Ford Muffler

FAQs—Ford Muffler

1. How can I tell if my Ford muffler is already broken? What are the symptoms of failure or damage?

Take note of the sound your vehicle makes. If the car seems to make louder exhaust sounds than usual, especially thumping or clunking noises, the muffler should be checked to see if it’s loose or already damaged. There could be holes in it, or it may be corroded. A broken muffler may also cause thick smoke to come out of the tailpipe or water to drip from various spots along the exhaust line. If the vehicle overheats, the problem may also arise from a problematic exhaust.

2. I found some holes in the muffler? Is there any way I can fix this? What should I do? I’m looking for a quick fix for the meantime.

You may use a muffler patch kit to fix the problem. The kit may include some tape or epoxy tape. The epoxy type, however, is more preferable. However, this is only a temporary fix. Other products used to fix a leaking muffler are sheet aluminum and hose clamps and some miracle paint used along with a mesh fiberglass cloth.

3. I just gave my car some wash and noticed that the muffler seems to be hanging low. When I took a close look, I found a rusted bracket. What would be a good fix for now? I can’t take the car to an auto mechanic yet.

You may use a galvanized pipe strap, wrapping it around the muffler and through the hanger. Seal it with a bolt and some washers.

4. Is it okay to clean the insides of the muffler? Is this safe? Mine looks dirty, so I’m wondering if I can have it all cleaned up even inside the pipes.

It would be best if you don’t clean the inner parts of the muffler to avoid causing problems such as rust and corrosion. This may limit the shelf life of the muffler. When cleaning this exhaust part, just focus on the outer parts.

5. How can I remove the excess dirt on the muffler? How can I get rid of the soot on the exterior? What would be a good cleaning material to use for this, and how can I keep it from looking dull?

Use a lint-free cloth. Make sure that it’s clean and dry. Wipe off the soot and dirt on the muffler using the rag. After cleaning the muffler, you may apply some metal polish to restore its shine. See to it that the polish you’ll use is for the right material, such as aluminum or chrome, for instance. Just rub lightly until the surface is smooth, clean, and shiny.

6. I’ve already wiped off the excess grime on the muffler. However, there’s still some grease. I also found some stains. How can I remove these?

Pour a teaspoon of dishwashing soap into a bucket of warm water. With this cleaning solution, you may get rid of excess grease and stains. You may use a pad for scrubbing if the grease and stain won’t come off easily. However, you should be careful enough not to leave behind scratches or rough spots that may expose the bare metal or lead to corrosion in the pipe.

7. Is it possible for the internal parts of the muffler to be plugged? I’ve never really heard of it. I had my friend take a look at my muffler since, on a couple of occasions, it popped off the pipe. It’s been causing trouble from time to time. When he took a closer look, he said that it gets a little too hot. He said that the muffler is probably clogged.

There could be clogging in the exhaust if the vehicle seems underpowered. Because of the blockage, it could be that there isn’t much exhaust gas coming out. A muffler can also be plugged if there are collapsed internals and its temperature seems to be off the charts than usual. If the muffler often comes off and you experience below the standard car performance, especially in terms of power, it would be best to have this checked by a certified mechanic. Proper diagnosis is needed to fix the problem with the exhaust right away before it turns into a serious one.

Since they are made of metal, mufflers become rusty over time. This is the reason why it is one of the most replaced vehicle components. Replacing a worn out muffler is important because the function of this part is to lessen the noise created by the engine. You don't want your car to sound like a farm tractor. Often, bad mufflers are easy to diagnose, your vehicle simply becomes noisier. However, in some cases the signs may not be as easily noticeable. A closer inspection will be necessary to check if rust has started eating up its vital parts. If you're up to the task of replacing your Ford muffler, here are some simple DIY steps to guide you:

Required skill level: Intermediate

Needed tools and materials

1. Needed tools and materials
2. Safety gloves
3. Jack and safety stand
4. Penetrating fluid/lubricant
5. Hammer or wrench
6. Automotive cleaner
7. Socket set
8. Replacement muffler

Preparing for the task

Begin the job by raising the car using a lift, floor jack or ramps. As a precaution, you should never work under a car that is supported only by a jack.

Locating the muffler

Find the muffler-it is connected to the body of the vehicle with rubber muffler hangers bolted on the car's exhaust system.

Lubricating the muffler bolts

If the muffler bolts are already rusted, it may be hard to loosen and remove them. You can fix this by spraying the bolts with penetrating fluid or lubricant. Tap on the flanges of bolts with a hammer or wrench to allow the fluid to seep into the corrosion and do its job. If the rust is severe, you can let the fluid sit for 24 hours to let the lubricant thoroughly soak in.

Removing the old muffler

To remove the old muffler, you need to pull it free from the hangers using your hands. A floor jack will help lessen the tension on the muffler, allowing you to do so. Unbolt the muffler and remove, ensuring that it's balanced to avoid dropping it. When you lower the muffler, the gaskets that secure the exhaust sections should come loose. Otherwise, tap with a hammer or wrench to dislodge.

Preparing for re-installation

Before installing a new muffler, you should clean the mating surfaces using an automotive cleaner and a clean rag. You should also add a slack in the muffler hanger brackets by unscrewing the bolts that hold them in place.

Installing the new muffler

To install a new muffler, begin by balancing it on a floor jack. Lift the muffler until it can be easily fastened onto the front part of the exhaust system. Once it is in place, screw in the new nuts and bolts provided. It is not advisable to use the old hardware with the new muffler. Also, don't forget to reattach the replacement gaskets between the exhaust sections before securing everything. Raise the new muffler to as high as you can without crushing it against the underside of your car. Slowly slide the new hangers on top of the mounting brackets. Start lowering the floor jack until the muffler is at the right height. Tighten the bolts to firmly mount the new muffler to the body. You can now take out the floor jack.

Testing and examining for leaks

To check for leaks, start the vehicle and inspect the attachment point for leaks by feeling around it for any sign of air rushing out. If you find a leak, check the tension on the bolts. If they are tightly attached, the problem may be in the gaskets. In this case you may have to remove the exhaust and reinstall again. If everything works fine, shut off the car and lower it.