1992 Ford E-150 Van, apparently exhaust system is shot -- catalytic converter

Question:

1992 Ford E-150 Van, apparently exhaust system is shot -- catalytic converter all the way back. How much should that cost to repair?

Answer:

The price can vary from dealerships to independent shops.

Just to replace the Catalytic converter the book says approx. $800-$1200. Adding a muffler and pipe will add approx. $200 - $300 to this price. The catalytic converter ranges in price from $650-$975 Labor for the Catalytic converter replacement is $200-$250.


Here is an alternative, Autozone sells a direct fit converter for $225. A tailpipe for $42, muffler for $37 and exhaust pipe for $108. Labor should be approx. $200-$300 for this job, but most shops will want to sell you the parts as that is part of their income stream.

getting a howling sound coming from the front end

Question:
2001 Dodge stratus se 3.0 and am getting a howling sound coming from the front end and a clicking noise when turning the wheel. i would like to know if anyone can give me some idea what the problem could be. Already Tried: looked to see if cv boot was ripped

Answer:
The howling sound is usually the hub bearing starting to go bad. In most cases you can drive down a straight road and swerve slightly left and then right and you will hear a change in pitch if the howling noise. I would recommend replacing both if this is the case.

Clicking noise when turning is caused by a cv half shaft going out(the boot does not have to be torn) or a hub bearing that has been making noise for a long time and neglected.

How do I change the Serpentine belt on a Ford Scorpio?

DRIVE BELTS

The tensioner used by Ford consists of a large clock spring wrapped around one bolt, engaging in an arm on which a pulley is mounted. Because the action of the spring is anticlockwise, when engaged the pulley pulls the drive belt at a pressure set by the spring. As the drive belt lengthens with wear, so the spring takes up the slack. Because of the constant tension drive belts last for years, but they should be checked regularly for signs of wear. The belt might become cracked across its width, normally in the grooved face, or it may become glazed or frayed in appearance.

NOTE: If the drivebelt tensioner(s) are in good order then they will swivel about the fulcrum bolt quite easily using only medium force. However, if the tensioners have corroded in place then considerable force may be required to release the tensioner - in this case additional leverage may be required and care used to avoid injury.