[gustophersmob]

Howdy!

About 4-5 years ago I repaired the heat shield above the muffler. 3 of the four mounting locations had rusted out. I was unable to loosen the factory nuts (and at least one of the posts itself started to turn when i tried. So I added a big washer and new nut on top of the old ones and it was fine. Well Sunday, the heat shield fell off. The one remaining factory mount and all 3 of my new ones had rusted. It fell off while driving so the heat shield itself got bent up, but I may be able to fix that.

Now I have a dilemma. Three of the holes on the exhaust shield are now about 1.5”+ in diameter, the nuts I added are now rusted on and there aren’t enough threads on those posts to add another but to the stack. If I take it to a dealer, the fact that one of the posts started to turn a few years ago worries me. I bet replacing the posts is a very expensive affair. I called a local (trusted) muffler shop and the guy on the phone told me to just drive it without it. I looked at where the shield is located and don’t see any wires or cables in that area. Just sheet metal for the floor under the third row seats. But I can’t imagine Toyota would spend the money to put a heat shield on there if it wasn’t needed.

So, what do you guys think is the best solution to this? Is it safe to drive without this shield?

 

[cougarhound]

Howdy!

About 4-5 years ago I repaired the heat shield above the muffler. 3 of the four mounting locations had rusted out. I was unable to loosen the factory nuts (and at least one of the posts itself started to turn when i tried. So I added a big washer and new nut on top of the old ones and it was fine. Well Sunday, the heat shield fell off. The one remaining factory mount and all 3 of my new ones had rusted. It fell off while driving so the heat shield itself got bent up, but I may be able to fix that.

Now I have a dilemma. Three of the holes on the exhaust shield are now about 1.5”+ in diameter, the nuts I added are now rusted on and there aren’t enough threads on those posts to add another but to the stack. If I take it to a dealer, the fact that one of the posts started to turn a few years ago worries me. I bet replacing the posts is a very expensive affair. I called a local (trusted) muffler shop and the guy on the phone told me to just drive it without it. I looked at where the shield is located and don’t see any wires or cables in that area. Just sheet metal for the floor under the third row seats. But I can’t imagine Toyota would spend the money to put a heat shield on there if it wasn’t needed.

So, what do you guys think is the best solution to this? Is it safe to drive without this shield?

I would just take it off and see what happens....But do not throw it away. I've used exhaust wrap around my cat before but I'm not sure if it traps water and accelerates rust.

Catalytic converters need to operate at a certain temp to stay clean. So while many people take them off and never have issues, it might accelerate the clogging of your cat. Also Toyotas seem to have oversensitive emission system that like to throw P0420 codes, which I suspect is because people are taking these heat shields off and the cat is not operating hot enough.

You can try patching it up with some sheet metal and rivets? Or learn some welding. Or call the exhaust guy back and tell him you'll pay him good money to do it.

 

[circus]

A picture would help. Sure something could be rigged up. I wouldn't try to run without it. Your not hanging the exhaust, just a piece of sheet metal so maybe a little wire will work fine.

 

[gustophersmob]

Thanks for the replies so far. I’ll try to get a pic as I think there is some confusion. It’s not the catalytic converter I’m referring to, but the heat shield that mounts to the vehicle body above the muffler.

it’s what the guy repairs at this link (the same repair method I used a few years ago that has failed now). It’s part number 6 in the diagram at this link.

How to Repair Toyota Sienna Rear Exhaust Heat Shield Rattle · Share Your Repair

How to Repair Toyota Sienna Rear Exhaust Heat Shield Rattle-- a detailed step-by-step tutorial, giving you the confidence to do it yourself!

www.shareyourrepair.com

 

[gustophersmob]

A picture would help. Sure something could be rigged up. I wouldn't try to run without it. Your not hanging the exhaust, just a piece of sheet metal so maybe a little wire will work fine.

unfortunately this mounts to the body so there’s no easy way to secure it with wire.

 

[BillG]

Drive without it. It's a 2005. Eventually, stuff like this rusts off, unless you live in the dry southwest. That said, if you REALLY want to get it back on there, find a welding shop. They can grind off the old posts, build up missing metal, weld on new posts and allow you to install a brand new (from the dealer) heat shield with properly sized holes. Alternately, they can just weld the heat shield in position. It's unlikely that you'll ever need to remove it in the future.

 

[circus]

unfortunately this mounts to the body so there’s no easy way to secure it with wire.

Just an idea. Mount it to the muffler. Could even shape the shield to only touch muffler under the clamp. Personally I'd weld new bolts onto the old mounts and use fender washers, I have a welder.

 

[cougarhound]

Just take it off. It doesn't get that hot.

 

[gustophersmob]

Yeah, I’m inclined to leave it off, and that’s what the muffler shop said to do. I just want to be sure I’m not going to set the van on fire doing that. I have 4 kids and it’s our primary people mover, so I don’t want to take a foolish risk.

 

[Therbi]

Its just 4 studs spot welded on there. A local exhaust shop could probably put it back on in about 15 minutes for minimal cash. Up to you which way you go but its not that difficult if you really want it back on.

 

[sixto]

Can you spray or glue high temp insulation to the body? Will that trap moisture?

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 207K miles

 

[cougarhound]

Can you spray or glue high temp insulation to the body? Will that trap moisture?

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 207K miles

Yea I wouldnt do that. That trunk floor surface looks uneven and will likely trap moisture. It will create rust holes on your trunk floor in a few years....The heat shield did not last. Just make sure there no wiring harnesses or anything that can melt laying too close to the muffler.

 

[edmonddragut_3609]

cut the bolts down, make holes and mount new rivet nuts. Most respectable auto shops have the possibility to mount you rivet bolts or nuts without structural, thermic ore other modification. they will apply after that rust protection and any kind of heat shield you want