S124 Exhaust heatshield loose - how to secure?

[OneCarefulOwner]

As the title says, the heatshield over my exhaust isn't secured in any way; it's not come off completely, but it does rattle forwards and dip under the car, and I'm worried about damaging it on a speedbump or maybe even catching it and dragging both it and the exhaust off the back of the car!

I think I can see a couple of holes which may be related to fixing it into position, but they seem ragged so I'm not sure if perhaps it's corroded and fallen off some securing bolts, or what... I can't get a decent angle for a picture, I'll try and get my jack out later and see what I can produce.

 

[BlackC55]

Just rip it off. There is no real need for it. We used to take them off when I worked at main dealer. It is a messy job too.

 

[OneCarefulOwner]

I had noticed, when I first adjusted it (after being parked for just a few minutes after a long drive) that it wa perfectly cool to the touch... I shall investigate removal! Thank you.

 

[grober]

They are secured to threaded body inserts with small bolt head self tapper type screws. 6/8mm?? Due to the galvanic corrosion [shield=alloy screws=steel] the shield corrodes and "pulls thro" leaving larger ragged holes rather than the original small screw size size. You can take the shield off as BlackC55 suggests OR if you can be bothered fabricate some alloy repair plates with screw holes in them to fit the original screws and cover the holes . Due their increased cross sectional area they will support the old shield well. You may have to bend the plates to follow the contours of the shield. Did this recently to get rid of a shield rattle and it passed thro the MOT without comment. The screws are placed high up in the body exhaust recess and are very awkward to get at without removal of propshaft or exhaust but quite possible with patience if you can be bothered? You really need good access under the car for this-pit or lift.