You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access
to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to start new topics, reply to conversations, privately message other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join RX8Club.com today!
I had this strange rattle noise coming from under my 8 when releasing clutch and hitting around 3000rpm. At first I though it was just some loose screw somewhere.
Took it to dealer and was told (and shown) the nightmare: the heat shield around exhaust/cat was all rusted and had practically been corroded into two pieces.
The dealer quoted 3.5K for repair, apparently they want me to replace the whole exhaust/cat system. I was 5 months out of rust warranty, called MNAO and no go, quoting that there is nothing wrong with the car, it is the salt on the road to blame...WTF, I have been doing my oil change and maintenance at the dealer since I got the car, and no one ever informed me that there is rust there...so much for the "360 full cycle check"....
Is there anything else I can do to get rid of this noise without replacing the whole exhaust/cat? There is nothing wrong with exhaust/cat, just that the external heat shield is corroded. Can I just replace the heat shield?
Any thoughts?
Thanks all.
This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members. Register your free account today and become a member on RX8Club.com!
have you tried going to a local exhaust shop for some recommendations? Not sure if you posted a pic as my work may have blocked it, so I cannot see the damage.
This is a VERY common occurrence. The crazy heat makes them rust.
VERY simple fix: go to home depot and buy two large (maybe 1-inch wide?) hose clamps, at least 18 inches long.
Make sure the engine and exhaust are COLD - the car should be off for at least 2 hours. Jack up one side, and use 2 jack stands for safety. Wrap each hose clamp around the heat shield and the piping all together, one towards each end of the shield, and tighten them down really tight. The shield will still work effectively, and it will no longer rattle.
I've done this fix on my rx8, and a friend's miata. Works like a charm. It won't last forever, but certainly for another 10,000 - 20,000 miles. Then you can just do it again if needed.
__________________
"We've got enthusiasts here. We've got hobbyists here. We've got engine builders here. We've got poor people. We've got rich people. Most importantly we've got the best resource of rotary people on the planet and there is very little that hasn't been imagined, talked about, discussed, or improved here. Changes have also been made as a result of our discussions. Give us a bit more credit. We aren't the Civic forum." -RotaryGod
it's also bullshit that they want you to pay $3k for a replacement cat, when then catalytic converter itself the expensive part) is fine. They just suggest that because there's no way for them to replace only the shield.
__________________
"We've got enthusiasts here. We've got hobbyists here. We've got engine builders here. We've got poor people. We've got rich people. Most importantly we've got the best resource of rotary people on the planet and there is very little that hasn't been imagined, talked about, discussed, or improved here. Changes have also been made as a result of our discussions. Give us a bit more credit. We aren't the Civic forum." -RotaryGod
Depending on what has corroded you can fix it differently. If it is just the hole around the bolt...a big washer will work...otherwise there are strip clamps or even wire that you can use..
Dealers have limited options to jury-rig things like DIY or muffler shops can
Peekaboooo Just don't park on any tall dead grass and you should be fine. I think a guy on these forums did drive over a garbage bag blowing in the road and it got stuck to his cat and caught on fire. (don't remember if that was this forum or another)
Just be careful and you will be fine. If you still have the shield Peekaboo you can always reattach it with those hose clamp method. Or using a old metal close hanger.
Thanks for the advice Gopherage. When this heatshield was rattling I was quite worried about it, and then one day it just fell off. I do have a new upper and lower shield, but I never put it on, I think I'll put it on now after hearing about the hazard.
I had a similar issue. The dealership simply removed it. Said it wash't really required.
Our Infiniti had a similar problem. I ripped off the shields also. I notice a significant increase in cabin heat and I could even feel it from the exterior coming through the windows at a stop. I used the hose clamp method to put it back.
I can't imagine how noticeable the heat increase would be with our 1700*F EGT... It's already horrid with the heatshield.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by ToothFairy
"glory hole of fields... glory hole of fields" haha wtf??
isn't a glory hole where a ***** pops out at you from a hole in the wall?
Rattle under car: Heat Shield corrosion
a lot of cool dudes will answer your questions accordingly 
)
Linear Mode
