Exhaust heatshield

[ianmcv]

Hi all,
finally traced a rattling noise in the car today to the centre heatshield above the centre section of the exhaust. The aluminium plate has corroded through and fallen onto the exhaust. I tried to remove the nuts and ended up shearing the rear two studs off the subframe, great fun.
Has anyone else had this problem and how did you fix it? I was thinking that the easiest method would be to drill and tap the subframe and make up some large aluminium washers to refit the heat shield. Ideas anyone?

Regards

Ian

[Ian T]

I had the same problem, but only 1 side. The problem is because of of the metal being so thin & not a very wide washer on the nut.
What I did was wire brush the threads, spray some wd40 or similar on.
Then move the nut a small amount either way until it moves easily.
I only snapped 1 because I was too keen.
What you need to do then is get some wider flat washers to sit over the worn part to hold it all in position.

[ianmcv]

Tried the wire brush and WD40 route. Even tried running a die nut up the threads but still snapped them. Looks like I wil have to cut down on the wheatabix for breakfast.

Ian

[spoons]

I've just cut mine out !!!

[denzo]

Glad you found your rattle ... i posted the heatshield as a cause for my annoying rattle a few months ago.

Luckily my nuts were loose - I removed them and replaced with Stainless Steel Self Lockers with some nice washers.

Hope you get yours sorted