Removal And Installation: Muffler: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support the vehicle.
Support the exhaust system with a suitable jack stand.

Fig 1: Supporting Exhaust System
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the left side rear suspension control arm(s). For additional information, refer to REAR .
Remove the nuts and separate the three-way converter from the dual converter Y-pipe. Discard the gasket.

Fig 2: Removing Dual Converter Y-Pipe
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: To ease the removal and installation of the exhaust components, lubricate insulators using Silicone Lubricant Aerosol F5AZ-19553-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M13P4-A.

Fig 3: Detaching Exhaust Hanger Insulators From Exhaust

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Detach the exhaust hanger insulators from the exhaust and remove the muffler and three-way catalytic converter from the vehicle.
Install the muffler pipe into a vise and remove the clamp. While heating the muffler pipe, separate the three-way catalytic converter from the muffler pipe.