How important is this heat shield?

DarthYota

DarthYota

Member
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 :laugh:

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/F5QVCRa" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/F5QVCRa">4runner exhaust heat shield</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
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DarthYota said:
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 :laugh:

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/F5QVCRa" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/F5QVCRa">4runner exhaust heat shield</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Click to expand...
Is there any way you can put some bolts with washers on each side and nuts to re-secure it?
 
No hurry

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.
 
Saker said:
Is there any way you can put some bolts with washers on each side and nuts to re-secure it?
Click to expand...

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 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.
 
I don't think Toyota would develop, build and install something that is not essential. I would get some stainless or aluminum fender washers and reinstall it with existing nuts that are probably still on studs under there.
 
Were are the cops when these turds are driving 100mph?
167,146,272.9726 ft-lbs of force at impact.
 
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Thought I would check in for an update. Over the last two weeks I lost the same heat shield and a much larger one that was above the muffler. Looks like the exhaust would need to come off in order to reinstall both pieces. Did you get yours fixed or go without? Thank you!
 
I had this heat shield fall off both my 4th gens and never had an issue. It certainly does rattle like nothing else when it's loose, ugh
 
SparkyWalnuts said:
Thought I would check in for an update. Over the last two weeks I lost the same heat shield and a much larger one that was above the muffler. Looks like the exhaust would need to come off in order to reinstall both pieces. Did you get yours fixed or go without? Thank you!
Click to expand...
The one over my muffler ended up resting on my driveshaft. That wasn't a good noise cruising down the highway. That one, and every other one that has come loose gets ripped off and not replaced. No issues years later.

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