As title states. This part kept creating a rattling noise. Took it to a shop and they said it was part of the heat shield snd they bent it up so it wouldn’t dangle snd rattle anymore. Anyways, started rattling again, so I bent it a little more and noise disappears. Long story short, third time I tried to reposition it upward by bending it, it just fell off due to the rust.
https://www.fordforums.com/attachments/388c0ce7-dbfb-410a-a302-9a58dbd0e1a8-jpeg.55893/
https://www.fordforums.com/attachments/9336d1c4-acc1-4946-8f56-985372e561cc-jpeg.55894/
https://www.fordforums.com/attachments/78f2a03f-4879-44bc-8ba6-808407e7b3c1-jpeg.55895/
So my question is, what is this part even called, what purpose does it serve, and should I or can I even get a new one put back on?
Oh, and it’s for a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis GS, 102K miles, been through many Chicago winters. The picture of the underbody is approximately where it was but it may not be the exact location, it was just in that general area and has started to bend downwards, causing rattling by vibrating against the exhaust pipe. Is this part of the heat shield?
It's an exhaust vibration damper. It helps reduce resonance and drone.
There's something like sand or concrete welded into that cylinder to act as a weight.
You may experience some significant vibration through the floor at some RPM, which cause rattling of the dashboard, door, etc. Most likely idling. The vibration could cause damage to other exhaust parts, cause leaks, etc.
https://www.oemfordpart.com/oem-parts/ford-damper-6w7z5f240ab
Thanks for the detailed response. Ironically, it is much quieter now and has no vibration or rattling since it’s off. When it was on, the rust was causing it to vibrate and that in turn caused the things you’re talking about. It’s much quieter now and has no vibration or rattling.. I think I’ll just leave it as is and see how it goes.
well yes, because it was rust eaten.
When it isn't, it works well.