Ford XR3Z-5230-AT
Muffler & Pipe, Front

The procedure to service and repair the muffler begins with waiting for the exhaust system to cool down because its components especially the three-way catalytic converter achieves high temperatures shortly after the engine starts. The first step starts with taking out the shock absorbers located at the rear of the vehicle while you also need to remove the dual converter assembly flange nuts. You can evacuate the exhaust pipe assembly from its position on the rear exhaust hanger insulator then detach the insulator before removing the muffler. Allowing soaps with water works best to install exhaust hanger insulators since applying oil or grease lubricants can damage the rubber material. The installation procedure runs in reverse order of the uninstallation process.

A proper repair of the muffler requires users to first lift and secure the vehicle and apply a suitable jack to support the rear axle. First disconnect the upper arm-to-differential bolt followed by the removal of the shock absorber bolt-nut which requires discarding the bolt. Lower the vehicle's rear axle after which you can detach the dual converter assembly flange nuts. Remove the exhaust pipe assembly from the rear exhaust hanger insulator while also taking out the exhaust hanger insulators as a necessary part of muffler removal. Insulators require installation through a combination of soap-and-water solution instead of oil or grease-based agents because these substances will damage the rubber material. The completion process involves reversing all the steps from the removal procedure.

Proceed to remove the dual converter assembly flange nuts.

Raise and support the vehicle.

Install new exhaust fasteners, alternately tightening the catalytic converter-to-inlet pipe nuts to specification.