Xantia Hdi Catalytic Converter Fitting Help

rdj104 · Unread post by **rdj104** » 29 May 2005, 04:38

I'm trying to replace the catalytic converter on my Xantia Hdi Exclusive after the previous one rusted through. Got the back bit of it off fine, the front section is defeating me.
There are 2 spring loaded bolts that hold the front bit on, that you have to get a spanner on the back of them otherwise they spin continuously. Got the NS one off, the other one I can't get access to get a spanner on it. I'm tempted to try and cut the bolt off, but will I get the new screw in and how would I tighen it?
I'm wondering if I need to remove the heat shield to improve access but I can't seem to remove that either.
Anyone done this before, any hints suggestions?
Cheers
Richard

Richard Gallagher · Unread post by **Richard Gallagher** » 29 May 2005, 12:03

There are two ways of tacking this, either from underneath with long extensions using a socket set or from above with a ratchet ring spanner on the nut. To hold the bolt in place, use a offset ring spanner on the bolt head. When working underneath, an assistant can be very useful to hold the ring spanner in place.

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 29 May 2005, 13:33

Or if you have a 1/4" drive socket set, use the flexy bar and socket to hold the nut at the front in position, you should find that you can jam it in position.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 29 May 2005, 13:40

i use a spanner with knukle jinted socket on work a treat regards malcolm

bernie · Unread post by **bernie** » 29 May 2005, 15:12

Good luck.[:)]
If and when you get it off, are you replacing it with a new cat or straight through pipe?

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 29 May 2005, 15:41

if fitting new cat YOU MUST NOT USE ANY SEALER AT ALL FORWARD OF CAT as it can enter cat and cause damage,you should use new gasket or sealing ring whih ever type it uses regards malcolm

rdj104 · Unread post by **rdj104** » 29 May 2005, 21:23

Well I have now got it off, I ground the nut off in the end as the other end of the bolt was rusted and rounded off. I tried to fit the new one just now, but the new sealing ring I've been given is the wrong size, so will have to wait till Tuesday to sort that out.
I hadn't thought about replacing the cat with a pipe till reading this forum, and at £114 inc vat for a new cat and fitting kit I wasn't too upset.

Kowalski · Unread post by **Kowalski** » 30 May 2005, 05:06

I decatted my Xantia and the engine is more torquey low down now as well as the fuel economy being better.
The bolts that hold the exhaust on have a tapered thread, which acts as a locking device. On the older Xantia I could get at the tops of the bolts from the top, but on the newer one I had to do it all from the bottom, I used a 1/4 socket at the bottom and a combination spanner (one open end, one ring end) at the top.
If you couldn't get in with spanners how did you manage to get in with a grinder?

rdj104 · Unread post by **rdj104** » 30 May 2005, 14:18

I was able to get access to the bottom nut with a dremel, it was the top end of bolt I had very limited access to. It was a very slow process, but once started you're committed. The good thing is that as long as you've got sparks coming off you know you're making progress.
I was able to get nice 1/2" 10mm socket on the bottom with extension bars, couldn't get enough pressure on the top end with spanner to hold it.

bernie · Unread post by **bernie** » 30 May 2005, 15:59

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Kowalski</i>

I decatted my Xantia and the engine is more torquey low down now as well as the fuel economy being better.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
What model front pipe did you use?

Kowalski · Unread post by **Kowalski** » 30 May 2005, 18:55

The '94 Xantia front pipe had no cat, but the '97 did, so I got an older non catted front pipe for the '97. £30 instead of £130, not to mention the savings in fuel.