How to Replace the Guibo on an XR4Ti

The Merkur XR4Ti was a U.S. and Canadian version of Europe's Ford Sierra XR4i. The vehicle was only sold in the United States for a brief period, from 1985 to 1989. The guibo on the Merkur is a flexible coupler that is located between the drive shaft and the transmission output shaft. This coupler, which is made of hard rubber discs, helps to dampen vibrations while the drive train transfers power from the transmission to the rear differential. Over time, the guibo can become cracked or damaged and may need to be replaced.

Instructions

1

Park the Merkur on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.

2

Jack up the rear end of the Merkur and set jack stands under the rear frame. Lower the car squarely onto the jack stands.

3

Remove the exhaust retainer clip from the bottom of the transmission with the socket set.

4

Remove the bolts from the exhaust flanges at the front of the transmission. Disconnect the oxygen sensor wires attached to the exhaust by hand, by unplugging the wiring harnesses.

5

Remove the muffler clamps with the socket set and lower the muffler and catalytic converter assembly to the ground.

6

Remove the bolts holding the flex coupler, or guibo, in place on the transmission with the socket set.

7

Remove the two rear drive-shaft bearing nuts. Lower the drive shaft and then remove the bolts holding the old coupler, or guibo. Fit the new one in place, insert the bolts and then tighten them. Raise the drive shaft back up with one hand and then replace the rear drive-shaft bearing nuts. Tighten these nuts with the socket set.

8

Slip the other end of the guibo onto the transmission and then tighten these bolts with the socket set.

9

Lift the muffler back up and install the muffle clamp.

10

Replace the bolts from the exhaust flanges at the front of the transmission and tighten them with the socket set. Also reconnect the oxygen sensor wiring harness.

11

Replace the exhaust retainer clip from the bottom of the transmission with the socket set.

12

Jack the rear end of the Merkur up eight inches and remove the jack stands. Lower the Merkur down from the jack.