heat shield above muffler Topic is solved

[Clemens]

the heatshield above the muffler came loose and is rattling. grrr! i saw a rusted off bolt falling from top off thw muffler as i shook it. is that heatshield necessary? if not, has anyone removed it without removing the exhaust? my exhaust is still good so i'd like not too touch it too much

[SuperHerman]

I had a similar problem on one of my old Volvos. If it is only one spot, you can try replacing with new hardware and a large washer.

If it is too far gone, what I did was coat the heatshield where it contacts the exhaust with high temp RTV and also put some on the exhaust for good measure. This is used to create a cushion to prevent rattle - high temp RTV will survive the heat and I had it lying around. I actually used an old tube that was dried up near the tip and just cut it open and applied with a gloved finger. Put it to good use before the trash. Then I used some scrap copper wire 4-5 feet in length from some Romax electrical cable, with the plastic shielding removed, and wrapped it tight around the exhaust and heat shield. Took another piece and came back the other direction. It has held up without rattle or issue for three years per the current owner.

Some have pulled it without issue, but it is there for a reason.

[scot850]

Just think ABS module................

Neil.

[Rattnalle]

My front one came loose. Though it came loose in all fittings. I just removed it and drove on. It could be pried out with a bit of finesse and a bit of force.

[xHeart]

This may help viewtopic.php?f=1&t=61022

[Clemens]

Just think ABS module................

Neil.

resolder the pins? interesting approach. I'll let my indie burn himself.
in the meantime I will try rtv.

[Rattnalle]

I had a similar problem on one of my old Volvos. If it is only one spot, you can try replacing with new hardware and a large washer.

If it is too far gone, what I did was coat the heatshield where it contacts the exhaust with high temp RTV and also put some on the exhaust for good measure. This is used to create a cushion to prevent rattle - high temp RTV will survive the heat and I had it lying around. I actually used an old tube that was dried up near the tip and just cut it open and applied with a gloved finger. Put it to good use before the trash. Then I used some scrap copper wire 4-5 feet in length from some Romax electrical cable, with the plastic shielding removed, and wrapped it tight around the exhaust and heat shield. Took another piece and came back the other direction. It has held up without rattle or issue for three years per the current owner.

Some have pulled it without issue, but it is there for a reason.

If you strap it to the exhaust a big part of the reason, the distance between them, is gone.

I drove 40' km or so without mine and didn't notice a difference. Perhaps it does more good in hot climates though.

[SuperHerman]

The proper repair would be to rip out the interior, drill out the studs and replace them as well as the shield. Too much work and the fuel tank may be there. Not sure on OP's make, model and layout.

OP post a picture of your issue and maybe a crafty solution can be developed.

From what I have read, and I don't know if it is correct, these shields are there to protect the under-body from heat damage which may occur if the car is left running for too long with limited (no) air flow. In this case, if the above picture is correct, it looks like the gas tank is there.

[Clemens]

it is a 96 R. the gas tank is behind the rear axle. the muffler and shield are in front of the axle, right under the rear seat. as of now the rtv is drying. tomorrow i will take it for a spin and see if that did the job. otherwise i might try again with way more rtv. if that doesn't help i will have to use my indie's lift and his skills to take off the exhause and weld it back on. or finally go big and get a TME exhaust and maybe a downpipe...

[xHeart]

FWIW viewtopic.php?f=1&t=52421