is this part (cat protector?) crucial?

[eevee11]

Hi all, today this part started dragging then fell off the car while my wife was driving. From her description, I think it was surrounding the catalytic converter:



Is it just a shield to protect the cat, or is it critical for supporting the exhaust?

I am wondering if it is OK for her to drive around town until I get back there at the end of the week, and can look at the car.

[LynchburgCSI]

Yep... looking like a CAT heat shield cover. Or whatever it's called. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it if you'll be able to asses the damage soon. I would be interested in the amount of rust down there though, since it appears to have rusted off.

[71Corolla]

You an drive like that it's not a structural piece. But the cat needs it, they get extremely hot that shield helps protects the underside of the car and anything that gets near the converter.

[eevee11]

OK thanks for the responses that helps a lot.

Can't seem to find the part at ToyotaPartsZone.com any other sites recommended? I'm assuming will have to be OEM, and won't order until I get a look, but curious what the cost is.

[LynchburgCSI]

OEM Toyota retail price appears to be $26 to $43 depending on date of manufacture and VIN number. Part numbers 18435-16170 and 18435-20020.

[carsrus]

Originally Posted by eevee11

OK thanks for the responses that helps a lot.

Can't seem to find the part at ToyotaPartsZone.com any other sites recommended? I'm assuming will have to be OEM, and won't order until I get a look, but curious what the cost is.

I wouldn't waste anytime looking into it. These shields fall off all the time and people don't even realize it. Its two pieces and the lower part fell off. The upper one helps some heat stay away from the floor. The lower part is worthless, unless your worried about the pavement getting to warm.


Me and a buddy ripped all of these off his maxima a couple years ago as they started to rattle.

[ghettosled]

leave it off, just dont park on anything stupid like on a pile of leaves.

[mspringer]

If you are really worried about it - take it to a muffler shop, they can repair it or replace the converter (probably what you would have to do), although I agree with above - its a heat shield, and not something to worry about.

[SexieWASD]

They make really big hose clamps. Those seam to work well if you don't want to have it welded back on.

[eevee11]

thanks for all the posts. Will have a look at it this weekend, for now just driving the car no worries ...

[csaxon]

Cat Shields were put on to prevent grass fires. Don't park over tall or dry vegetation.