2000 Ford Taurus Muffler Noise

Tiny
KVANGOR
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 204,000 MILES
My car started making what I thought was a muffler noise even though I just had the muffler replaced. I could not figure out what the noise was until I noticed something hanging down below the car. There's what looks to be a shield or something hanging down on the exhaust pipe leading to the engine, just below the passenger side of the car. A friend told me it was a heat shield for the catalytic converter and that I should be able to just remove it completely. It's still attached by one bolt.

Does this sound like a heat shield for the catalytic converter and if so is it safe to just remove it? I imagine since it's there it wouldn't be safe to remove, but I just wanted to check. I'm not good with cars so I'm not sure what to do and don't want to spend a ton of money to have it looked at if it's not necessary.

Thank you in advance for any assistance!

Kevin
Wednesday, March 12th, 2008 AT 12:06 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
ED ARMES
  • MECHANIC
  • 129 POSTS
Yes it is the heat shield. Yes it can be removed. Question is, should it be removed? The heat shield serves as a buffer zone between the extremely hot converter and anything combustible. As long as you stay off the grass and other items, you should be alright.
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2008 AT 8:51 PM
Tiny
KVANGOR
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  • 2 POSTS
Thanks Ed, I appreciate your reply!

Will removing the heat shield cause any issues with the exhaust pipe? My car has 204,000 miles (80% highway), and I'm hoping it lasts at least a year or more if possible.

Do you have any idea how much a heat shield costs to replace?

Thanks again!

Kevin
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Thursday, March 13th, 2008 AT 8:29 AM
Tiny
ED ARMES
  • MECHANIC
  • 129 POSTS
Not sure you can buy just the heat shield alone. You can have the old one welded back on at a muffler shop fairly cheap.
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Thursday, March 13th, 2008 AT 10:38 AM

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