Alright, so I've posted this problem before with a little help, but I'll try to be more thorough with my explanation of my problem because I haven't solved it yet. This is a little long, but please bear with me...

Problem #1: Emissions Failure

I own a 1992 Civic EX Sedan and live in NJ. A couple of months back I failed for emissions with a high NOx reading. So I seafoamed my engine through the brake booster line, set the timing to stock, changed the oil, plugs, fuel filter and air filter (K&N drop-in). My NOx reading improved to 1514. (1372 is standard.) I had recently had a new catback exhaust put on at a muffler shop and they said they thought the catalytic converter was good, so I decided the oxygen sensor was the culprit (I installed a new Denso oxygen sensor.)

When I changed the sensor, I had to remove the exhaust manifold to get the old sensor out. (the sensor was probably original.. it was incredibly difficult to get out.) When I put everything back together, I used the old exhaust manifold gasket. (probably should have used a new one, but I forgot to get one.) So I took it to be reinspected, and these were the readings:

NOx - 2612
HC - 104
CO% - .52

My NOx reading went up with the new sensor! One difference is that I didn't warm up the car as much as I did the previous time. I'm guessing the car needs a new catalytic converter. My local muffler shop uses Eastern brand catalytic converters and I was thinking I should just have them put one of those in. My question is, would I be better off ordering a Carsound or Catco direct fit and just installing it myself, or should I just have the shop use the Eastern brand they use? Also, could the (old) exhaust gasket be a problem? Would running sea-foam through my crankcase help? Any suggestions on this exhaust issue are greatly appreciated...


Problem #2: Brakes.

My car also failed for Brake Balance.

These two issues are highlighted as follows:

FRONT AXLE
One or more wheels locked during the test.
Passed

REAR AXLE
Difference left/right axle excessive.


Also highlighted is a diagram of my rear driver-side brakes at 50%, and my rear passenger-side at about 5%. (I think the pads are fine, though.) My front brakes appear fine (100%) in the diagram. I think I should just take this stuff into the shop as I'm not too experienced at working on brakes, but what is this problem and how is it solved?


Sorry for the post being so long, and thanks again for any input,

Bill.

 

bump