Exhaust rattle identified

For the last week or so I have had a rattle , sounding like a heat shield on my '13 V6. I got under there this afternoon and banging around on the cool exhaust with the heel of my hand I traced it to the shield surrounding the front cat on the drivers side. There were two small rusted bolts that I though held the two sides of the shield together. It seems they hold only the bottom half on. The top half must have its own clamp system. I bent the top half up and away from the cat with a screwdriver and the rattle disappeared. I guess it must have settled over time and ultimately contacted the cat. Just another place to check when these rattles develop.

 

Sounds like the same issue I had a few years back, although I seem to remember the clamp being rusted out and requiring replacement. Either way, welcome to the Rattling Shield Club!