Q: How to service the muffler on all on Ford Explorer?
A: The first step for servicing vehicle mufflers is to position the vehicle into NEUTRAL gear on a hoist. The exhaust system needs support through use of an appropriate jack. Muffler components in production state function as a single unit whereas the service configuration consists of separate elements. A suitable exhaust cutter enables removing the muffler assembly by cutting the muffler inlet pipe where it connects between the first bend near the muffler and the second bend in line. The muffler inlet pipe should be separated by loosing the coupler nuts when a service exhaust coupler is installed. Future steps involve the removal of exhaust Y-pipe dual catalytic converter-to-muffler assembly bolts along with nuts and gasket while disregarding nuts and gasket for disposal. To remove the muffler assembly disconnect all rubber isolators first. The muffler assembly should be positioned correctly and rubber isolators connected during installation. Position the muffler assembly and tailpipe for installation until the tab seals into the notch and execute Torca® clamp tightening to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft). Position the two parts of the muffler inlet pipe into the service coupler before securing it to the joint cut or use the new service muffler kit by installing the inlet pipe into the service coupler. Position the service exhaust coupler at the 2 o'clock direction exactly facing the muffler while applying torque to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft). Replace the gasket along with the new exhaust Y-pipe dual catalytic converter-to-muffler assembly nuts by tightening them to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft). Exhaust system isolators should be checked for zero load condition; run the exhaust system alignment procedure if any isolators remain off zero.
Q: How to service the muffler on a 3.8L engine on Ford Mustang?
A: 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.
Q: How to service and repair the muffler and tailpipe on Ford Ranger?
A: A service or repair of the muffler and tailpipe should start with the vehicle placed in NEUTRAL position on a hoist. Before proceeding with 2.3L vehicles one must remove assembly bolts and flagnuts with gasket then discard the flagnuts and gasket. The exhaust Y-pipe-to-muffler and tailpipe assembly bolts along with flagnuts and gasket need removal on vehicles equipped with 3.0L and 4.0L engines. Discard all three components when finished. Micro-size pliers detach the three rubber isolators while the muffler and tailpipe assembly needs to be taken out completely. When installing the isolators use lubricants free of oil or grease because such substances can deteriorate rubber leading to exhaust hanger bracket separation. Position the muffler and tailpipe assembly correctly in the vehicle while installing the three rubber isolators following surface cleaning of all mating points. The 2.3L engine installation requires a brand-new exhaust downpipe-to-muffler and tailpipe assembly gasket but also includes exhaust downpipe-to-muffler and tailpipe assembly bolts with new flagnuts for application of 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque. Attach a new gasket on the RH side of the exhaust Y-pipe-to-muffler and tailpipe assembly before securing its bolts and new flagnuts with 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque. Finish the procedure by confirming the exhaust system isolators have no load present. Follow with the exhaust system alignment when necessary.