Remove rear heat plate?

[William.Audet]

I own a 2000 ZX3 and my back heat plate (just above the rear exhaust) has 2 screws rusted out, thus making the plate loose and creates an annoying rattling sound while driving. Is it safe to remove it? Is the heat that big of a factor near the rear exhaust tip?

Thanks!

[Sponsor]

[munkyv22]

It gets warm, but not hot enough to do any damage. I believe some folks on here have removed the shielding for noise reasons.

[scrammer]

hmm i doubt you have any kind of warranty on this car. i wouldnt recommend removing any heat shields. (heat is bad right?) ask the local dealer how much it is. me plus plenty of others can get it at discounts (i get 10% off) others might get more. plus shipping. or try a local salvage yard for one. once again, heat is bad right? its up to you.

[penguin]

I'm not familar with its mounting, but why not use a couple of larger, new screws with big fender washers? Or, if it is the kind that attaches to the exhaust, try stainless steel hose clamps to hold it in place. Usually you can figure out a way to attach it again, one way or another.

[back in black]

take it down to a small muffler shop and ask if they can quickly weld the plate in place. It shouldn't cost you any more than $25, if they charge you at all

[William.Audet]

I did ask them to do it last time but since the plate is made of aluminum it can't be done (can't weld aluminum to steal). As far as the screws are concerned they are rusted in place leaving three holes in the heat shield. I'll go down to my local dealer tomorrow and ask if it can be safely removed without causing any damage thereafter. I'll let you all know the outcome.