# Heat shield **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [August 1, 2007, 1:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heat-shield/2485 "2007-08-01T13:18:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![yo\_la\_tengo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/41988e/32.png) [@yo\_la\_tengo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/yo_la_tengo)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2007, 1:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heat-shield/2485/1 "2007-08-01T13:18:18Z")
I have a 98 Honda CRV with a metallic rattle near my muffler. My mechanic says that the catalytic converter heat shield has rusted out and disintegrated. My questions are: 1) if the heat shield is gone what would cause the rattle; and 2)do I really need to get it replaced since it is a $200 job? ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2007, 1:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heat-shield/2485/2 "2007-08-01T13:41:39Z")
It depends on the car and what heat shield is shielding. I would suggest going to a local independent muffler shop for a second opinion. Chances are you can do fine with a much cheaper solution. ---
**Author:** ![SteveF](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/stevef/32/2_2.png) [@SteveF](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveF)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2007, 1:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heat-shield/2485/3 "2007-08-01T13:55:54Z")
You can continue to drive with a rusted heat shield and a rattling noise. This is not an urgent project. Or you can do as Joseph suggests and ask a muffler shop about inexpensive repairs.