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!

 

I have an 2004 v70 that needed a new cat. It was covered by the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. If you have less than 100,000 miles, you might get one for free from volvo like I did.

 

Unfortunately I'm at 110k

 

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.

 

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 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 installed an aftermarket cat on a 2004 V=70, non turbo, base model. I think is was an Evan Fisher pipe from Auto Parts Warehouse. Around $200 for the part. Car runs and performs GREAT, However CEL came on code P0420 and it won't go off. Tried resetting several times. Had it at a Dealer for another reason and they checked it and believed the aftermarket cat is made of different material that is different the OEM thus throwing the code, any thoughts on this?

 

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.

 

Thanks for the reply MT, I,m going to try a new rear Denso 02 sensor and see how that goes. I have also been looking into what you said about the extenders.

 

Update on code 0420, we put in a new Denso 02 sensor #234-4450, rear sensor, which is near the top on the cat. without the spacer, and low and behold, reset the codes and so far, no CEL. Seems like if you replace the cat. pipe, be sure to install a new rear sensor.