Heat Shields

[mcxstar01]

The two exhaust heat shields on drivers side (practically under the car from where the driver sits) are loose. I've tried using pieces of coat hanger to secure them and clamp them down tight but they continue to rattle.

I guess I could go out and get some hose clamps too if I really want to try and get them tight.

Any of you guys have a solution for this? Will it do any harm just taking them off (as they loosen on there own)?

[kramer]

Yep, had the same problem. Go buy metal hose clamps and fix it proper. I think the diameter is no more than about 2.5"

[slavabon]

Same issue on my 06 at 32K. New hose clamps took care of it. Just the old rusty ones off and put some new clamps on. I would do all of them at once, otherwise you will be back under your truck in no time.

[trance34]

Nissan says that they just cut them off when they rattle. I live in IL, if I put a metal hose clamps on they will be rusted off after a winter. I went the Nissan way and just took them off.

[myriad46]

Aren't there stainless steel hose clamps?

[trance34]

I'm not sure, but even if there are why waste the money?

[myriad46]

...because heat shields serve a purpose. Ever parked in tall grass? Epoxy garage floors? Just a thought.

[kramer]

The heat shields sit above the pipe, not below it

They're there to protect the underbody, not the ground.

[myriad46]

I would imagine they'r even more important then. I'm just happy they don't ping like the ones on my 04 Sentra. The damn thing sounded like a popcorn machine after you parked it on a summer day.

[kramer]

Mine were rattling like crazy... I put two metal hose clamps on the offending parts and it took care of it. If it rusts away over the winter I'll spend another $3 in the spring and do it again. No big deal, less than 5 bucks and 5 minutes of work.

[trance34]

If they were really that important why would Nissan's answer to fixing them being to take them off? To each his own, I've taken them off most all my vehicles as they start to rust away or start rattling. Replacing the clamps would work also.

[mcxstar01]

When I had my old '94 pathfinder I ended up taking off the heat shields as the existing clamps rusted out and the shields began to rattle.

But for my '05 I was fortunate enough to get a bunch of stainless hose clamps for free (which worked great) so problem solved!