Replacing The Fuel Neck Grommet On Your 1995 Ford Mustang

The fuel filler neck grommet in a 1995 Ford Mustang is prone to deterioration and leaks over time, which can cause fuel leaks or a strong gas odour. This is because the factory rubber components are not built to last and will eventually need to be replaced. The grommet is located on the outside of the gas tank, on the same side as the fuel door, and holds the filler tube in place. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to replace the fuel neck grommet in a 1995 Ford Mustang.

Disconnect the negative battery terminal

Disconnecting the negative battery terminal on a 1995 Ford Mustang is a straightforward task, but it is important to follow the correct steps to ensure safety and avoid any potential hazards. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, locate the negative battery terminal. It is typically marked with a "-" symbol and is usually black in colour. The terminal will be connected to the negative post on the battery.

Once you have located the negative terminal, you will need to disconnect it from the battery. Before beginning this process, make sure you are wearing appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.

To disconnect the terminal, you will need to loosen the nut or bolt that secures the cable to the battery post. You can do this using a suitable wrench or socket. Make sure to loosen it enough so that you can easily remove the cable, but be careful not to strip the threads on the bolt or nut.

After loosening the connection, simply remove the cable from the battery post. Be cautious not to let the cable touch any metal parts of the car, as this could potentially cause a short circuit.

Once the cable is disconnected, you may need to tie it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. This can be done using zip ties or another suitable method. Ensure that the cable cannot move and accidentally touch the battery terminal or any metal surfaces.

Now that the negative battery terminal has been successfully disconnected, you can proceed with the next steps in your project, such as replacing the fuel neck grommet. Remember to exercise caution and follow safety protocols throughout the entire process.

It is important to note that working with car batteries can be dangerous if not done properly. Always refer to your vehicle's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the process, it is best to consult a qualified mechanic or seek advice from a trusted source.

Loosen lugs on the passenger rear tire

To loosen the lugs on the passenger rear tire of your 1995 Ford Mustang, you'll need to follow these steps:

Firstly, make sure you have the necessary tools, including a lug wrench or tire iron. It's also recommended to have some penetrating oil or rust remover/blaster, and a breaker bar, cheater bar, or a length of pipe that can fit over the end of your wrench for additional leverage.

Before you begin, make sure your car is parked on level ground and engage the parking brake. For added safety, you can also place wheel chocks around the tires that will remain on the ground. Now, follow these steps:

• Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
• Loosen the lugs on the passenger rear tire by placing the lug wrench on the lug and turning it in the counter-clockwise direction. If the lugs are too tight, you may need to use some of the techniques described below.
• Once the lugs are loosened, you can proceed to raise the car using a jack and place it on jack stands. Ensure the car is securely supported before proceeding.
• Remove the passenger rear tire by fully loosening and removing the lugs.
• Continue with the remaining steps to replace the fuel neck grommet, following the instructions provided in the sources.

If you encounter tight lug nuts that are difficult to loosen, here are some techniques you can try:

• Use a breaker bar, cheater bar, or a length of pipe: Place it over the end of your lug wrench to gain more leverage. This extra leverage will help you apply more force to loosen the tight lug nuts.
• Apply penetrating oil or rust remover: If rust is the issue, apply a penetrating oil or rust remover, such as PB Blaster, to the nut and stud threads. Let it sit for a while, and then try again with the lug wrench.
• Use a rubber mallet or hammer: If you don't have access to a breaker bar or pipe, try using a rubber mallet or hammer. Carefully apply short, controlled strikes to the handle of the lug wrench to generate additional force.
• Impact gun or wrench: An impact gun or wrench can provide enough torque to remove tight lug nuts, but be cautious as using the wrong size or type can cause damage.
• Cheater Wrench: This is a specialized torque multiplier lug wrench that makes removing stubborn lug nuts easier. It attaches to the target nut and can be turned by hand, providing ample leverage to loosen tight nuts.

Raise the car and put it on jack stands

To raise your car and put it on jack stands, start by parking your car on a flat, level surface, such as a garage or a flat driveway. Engage the parking brake and place chocks or wheel wedges around each wheel if you're lifting the back end of the car. If you're lifting the front, chock the back wheels, and vice versa.

Next, locate an area underneath your car to place your floor jack. Use a hydraulic floor jack for the safest lift. Slide the jack underneath so the arm is underneath the frame of your car or at a lift point. You can consult your car's manual to determine the best place to jack it.

Once your car is in position, start cranking the handle up and down to lift your car off the ground. Raise it so the tires are 2-3 inches off the ground. Be careful not to lift your car higher than necessary, as this could be unstable.

Now you can place the jack stands. These should be placed underneath the pinch points of your car, which are located on the sides of the vehicle, behind the front tires or in front of the rear tires. Slide the jack stands in from the side and line up the divot with the part of the pinch point that extends down. If your car doesn't have pinch points, place the stands underneath the frame.

Adjust the height of the jack stand if necessary. If you have an adjustable stand, lift the top until it touches the pinch point, then secure it in place with the attached safety pin. This step is crucial for your safety, so don't skip it or try to adjust the height later.

Slowly lower your car onto the jack stand by turning the lever on your floor jack counterclockwise. The jack stand will now support the weight of your car, allowing you to safely work underneath it. Finally, give your car a small nudge to make sure it's sturdy and doesn't move. If it does, try placing the jack stand in a different position.

Remove the right rear wheel

To remove the right rear wheel of a 1995 Ford Mustang, follow these steps:

First, disconnect the negative battery terminal. Loosen the lugs on the passenger rear tire. Then, raise the car and place it on jack stands, removing the rear tire.

Now, remove the 8mm screw attached to the fuel tank; this screw has a bracket attached to the filler tube. Next, remove the four 8mm screws attached to the top of the filler neck.

At this point, you can remove the two T-15 screws and the fuel door. Then, remove the two T-15 screws with rubber stops, and the three 8mm screws inside the fuel door cavity.

Finally, inside the trunk, remove the passenger-side trunk liner.

Please note, this is a general guide and it is always best to refer to your car's manual or seek professional advice for car maintenance and repairs.

Remove the 8mm bolt holding the filler tube in place

To remove the 8mm bolt holding the filler tube in place, you will first need to disconnect the negative battery terminal. Loosen the lugs on the passenger rear tire and raise the car, placing it on jack stands and removing the rear tire.

The 8mm bolt is attached to the fuel tank and has a bracket attached to the filler tube. Removing this bolt will allow you to wiggle the filler tube out of the fuel tank. It is important to be careful during this process to avoid any of the gasket falling into the tank.

Frequently asked questions