What is the 'Heat Shield' anyway?

[PHIL]

Hi:

Got a 1997 Suby OB. About every year it starts making a weird
sound. Kind of a twangy rattle. We take it in and they say it's
the heat shield. They either "Tighten it" for free, or replace it
once in a while for about ten bucks. The fix never lasts for long
though. What is this thing & where is it located? Its making that
sound once again.

~~Phil~~

 

[Remco]

On a 95 Impreza it is located near the front. Look under the front
bumper into the engine compartment. On top of the exhaust pipes you'll
see pieces of engine tin. On the impreza it was like two halves, so I
put a large hose clamp around it to get rid of the noise.

Hope this helps.
Remco

 

[Jakey]

It's supposed to keep the catalytic converter from starting grass fires on
dry grass. They corrode and loosen and make a racket. I've used hose clamps
and I've just ripped some of them off as I don't drive on dry grass. If you
live in a strict inspection state that requires all parts of the OEM exhaust
to be in place, you will have to replace or repair as required.