so ive had this rattling noise ever since i bought my truck a couple years ago. yesterday when adding some oil (all of a sudden it needs to be topped up ever few weeks) i checked the heatshields under the exhaust manifold. it looks like they go over some bushings in the suspension. would there be any problem with me removing them? i think its the cause of the rattling. i had taken them off my old mazda b2200 but that was just so i could reach the spark plugs.

 

They protect the motor mounts from the exhaust heat.

 

i realise why they are there, i just want to know if i took the one off if i would have any problems after.

 

ive got the same problem.. they rattle when the motor vibrates a littlebit from idling or when you goose on it etc... sounds ALOT like vavletapping or engine ping dont it? im gonna monky with them tomorow so see if theres a way to fix them better... i dont think removing them would be a good idea... althoughi dont see the heat building up THAT bad to mess up the moutns...but who knows