Hey guys, my exhaust heat shield is rattling like a mother f*&%$#!
Is it safe to drive without one? im thinking about just taking thr whole thing off. thanks

 

Yeah...in fact, almost everyone does. Look at the various picture threads...you very rarely see people that still have them on unless their cars are stock.

 

thanks a lot. i just got that thing off. now lets see if something is still rattling!

 

mine rattles like hell, but i don't care. not for now anyway. too many other things to fix, lol.

 

i still have a rattle. maybe the exhaust pipes themselves are vibrating?

 

Does it vibrate when it idles or as you start to accelerate?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kt_7kUHvHU

Here is a clip posted by a guy who had a rattling problem in his Prelude...it ended up being the Auto-Tensioner...AUTO-TENSIONER plays a role in controlling tension of the timing belt, which conveys power to the cam shaft, crank shaft, and oil pump shaft.
timing of engine ignition time, intake-exhaust valve switch time, and fuel injection time effect the tension change of the belt that conveys power. Therefore, the function is very important, and it is an essential component, which gives off noises, belt vibration and endurance improvement function.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gq9G...x=0&playnext=1

^^This clip is of a 3000GT with engine knocking...Engine knocking refers to the metallic sound an engine can produce when pressure is applied to the gas pedal. The noise may be a hollow knocking sound or it can be more of a rattling-type sound—in either case, it's not a sound you want to hear...common problems that cause these sounds are: incorrect combustion processes, internal mechanical problems, defective main crank shaft bearings, worn water pump bearing, loose timing belt tensioner, alternator with loose bearings, etc.

 

i get a rattle at 3k rpms. i checked the heat shield behind the cat and made sure nothing was touching. no good. could it be the exhaust heat shield thats right in front of you when you pop the hood?

 

Yeah...it could be...and it's safe to take that heat shield off.

 

only as i start to accelerate....
could if be something loose in the cat?

 

i'll have to check this tomorrow.

 

I actually had a cat and the honey comb **** inside of it broke all apart and was rattling around in there. It was annoying as hell

 

An exhaust leak can cause a vibration sound. I had the same problem, the noise was present at about 3000RPM or when shifting.