendors. Rock Auto and Ebay, maybe someone else. Shop around. Check Tasca.com parts too, they offer some discounts over typical dealer costs.
I would say you can definitely do it your self if you can turn a wrench. Mine came off w/o too much hassle, just be liberal w/ the PB Blaster.
I do remember a significant price difference for the DEC from different vendors. Rock Auto and Ebay, maybe someone else. Shop around. Check Tasca.com parts too, they offer some discounts over typical dealer costs.
I would say you can definitely do it your self if you can turn a wrench. Mine came off w/o too much hassle, just be liberal w/ the PB Blaster.
#7
Did you end up using the DEC or Eastern Catalytic catalytic converter?
I have a 2003 V70 that has a bad cat. Volvo wants $2500 for the catalytic converter and O2 Sensors (I could probably get away without replacing the O2 Sensors). The DEC runs $633 and I have a mechanic that will install it for me, but I am worried about how the aftermarket will perform. I have been told that if I use an aftermarket cat that it will throw codes for the rest of the car's life.
Any thoughts or experience with this kind of issue would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I have a 2003 V70 that has a bad cat. Volvo wants $2500 for the catalytic converter and O2 Sensors (I could probably get away without replacing the O2 Sensors). The DEC runs $633 and I have a mechanic that will install it for me, but I am worried about how the aftermarket will perform. I have been told that if I use an aftermarket cat that it will throw codes for the rest of the car's life.
Any thoughts or experience with this kind of issue would be appreciated.
Thanks!
#8
not uncommon for after market cats to throw a P0420 code. the code is saying there's some extra O2 being detected by the rear (post cat) O2 sensor. could be caused by the cat or an exhaust leak. Given you probably don't want to buy yet another cat, you can always try using a Celboss spacer ( I think IPD still sells them). The Celboss moves the O2 sensor away from the direct exhaust stream - which is usually just enough to not throw a code.
#10
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