Catalytic converter heat shield

Just purchased a 2021 SR5 last week from and one of the catalytic converter heat shields was rattling. The front passenger heat shield is missing the top part.

CarMax said they would have it fixed. A local muffler shop looked at it and said they usually just remove the heat shields like mine if its not heating up any near by parts. They also said the heat shields aren't sold separately and would need to order the entire catalytic converter.

I googled and found there is a OEM part number 1835A for the heat shields. But there appears to be two different kinds. (See pics) One, like mine, is just tack welded, and the other with same part number has clamps and bolts.

Will the others also fall off? Should I request to have all four replaced if there is a an updated clamp part?

Or are they just not necessary? I don't plan on parking in tall grass. But this is only one two minor things I'm requesting from CarMax to fix and they are very accomidating and scheduled an appointment at their service center.

BTW I love the truck! Thanks!

ETA: The truck is also under factory warranty. Would this be covered?

 

Looks to me like there are two different types of cats and you have the type that uses the clamps.

 

Update on this. Took it to the dealership. They said it was an aftermarket exhaust system. Quoted $175 to remove the bottom shield which I declined.

Still kind of weird there are two different looking OEM heat shields, one with camps and one without. Was thinking someone would comment on what kind they had or if they replaced or just removed them.

Dealership did a complete inspecitioin, CarMax is paying for alignment and change out cabin and air filter. Really excited to have all this little things ironed out and just keep up with regular service and maintenance.

ETA: BTW I asked why someone would install new exhaust, if the catalytic converts were stolen, and service advisor thought that was what likely happened, 100%. So gonna put cat shields on it although it's not a problem in my neighborhood. I hope the aftermarket exhaust is good quality and holds up.

 

Yeah, no doubt about it, your truck was molested by a cat thief at some point. Happens often and many times folks can't get factory parts for several months, so some accept aftermarket replacement. Good luck and welcome to the forum!

 

I'd research cat shields so that they don't get stolen again.
It took 8 months to get mine replaced with OEM in 2021.

I hear @Talon2006 makes some nice shields.

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Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converter Shields & Skid Plates | Talons Garage

 

Had a heat shield rattle on a 4Runner back in the day, the shop pitched it and said not to worry. To my knowledge, it never caused any problems.

 

Another update.

I was able to find a part number and looked it up. 643119

Made by AP Emissions

https://apemissions.com/emissions-products/#

Can't find much info on these.

The technician at the Dealership recommended replacing with OEM in the walk through video. But he said they do that because it's a Toyota dealership.

It's also close to the frame. I'll try to talk Carmax into replacing with OEM but don't think they will agree as it's expensive, and it's not showing codes and working fine.

I'm having second thoughts and have the option to return it to Carmax for full refund. But the truck is in otherwise perfect condition, all maintenance records at the dealership every 5k miles, and I got a good deal on it, and drives great.

There are no other problems. I'm leaning towards just keeping it and hope the exhaust system hold up 5 years or more. Then go with another aftermarket exhaust if necessary.

Anyone familiar with AP Exhaust?

I also noticed the weird welds. Thinking someone cobbled together this system during parts supply shortage.

Apreciate the comments!

ETA... the dealership moved the heat shield from the bottom to the top of the cat. I declined to have the remove it. Maybe car max just JB welded a shield on the bottom? But now the heat shield is on the top of the cat. Also did alignment and inspected entire truck. Only potential issue is the cat converts. I'm ready to be done with it but OEM are so expensive.

 

I’d keep it if all else is fine and it has solid maintenance records. Unfortunately these trucks are targets for cat thief’s. Many have been hit and still on the road with zero issues.

 

I would ask Carmax for an extra discount. Maybe somewhere around $1200 bucks or so. Then in the future headers and a total cat delete would happen.

 

These trucks are cat theft targets for sure and I was guessing that's what happened to yours as soon as I saw the age, rattle and shitty welds.. Definitely get some shields. If it's in good condition and no codes, I would probably just keep it.

 

Update: I ended up returning my 2021 DC SR5 to Carmax. The rear bumper was pushed in and inch on the left and back tires were out of alignment with thrust angle. That on top of the aftermarket cats was enough. As mentioned the dealership reccomened replacing entire exhaust with OEM and seeing quotes of up to 7k. Crazy.

I got full refund and put deposit down on a new 2023 Taco Sport 4x4. The cabin is a little cramped but seems like safe bet and need something to drive now.

Did a quick google search and Taco cats are 1/3 the cost of Tundras.

In past 4 moths... sold 2019 F150 because trans was slipping, looking at 9k if it needed rebuilt trans.. then retuned 2021 Tundra because it had after market cats and 7k if it needed new OEM cats..

People think Im an idiot but so far gotten top dollar for my trade ins and applying that to reliable truck that will have good resale.. and no huge expense..

 

Honestly, that's a really good call. It seems like that truck has been through the ringer. There certainly was a risk that eventually those aftermarket cats would not last as long as OEM. That return policy is certainly one good thing about Carmax at least. Hopefully you enjoy the 2023 Taco! But I would still look into cat shields for that as I'm sure they are still a target. Maybe not as much as a Tundra, but it is a cheap deterrent.

 

Appreciate it. I plan to install a cat shield right away on the Taco. The Tundra was from Tampa. Zero rust except the spot welds on the cat heat shields. Everything looked new and all service records at the dealership.

There are a lot of Tunrdas in my area. See lots of them everyday of all generations.

Glad I noticed both the cats and rear bumper. Hopefully will help someone else.

For the cats the thieves will also cut the pipe to the muffler (see pic) and the mounting bracket is right a the cats so for OEM would need to likely need to replace that as well. You can see how mine was patched back together with a sleeve and kept the OEM muffler. So that would add to the cost to go back to OEM.

The rear bumper was not obvious looking at it. Had to measure the very end where it wraps around the rear panels. Also get alignment if buying used. Mine said thrust angle on rear was .27 degrees off. Dealership didn't even mention it and I can't even be sure what that means expect its supposed to be zero. The next person who buys it won't notice.

At least I got to return it no problem. I may be back in another Tundra in near future. Will just have to see how it goes.

 

Yes sadly the next guy likely won't pay as much attention as you and will only find out about the issues too far down the line. Good on you for actually closely inspecting it before that return window closed. And I'm sure you'll enjoy the Taco. I sometimes miss my smaller first gen Tundra which was basically the same size as the new Tacomas lol

Also that's good to hear you're already looking at cat shields for the Taco. I'm sure there are plenty of options. Obviously nothing will ever be perfectly safe, but even as a basic deterrent it's cheap insurance.

 

I got lucky. One of the heat shields for the cat was rattling so took it in to the dealer. A young assistant at the dealership suggested an alignment, and this dealership does a complete inspection and uploads video and pointed out the aftermarket cats.

I don't know of any cats being stolen near me but did see a "we buy cats!" ad on Facebook Marketplace.

I met one guy who had his Tundra stolen. He owns the Batteries Plus store. Totaled it. He was getting Taco for the store deliveries. Was planning to drop by and catch up with him. I chat with a lot of people who have Tundras.

I'll probably get the Taco Tunes cat shield. Hopefully the Taco works out for me. I used to always try and keep a vehicle 10 years but now leaning towards 3.

My mom gave me a 2011 CRV that I sold to Carmax for 13,400 and they sold it for over 18,500. New it cost 20k. Also sold my 2019 F150 for 3k more than i bought if for and didn't do any mods. So think the Toyotas could hold good value. Maybe not like that but not going to take huge hit unless major repair or lot of mods $$.

 

One last thing. This is another advantage for EVS. No cats. I'm still skeptical if battery technology will ever pan out but think all the truck guys who are swearing off EVs will be among the first adapters. Maybe for 2nd car or something. There are just so many things EVs don't have to worry about. I never imagined a catalytic converter would cause me to return a 40k truck but here we are. 7k to install OEM.

 

Your new Taco will outlive any EV currently on the market and hold its value much better. Completely different animals, but you made the right choice.

 

Appreciate the encouragement.

I'm without a vehicle for 2-3 weeks. Total change of perspective. It's all good though. I can't predict exactly how things will play out.

I was really surprised CarMax gave me $13,400 the 2011 beater CRV I was driving, then sold it for 19k in a week. New it cost 21K.

So the Taco could be the same way at least near term, and all Toyotas will hold good value at least for 5 years. IMO. Which may be wrong.

I really wanted the Tundra for the size and safety. So many aggressive drivers every time I drive. That's why I hated driving the CRV although it felt like a sports car and was fun.

The Tundra was great when hauling a load of wood. I'm noticing so many people in my area are ditching their F150 and going with the Tundra. I think everyone wants something reliable for next 10 years or so to see how things play out, and keep it for towing a boat or whatever.

If anything gas prices may spike. I have no idea but it's a challenge these days we aren't really in control of it. I just like following stuff and technology, but all things take a lot longer than most people realize. I learned a lot and that's what's important. I want a reliable vehicle and hate taking it in for repairs and they can't or won't.

 

If you need a Tacoma cat shield, as others have said above I know a guy....


Bummer to hear about the trans on the F-150. That is the biggest worry I have about mine. Those 10 speeds are not cheap to repair. I think the Tacoma is a good choice. I have always liked that truck.

 

That looks awesome! As it turned out I ended up getting another 2021 Tundra.

I retuned my first Tundra to Carmax, as mentioned, put deposit down on new 2023 Tacoma. Last night my sales guy told me it was damaged in transport to the dealership, total loss.

So I found another 2021 Tundra. 10k miles. I love it. It's perfect for me.

I crawled underneath and it all looks like new. Original Cats.

Better believe I'll be getting cat shields, although we haven't had any issues in my area yet.

This is my most recent Tundra.

 

Dang, talk about a roller coaster. Nice truck!

 

Thanks!

The exhaust is noticeably more quiet in the cabin with the OEM cats. Can still hear it but much better and doesn't bother me.

This one is much better. Love the color. Previous owner put good quality wheels, tires, level lift, ceramic coated everything, weather mats, mud flaps, LED headlight bulbs, and black overlays. I didn't know any of that until I got home with it.

Had running boards also but took those off.

 

Yes, OEM cats and resonators are definitely quieter. My drivers side cat was stolen earlier this year and couldn’t find a quick OEM replacement, so I did an aftermarket while I wait.

The aftermarket is working well based on the fuel trim readings. However, it has some resonance at certain speeds that is pretty annoying, so I’ll eventually swap it out once the OEM comes in.

 

Dang sorry yours got stolen. At least it was only one side so at least it won't be as bad. If it was passenger side they would have also cut the pipe to the muffler. Glad your aftermarket is holding up.

 

I’ve got two oem cats off my truck if anyone’s in need.