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Problems with catalytic converter guards

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Jim Egeland, Jul 31, 2022.

  1. Jim Egeland

    Jim Egeland Junior Member

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    I am considering buying a catalytic converter guard for my 2006 Prius. I know of one owner who has had trouble with the guard because it sits lower and she’s hitting it with rocks on a rocky road. I don’t want to get a guard if I have to continually fix it or repair it. Any thoughts?
     
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Cat covers are down to as low as $60 range onlineand easier to install and these anti-theft systems are just deterrents not complete protection. So no reason to buy one that's going to catch road debris cause that's way more dangerous over time than you might think.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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  4. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Do you regularly drive on "rocky roads"? Unless the springs are sagging, I wouldn't think that a cat shield should sit that low.

    I run one on my 06, and don't have problems on "unimproved" camp ranger roads.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  5. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    I think that method would actually help hold the sawz-all blade in place and make the cut go quicker not slower... It's not protection, it's assistance.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i was thinking the chain would move too much for the sawzall to bite
     
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  7. donbright

    donbright Active Member

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    i can't see this happening. the shield I have is a big flat sheet of aluminum that bolts / rivets directly to the frame, it does not drop down at all. it is basically flush with the rest of the underbody. the other shields i have seen are all flat. i dont see how its possible. if you are running over stuff that is high enough to hit the shield, it's high enough to hit other parts of the undercarriage.
     
  8. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The chain wrap has 3~4 layers, locked very tight. I don't think there's any way to get a recipricating saw blade through there, and plenty of chance it would just lock and shake the saw out of your hands.

    Hopefully never get to test it...
     
  10. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    My point is the chain acts as a guide that one side of sawzall blade can be pressed against to keep the blade from moving left and right and making it easier to get the cut started, even if the cut starts at a larger diameter of the can instead of the pipe. On the other hand the steel cables placed parallel to exhaust line move around so much when you start the blade on them that you can't get the cut started because the blade moves left and right.
     
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