I guess this has been asked before but I couldn't see how to search the forum.

Heat shields on my 2.0L Sport rattle...any reason why I can just remove them?

They help reduced heat radiation to other components & als help speed up cat function.

If real bad they could be removed & heat wrap ribbon installed as needed.

Link to thread below on subject as they easily resolved by packing out the shield mounts with stainless wire or heat wrap ribbon strips & perhaps spot of welding if stubborn

http://uk.subaruownersclub.com/forums/topic/4048-rattling-heat-shield/

Many thanks :-)

Something on my car has started rattling. Wonder if it's that.

How did you work out it was the heat shield?

Tbh I haven't checked yet...but it just has that heat shield rattle sound that is familiar from other cars

Quite common on the older subarus & to be honest generally an easy fix with little of effort, quality of the materials is very good & repadding the c-clamps can last for years if done well.

Quite common on the older subarus & to be honest generally an easy fix with little of effort, quality of the materials is very good & repadding the c-clamps can last for years if done well.

Thanks, that sounds good. I've not really played around with the heat shield before...is it just washers or a gasket that wears and needs replacing or packing out?

C-Clamps that go around exhaust pipe (these c-clamps hold heat shields on) are padded inside with mesh, with age this becomes a little loose thus rattles.

Other issues are things like it getting knocked or a sloppy mechanic damaging it or leaving bolts missing when mucking round with jobs like a Lambada sensor replacement.

I had the heat shield around the front manifold go. Gave it to a mate who welded it back together for me. If it's really bad you can get them from most breakers.