Removed heat shield above muffler/catalytic converter

[mrhifi]

I hope this pic comes through, I'm doing this from my ipad. I have an '04 and had the most annoying rattling going on. I went underneath my 4Runner and found that the material around all 4 bolts were corroded and the heat shield above the exhaust system was rattling around freely and was even rubbing against the driveshaft. The heat shield is approximately 16x24 inches, my size xl Mechanix gloces are shown next to it for reference. If the pic is visible, please advise me on whether or not I can count on whatever the heat shield was protecting not failing with this removed. It looks like I'd have to take a few things out of the way to put it (or another one) back on. Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated!

Ben

 

[t-man]

Have taken all but one of mine off as they all did the same thing and haven't had any issues so far. I have removed them on several vehicles I've owned without any issue.

 

[ebg18t]

I lost that shield ~50k miles ago. No issues.

 

[mrhifi]

Thanks to the both of you for your replies to this. I hope I have the same success without this heat shield.

 

[oljedi11950]

Can always use heat wrap if it gets warm thru the floor board , pretty easy to use . Used it on my urd y-pipe .

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Pretty much its designed to insulate the floorboard from the catalytic converter, so the passenger's toes may feel a little toastier than yours but if the converter is working properly it shouldn't be too bad.

 

[CookieRoe]

One of my heat shields is rattling bad at about 1000-1200 rpm. Not sure which one. But, I will NOT delete it, I'm hoping it can be resolved by replacing the mounting screws. I removed mine from my 3rd gen Surf and the floor got very hot. Hated that on long trips.

 

[Scoobs]

Mine fell down at one end onto the driveshaft. I found some washers that were larger than the holes in the heat shield and bolted it back up again. That lasted for about a year and a half until it corroded through again. Took it off for good back in June.

 

[SSt4r]

Exactly. I use fender washers on the bolts and they've been holding up fine (so far).

 

[Gdmeadors]

Glad I live in Oregon where the roads are not salted and the cars are rust free. When shopping for my 4Runner I was interested in 2007 Limited until I looked under it. It had serious rust everywhere so I passed. It had spent it's early years in NY.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I had removed all of the heat shields on my 03 because they all broke loose and rattled at different times, never had any issues.

 

[Skinfaxi]

The primary intent for heat shields on the catalytic converter are to keep heat IN the cat, not out of the cabin. For emissions purposes, the catalyst needs to heat up as fast as possible. Temperature makes a massive difference on how effectively it can convert CO, NOX, etc. Thus, the heat shield on top to help warm it up on a cold start and keep it at operating temp.

 

[Bftfan]

Exactly. I use fender washers on the bolts and they've been holding up fine (so far).

Did the same thing. Still working great.

 

[DC runner]

I used all metal, non painted hangers to make full body holders for both. No problems since.

I imagine it does keep some heat redirected down from the cabin.