I have a Pathfinder and the heat shield is causing a rattle when the vehicle is idle. A co-worker who also has a Pathfinder said he just ripped his off because it's not necessary.
2007-09-10 04:04:10 · 5 answers · asked by dullerd 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Catalytic converter shield?
I have torn off many heat shields while working on cars. I have never had an issue. But - in theory - you could have some. First scenario: if you ever go 4-wheeling in tall, dry grass, it is reported that you may be able to set the grass on fire. This is allegedly more prevalent if you have been driving hard, then park in said grass. Another scenario: say you have a rear transmission seal leaking. The oil will be spun about by the drive shaft, effectively coating the underside of the truck. With out a heat shield, you could run the danger of fire. Both of these scenarios are rare indeed, and usually can only occur if the engine is not tuned properly, which, in turn, would cause your cat to run extra hot. I have seen them actually glowing red from overheating.
In closing, I think that keeping the shield on is to your benefit. The auto manufacturers would not waste resources installing an item on a vehicle if they did not think that their asses could be on the line (i.e. undercarriage fires cooking people).
If you go to a plumbing supply store you can get some 4" worm clamps. Splice 2 or 3 together and it can be enough to wrap all the way around the shield, stopping any rattles and still retain the integrity of the shield itself. It is easy and cheap.
2007-09-10 04:25:02 · answer #1 · answered by kfhaggerty 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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heat shields have a purpose but its not an important one, i have build 4 honda's and have taken the heat shields off. i have worked in the automotive repair industry for 5 years now and when some one complained about the shield rattling we gave them 2 options pay the labor to but it up or pull it down for free. the heat shield can be torn down and it wont affect anything just leave the section up by the gas tank.
2016-04-08 07:58:55 · answer #2 · answered by Bonnie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heat shield: necessary.
Too many reasons to list but as previously suggested, there are many ways to address the rattle/vibration issue while maintaining this important piece of equipment in place.
Good luck.
2007-09-10 04:41:31 · answer #3 · answered by ken erestu 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is A Heat Shield Necessary
2017-02-27 03:48:34 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's not necessary, auto makers certainly aren't going to waste the $ on design and installation, are they?
2007-09-10 04:11:11 · answer #5 · answered by Trump 2020 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋