Honda Fit Catalytic Converter Heat Shield Rattle Fix (video)
#1
Honda Fit Catalytic Converter Heat Shield Rattle Fix (video)
Recently had a new sound develop in my 2007 Honda Fit Sport, audible at idle. Stuck the car on jackstands, started it up, and soon found the issue: one corner of the catalytic converter heat shield was loose. Hopefully this video will be helpful to you if you run into a similar issue with your Fit.
Note that, while yes, it'd be easier to simply remove the heat shield by cutting it off or somehow getting those rusted fasteners to cooperate, the heat shield does protect your car from burning to the ground if you ever park on a dry, flammable surface (e.g. leaves, dry grass).
Update 7/6/2017:
3 years after my fix, the shield has been through enough winters that it had rusted away to the point that it was only connected on one of the 4 connection points and was generally loose and prone to making noise. I un-did my clamps (which are surprisingly still in usable shape) and ripped the two halves off. I'll just need to be cognizant about where I park now (e.g. not parking on top of a pile of dry leaves).
Note that, while yes, it'd be easier to simply remove the heat shield by cutting it off or somehow getting those rusted fasteners to cooperate, the heat shield does protect your car from burning to the ground if you ever park on a dry, flammable surface (e.g. leaves, dry grass).
Update 7/6/2017:
3 years after my fix, the shield has been through enough winters that it had rusted away to the point that it was only connected on one of the 4 connection points and was generally loose and prone to making noise. I un-did my clamps (which are surprisingly still in usable shape) and ripped the two halves off. I'll just need to be cognizant about where I park now (e.g. not parking on top of a pile of dry leaves).
Last edited by Jared592; 07-06-2017 at 09:16 AM. Reason: fix update
#2
I had the most annoying loud rattle one day and eventually my bottom shield fell off into the road while driving. Luckily no accidents occured because of it.
The rattle went away for a while until the top shield then started rattling slow in reverse and at idle.
I used 2 clamps, one at the front and one at the back of the converter, snugged them up tight and its been pretty quiet since.
The rattle went away for a while until the top shield then started rattling slow in reverse and at idle.
I used 2 clamps, one at the front and one at the back of the converter, snugged them up tight and its been pretty quiet since.
#4
I have had to do this fix twice, once at the front of the shield and then 2 years later at the back when it rusted loose (today)
The rattle almost sounded like a squeaky belt sometimes.
I used 14 gauge copper wire that I had on hand and twisted it till tight. It has stood up well to a few salty Canadian winters.
The rattle almost sounded like a squeaky belt sometimes.
I used 14 gauge copper wire that I had on hand and twisted it till tight. It has stood up well to a few salty Canadian winters.
#7
Heat Shield
Mine fell off about two and a half years ago. Maybe "fell off" is not the correct way to describe that. Dragging along the ground for ten miles and then knocking it off with a broom handle is closer.
You can see where it came in contact with the ground!
You can see where it came in contact with the ground!
#8
Update: 3 years after my fix, the shield has been through enough winters that it had rusted away to the point that it was only connected on one of the 4 connection points and was generally loose and prone to making noise. I un-did my clamps (which are surprisingly still in usable shape) and ripped the two halves off. I'll just need to be cognizant about where I park now (e.g. not parking on top of a pile of dry leaves).
#10
Good call on the paint, especially in upstate NY where things seem to rust even worse than our stuff.
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