MK3 Exhaust shields - safe to remove?

[Dobbs333]

Hi guys - seems like I too have a bit of the dreaded exhaust-shield rattle  

I've read a suggestion that one way to deal with this is to remove the shield/s.  It's the middle shield (not either of the CAT shields) that's still rattling at revs, despite remounting, bending and wedging it.

So, is it safe to remove???

BTW - I've not come across exhaust shielding like VW's on any other motors - is it really necessary?  I've seen some self-adhesive heat shield material before - would that make for a suitable replacement if the shielding is indeed needed?

Thanks guys - your advice keps me coming back day after day  

Dobbs.

[vwsystems]

its there for a purpose!

there are clips which hold them on are you missing a few of theses! little round things!

the cat sheilds are held on with screws and selft apping washer things / nut bolt things!

[Dobbs333]

Hi VWsystems - just missing part of one of those spring clips, the rest seem fine.  I guess they are cheap to buy, so if anyone knows what they are called, then I'll get some new ones and give that a go, along with a bit of reshaping of the shield as it looks like someone has tried to cure the rattle before :

Thanks for your reply.

Anyone else have any input on rattly exhaust shields???

Cheers,

Dobbs.

[jv]

the mechanic bloke i was using when i had a mk3 16v engine reckoned that you may as well lose them. he tried to fix them buzzing a couple of times, in the end i grew to like the noise