2007 Outback Heat Shield - Subaru Outback

Shayne82609 · 12-19-2010, 07:28 PM

Ya, i know, ANOTHER heat shield.

Just curious if anyone else is having a similar issue, and if so if they have an easy fix. The weight of the snow buildup between the underbody and heat shield ripped the shield loose. I know that shield needs to be there to protect the carrier bearing and mid joint in the driveshaft from the extreme heat from the exhaust and cat.

If there's not an easy fix, I plan to make a new shield using some MUCH thicker aluminum plate. I'm assuming a new replacement shield would suffer the same fate. If I make a replacement I will definitely make it fit tighter to the under side of the body.

Maybe Subaru should have offered a "Arctic heat shield" option. In my opinion, this seems like a fairly blatant oversight, considering all of the other options the car has for winter driving conditions.

**AWDFTW** · 12-19-2010, 08:38 PM

I just put a hose clamp around the one of mine that had bolts rust to pieces. Cost about $3 and 15 minutes.

Shayne82609 · 12-19-2010, 09:57 PM

I did that with my Dodge pickup. This one, however, is supposed to be bolted bottom of the floor, not attached to the exhaust. I think a hose clamp would rip right through this tin foil anyway!

2006outback · 12-21-2010, 07:45 AM

I have the same issue. Is this shield really necessary? Mine has also been damaged by ice and slush.

What damage could be caused by removing it altogether?

Shayne82609 · 12-22-2010, 07:40 PM

I know from experience (12 years turning wrenches for a living) that if the exhaust is that close to the driveshaft's carrier bearing, it will melt the rubber isolator and/or melt the seals in the bearing. Either way causing a VERY exciting failure.

I'm leaving mine off for a couple of weeks this winter. I know I will only be driving it back and forth to work for the most part. Winters here in Wyoming tend to be rather cold, so I'm hoping this will save the driveshaft till I can get it fixed.

12-19-2010, 07:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Shayne82609 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 4 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	2007 Outback Heat Shield Ya, i know, ANOTHER heat shield. Just curious if anyone else is having a similar issue, and if so if they have an easy fix. The weight of the snow buildup between the underbody and heat shield ripped the shield loose. I know that shield needs to be there to protect the carrier bearing and mid joint in the driveshaft from the extreme heat from the exhaust and cat. If there's not an easy fix, I plan to make a new shield using some MUCH thicker aluminum plate. I'm assuming a new replacement shield would suffer the same fate. If I make a replacement I will definitely make it fit tighter to the under side of the body. Maybe Subaru should have offered a "Arctic heat shield" option. In my opinion, this seems like a fairly blatant oversight, considering all of the other options the car has for winter driving conditions.

12-19-2010, 08:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
AWDFTW Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Displaced to Chicago. Car: 2003 2.5 4EAT with AWP. Posts: 6,026 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I just put a hose clamp around the one of mine that had bolts rust to pieces. Cost about $3 and 15 minutes. __________________ 2003 Outback: "Kaylee". 124,000 and counting. Mods: GE Nighthawk low beams, HIR1 9011 high beam upgrade, Nokya 25k yellow fog lights, Fumoto valve, 04 Forester XT shift knob. Basics: G-Oil Bio-based Advanced Full Synthetic 5w30, Purolater oil filter, STP air filter, Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF, Valvoline Durablend 80w90, Michelin Primacy MXV4. Also: More rust and parking lot scars than I care to think about.

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12-19-2010, 09:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
Shayne82609 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 4 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I did that with my Dodge pickup. This one, however, is supposed to be bolted bottom of the floor, not attached to the exhaust. I think a hose clamp would rip right through this tin foil anyway!

12-21-2010, 07:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
2006outback Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Car: '06 Outback 2.5i Posts: 10 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have the same issue. Is this shield really necessary? Mine has also been damaged by ice and slush. What damage could be caused by removing it altogether?

12-22-2010, 07:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
Shayne82609 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 4 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I know from experience (12 years turning wrenches for a living) that if the exhaust is that close to the driveshaft's carrier bearing, it will melt the rubber isolator and/or melt the seals in the bearing. Either way causing a VERY exciting failure. I'm leaving mine off for a couple of weeks this winter. I know I will only be driving it back and forth to work for the most part. Winters here in Wyoming tend to be rather cold, so I'm hoping this will save the driveshaft till I can get it fixed.

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