Heat Shield Repair

[falcione]

Hi Folks -

I have a 2008 MDX with a semi rusted catalytic converter heat shield that is rattling. The dealer here in Gaithersburg offered to fix it for $600 because they said they take the radiator off so it doesn't get damaged. 4 hours of labor.

The car is under warranty but this is not covered. I don't want to do the dealer route and read somewhere (maybe here) that it can be pipe clamped or pulled off. They said getting to the shield is the hardest part.

Question: I have access to my friend's car lift. Can I replace it or bolt it down somehow with the lift? Prefer to replace.

Thanks!
Ray

[falcione]

And - $600 seems really high so now I'm even more skeptical of my dealer.

[ninor]

Originally Posted by falcione

Hi Folks -

I have a 2008 MDX with a semi rusted catalytic converter heat shield that is rattling. The dealer here in Gaithersburg offered to fix it for $600 because they said they take the radiator off so it doesn't get damaged. 4 hours of labor.

The car is under warranty but this is not covered. I don't want to do the dealer route and read somewhere (maybe here) that it can be pipe clamped or pulled off. They said getting to the shield is the hardest part.

Question: I have access to my friend's car lift. Can I replace it or bolt it down somehow with the lift? Prefer to replace.

Thanks!
Ray

I am sure what they have in mind will take half the front end off, and most likely might be needed if you want to replace this. Not an easy thing to get to and replace.

There is an easy fix though, buy couple of worm drive hose clamps, example Amazon.com: Ideal® - 57 Series Worm Drive Clamps 4-1/4" To 6" Ss 1/2" Band Clamp 57 Series - Sold as 10 Each: Office Products

Home depot, anyone sells this, make sure they are stainless, and large enough to go around this cat with some length to spare.

Get under the car, take one apart, make sure to sneak it in past bottom O2 sensor, find good location (heat shield has cuts in it that this clamp fits into perfectly) use small ratchet with deeper 8mm socket and give her a good clamp. For extra clamping you can place another one inch or two from the first one.

I just did this on my 2007, used only 1 clamp, works perfect, and actually you just need to get under the car, nothing needs to go off, there is a small hole just enough to get the small ratchet and your hand through it.
Couple of bucks for clamp and 10-20 minutes = all done.

Regards,

Nino

[falcione]

Hi Nino -

Thanks much for the advice. I will do it over the weekend.

Ray

[greaneto]

I'm even more skeptical of my dealer.

[DChan415]

Try talking to a different dealer.

The catalyst is covered under the emissions warranty. If you're within the mileage of the emissions warranty you should check to see if its covered. The heat shield is part of the catalyst and can't be purchased separately.

[ninor]

Originally Posted by DChan415

Try talking to a different dealer.

The catalyst is covered under the emissions warranty. If you're within the mileage of the emissions warranty you should check to see if its covered. The heat shield is part of the catalyst and can't be purchased separately.

Anything is possible, but for clarification purposes HS can be purchased separately (items 3, 4, 5, 6):
Acura Parts @ AcuraOEMparts.com - Genuine Acura OEM Parts from Delray Acura

To be clear, I am not saying that it isn't worth it to ask around though.

Regards,

Nino

[richkuan]

The space there could be very limited. If you have access to a lift, you can give it a try.

$600 seems very high for replacing the shield.

[belartwen]

Hey ninor,.
I thinks really useful ideas and tricks shared about the problem shared above,.
I appreciate your effort to fix the such error,.
keep helping here dude.,