Exhaust Pipe Shield Coming Loose

[LOCKED&LIFTED]

I'm not sure of the proper term for this thing but there's what appears to be a metal shield that wraps around the exhaust pipe near the front passenger side wheelwell. The top of the shield has rusted loose from the bracket strapping it onto the exhaust pipe so it's rattling really loudly.

The stealership said I can't buy a new one from them without buying an entire new exhaust pipe and catalytic converter, for around $2,000. (Not an option for me.) So I'm wondering can I just use a stainless steel adjustable metal plumbing strap to hold the thing tightly in place? Would it handle the heat?

Or alternately is it safe just to remove the shield altogether? I'm assuming it's there to protect the pipe from road debris, so not sure how important that is.

Third option is to find one at a junk yard...

Pics below.

 

[LS1FJ40]

I used a stainless steel clamp like you mentioned. Did it about 2 years ago. Was always going to do a more "permanent" fix. Still there and going strong...

 

[LOCKED&LIFTED]

That's good to hear, thanks. Seems like the easiest and least expensive solution.

 

[94SRUNNER]

I removed mine. No negative impact.

 

[bmwjnky]

I just put hose clamps on mine. Eventually I'll either re-weld them or remove them and wrap the pipes in headder wrap.

 

[nigelsiam]

Yeah just use an adjustable hose clamp. I did that and it's been fine for years.

 

[AlaskanLX450]

+1 for hose clamp, mine is holding like a champ even with aggressive off road. The cats hanging down without any protection yet....thats another story. (it makes pffpffpffpfpfpfpf sounds where they join together now.....)

 

[team420]

Another vote for hose clamps. Havent done this to my 80, but have used hose clamps multiple times, on numerous exhaust systems, in various places. They generally outlast oem equipment

 

[LOCKED&LIFTED]

Thanks all. I put a hose clamp on it yesterday and it worked like a charm.

 

[BoulderJeff]

Mine didn't break at the top (yet), but was splitting like yours is and it rattled something fierce. I just put a big hose clamp around it to hold it in place and it doesn't rattle anymore. $1.49 at HomeDepot