What to do about muffler rattle?

[92explorer]

Hey guys, the other day I heard a rattling sound coming from underneath my Explorer and when I went to investigate here is what I found...

http://img76.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sspx0008lu0.jpg
http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sspx0005jj4.jpg
http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sspx0004dd0.jpg
http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sspx0003uz9.jpg

So I'm wondering what you guys recommend I do to fix this annoying noise. I have three ideas. I could have it welded back together which would probably be the best but most expensive option and how much would that cost? I could try to wedge something in between the space but what, and then how would I make it stay there? Or I could just take that whole top piece off but I'm assuming it's there for a reason and could be illegal to do? So what do you guys recommend or do you have any other ideas? Thanks a lot.

 

[trucku]

cheapest think I could think of was, drill some holes through the top and bottom tabs and use some wire to secure them together. Probably could do it with what you find and spend nothing...lol my 2 pennies


Good luck

 

[aeaglenfitch]

yeah i had a similar problem, i just found some wire in my garage, wrapped it around it tight like 8 times and wallah, havent had a problem since.

 

[wolfnutts]

what id do

first its one of ur 2 cat converters that u have. its the heat shield that is the cause of ur rattle welding is not an option as its paper thin an tho some have done it before for u id suggest mechanics wire. or go to home depot an buy 2 or 3 of their largest metal duct work clamps for 6 to 8 inch round pipe same as a hose clamp for about 6 bucks total an use that.
get a hayes trk manual at auto store too or if u dont like the person that rides in the passenger seat take heat shield off an give umm da hot foot treatment :bsnicker: an ur cost is zero :bsnicker:

 

[92explorer]

So is this the kind of wire I would need:

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPag...PartNumber=7701050&Description=Wire+/+Utility

If so should I get 18 gauge or 19 gauge? Or do I need a different kind of wire? Thanks a lot.

 

[wolfnutts]

looks like the right wire picture isnt great its not going to last for yrs but ur rattle will stop.
18 or 19 gauge wire differance isnt much u have to worry about just any wire really with no insulation on it
wrap it around shield 2 or 3 times then twist the ends together with a pair of plyers till its tight

 

[92explorer]

Ok thanks a lot for your help, I appreciate it.

 

[gijoecam]

Large stainless steel hose clamp is the easiest fix for it. Not a big deal...

-Joe

 

[Charlie]

Stainless steel hose clamps loosen up over time, but they still work.

I would just use muffler clamps to hold them down. They are strong, and stay on great.

 

[gijoecam]

Muffler clamps? You're not talking about the exhaust pipe clamps, right? You're talking about some other type of clamp, right?

Stainless steel hose clamps do not loosen up over time when wrapped around a rigid surface. They are, in fact, ford's preferred fix per the TSB on that issue. Ford sells a specific part that is, for all intents and purposes, an all-stainless-steel screw clamp that is, essentially, a large hose clamp.

 

[Charlie]

Actually, I was talking about exhaust clamps. When I have used them they tighten everything down nice, and stay on. Maybe the hose clamps I tried were not good, (they were some I picked up at Menard's for 50 cents) but they would not stay on, no matter how tight I would screw them down.

 

[92explorer]

Hey by any chance do you guys happen to know what size clamp I need? Thanks

 

[MarineSNiper217]

I had kind of the same problem, my heat shields, across my entire exhaust line, had bust welds on one side or another. I simply pryed them off, and everything is still fine. Nothing gets too hot, or hot at all. I have been told they are just there so if you run over anything, whatever it is wont get too hot. My muffler and cats are the only things with the heat shields still on them.