How to Replace the Muffler on a Ford Mustang
Everyone loves a sports car, such as the Ford Mustang. Introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang is a cool car that some people design to be a one-of-a-kind car. The muffler for the Ford Mustang is an important part of the car that is often replaced, not only because it's broke or has hole, but because it makes the car sportier. In some Mustang models, you'll find two mufflers and many people choose to replace the stock muffler with a performance version.
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Things You'll Need
- New or used muffler
- Old blanket, piece of cardboard or car jacks
- Penetrating spray lubricant
- Crescent wrench
- Hack saw
- Sledge hammer
- Trash bag
Instructions
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1
Inspect your muffler or mufflers found at the rear of the Ford Mustang underneath the car. Look for holes of any size, severe rust spots or hangers that are coming loose that hold the muffler to the car. Some mufflers are held on by welds instead of clamps, so inspect these welds for rust spots or loose areas.
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2
Purchase a muffler for a Ford Mustang. Most auto parts stores stock and sell quality mufflers. Make sure you get the correct muffler that corresponds with the year of your model year. Look for an inlet diameter on the muffler of 2.25 inches to 3 inches and outlet diameter of 2.25 to 2.5 inches depending on your model. Average sizes for most model years include a width of 9.75 inches and 19 inches in overall length.
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3
Place an old blanket or a large piece of cardboard on the ground beneath the rear part of the car on the ground. You can also jack the car up and place it on jack stands for easier access. You will have to lay under the car to replace the muffler, so be sure to use the way in which you will be most comfortable.
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4
Determine how your muffler is hung. Some will use clamps or muffler hangers while others are welded on. If yours is welded, then you'll have to cut the muffler off with a hacksaw. If the welds are old or rotted, then you might be able to break the muffler loose with a sledgehammer.
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5
Remove any bolts around the muffler and take the muffler off, if yours is held by U-clamps. You'll need to remove all the clamps that secure both the muffler and the outlet pipe. To remove the muffler and outlet pipe assembly, it may be necessary to heat the joints so the parts will come apart and there's also special tools available to help break loose these joints.
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6
Replace the new muffler on your Ford Mustang. Line it up everything as straight as possible before tightening any of the fasteners or bolts to hold it in place. Tighten the bolts to 10-15 ft-lb torque, so they are tight enough to ensure the muffler doesn't come loose, but not so tight so it doesn't have any give during normal movement.
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7
Lower the car, start the engine and check the new muffler for any leaks or loud sounds. If there are any, then you may need to tighten the clamps a little more.
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Tips & Warnings
Write down the mileage and date of the muffler change and keep this information with the muffler warranty. You may need it for future reference if the muffler breaks or malfunctions.
Always dispose of the old muffler properly by breaking it down into small parts. Put the small parts in a trash bag and throw away.
