So drove from DC to Crystal Coast NC...about a 6-hour drive. There was a stretch where I hit 100mph. Upon arrival, there was an awful racket under the truck. Didnt seem to be functional though so drove back.

Today I was able to get under the car and found that the heat shield that sits above the exhaust pipe on the right rear had completely broken loose and was resting on the exhaust pipe. I was able to shimmy it out. Guessing the force of air at 100mph probably broke it loose. It's aluminum so no apparent corrosion.

It's obviously there for a reason, but how important is it?

I have a 3 hour drive to the beach tomorrow and then back next weekend. I'm sure I'm ok to make that drive but I'm wondering if this is something I even need to bother replacing at all or if I'm going to blow up driving down the road at some point because of heat damage

4runner exhaust heat shield

Mine came off as well, never thought about replacing it. You are right, it does make quite a racket.

might matter when summer is in full swing again.. if you got it just put it back on

Rusty cover looking thing fell off undercarriage

Heat shields falling off

dont think summer temps have any effect on how hot the exhaust is getting

Is there any way you can put some bolts with washers on each side and nuts to re-secure it?

When driving there is plenty of airflow to keep the area cool. But I would get it reinstalled bc stop n go traffic will cause things to get hot.

good point and living in DC metro area that's pretty regular!

I supposed I could. It took a bit to get it out so I wonder if I would have to drop the catback to get it on. If that's the case wondering if the ROI is worth it.

If Toyota could save a penny by NOT installing something that wasn't deemed necessary, they would. Personally, I would reinstall with washers, etc. Or replace it.

I’ve been without mine for almost 2 years, you will have no issues running without it.


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why wouldn't it when the exhaust heat is rising into the cabin or maybe wait til after winter to install and use it as temp seat or feet warmers?

I’ve also been without two of the shields for a few years now (also in DC) with no apparent issues. I think you’ll be good. Cheers


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When I think of heat shields, I think of the space shuttle Columbia (obviously a terrible tragedy).
Point is, if you have it, no reason not to out it back on. Toyota would not have spent the money engineering it, if it was not needed or beneficial. Its not a cosmetic part, so it does serve a function.

Only rattles, been with out for years. Don’t miss it.