Exhaust Heat Shield...Help!

[DETarch]

I've got a question concerning the heat shield above the muffler...I'd take a picture of it, but it's been raining non stop around here, so I hope someone knows what I'm referring to (it might also provide sound insulation?)...it's the thin metal "pan" that sits above the stock muffler.

Anyway, mine came loose and was sitting on top of the muffler. I managed to reattach it to its mounts, but it came off again. It doesn't seem to be doing any damage, but if vibrates against the muffler at idle and I can hear it rattle around occasionally.

I might get under the truck once the rain clears up and try to attach it more securely, but if that doesn't work, would anything be harmed by just removing it?

Thanks in advance for any help, it's driving me crazy!

 

[T4RBoarder]

I don't know about the 4th gens but they just removed the heat shields on our land cruiser....that was two years ago and no problems at all.

 

[Kmvreter]

I posted a thread previously about this. I had the same thing happen late last year. I got it partially reattached by using larger fender washers because the holes in the shield wore open. It's a pain to get to all 4 attachments. I'll do the rest when the weather clears.

 

[Will816]

I've got a question concerning the heat shield above the muffler...I'd take a picture of it, but it's been raining non stop around here, so I hope someone knows what I'm referring to (it might also provide sound insulation?)...it's the thin metal "pan" that sits above the stock muffler.

Anyway, mine came loose and was sitting on top of the muffler. I managed to reattach it to its mounts, but it came off again. It doesn't seem to be doing any damage, but if vibrates against the muffler at idle and I can hear it rattle around occasionally.

I might get under the truck once the rain clears up and try to attach it more securely, but if that doesn't work, would anything be harmed by just removing it?

Thanks in advance for any help, it's driving me crazy!

Maybe since its winter you'll be okay without it, but I'd get it reattached when it starts warming up. Toyota obviously felt that it was worth spending the money to install them on every single 4Runner....