Subaru Exhaust Rattle Repair

Overview of repairing an exhaust shield rattle on a 2002 Outback L.L.Bean.
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----I assume no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. I recommend safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond my control, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not myself.----

[@valentinsarmagal]

fixed my car rattle that has been going on for a year. I cant thank you enough, you're amazing

[@aaronhardy3636]

Thx MrSubi, this fixed a 10 year long mystery. Serviced over 8 times now by Subaru dealerships for the mystery noise, never fixed. You fixed it. One thing I changed: COPPER MESH wool instead of steal wool because rust, hopefully that will be a 5 year+ fix.

[@TheHighKirk]

I used some brass wool to fill a few voids between the heat shield and the exhaust pipe. Worked like a charm and doesn't rust. I cut off all the mounting bolts (but one {access issue}) and replaced with stainless steel hardware. Now, to replace that leaking oil pan seal....

[@MsDeliaStreams]

I have a feeling this is the issue my 02 Outback is experiencing. I was about to diagnose it as a rattling driveshaft or bad u-joint (maybe even a transmission noise) but it doesn’t seem to have any issues driving, no shaking >50 mph as my 87 BMW 535iS had when it’s driveshaft went bad. My sub just has this annoying rattle when running. I think you just saved me a bundle of money with this video!!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Glad to help. 👍🏻

[@ivanprybylo4684]

When I first heard some painful rattling under the hood of my newly purchased (and previously enjoyed, 145k mileage) 2010 Forester which I have fallen in love with of course I first thought of the worst. Was it the engine? Catalytic converter? It was just the heat shield. I pinpointed where there was some space and movement, and thanks to this video it’s now perfectly quiet underneath once again. We will see how long the simple remedy holds up, but for now it’s working beautifully. I used a thin pvc pipe hand saw, thinner than a flat head, and I was really able to pack a lot of grade 1 steel wool in the small spacing that was causing such a terrible noise. Thanks Mr. Subaru!

[@fernandojalon6339]

Mr .Subaru to the rescue. I fixed our 07and 2015 Legacy in matters of minutes. Thanks again for your help to the Subaru community. Cheers🍻🍻🍻

[@TheGhungFu]

The steel wool rusted. Replaced with stainless scouring pads. A little harder to get in, but works like a charm.

[@corythompson6389]

We have them at the restaurant ask any restaurant worker will snag a couple for you.

[@jasonbinney2979]

Did the scouring pads hold up for a while? I'm needing to do this on my car and I had the same rust concern.

[@TheGhungFu]

@@jasonbinney2979 They've held up great so far.

[@phizz8694]

Isn't steel wool flammable?

[@TheGhungFu]

@@phizz8694 It was 3 years ago.

[@Johnnyvee512]

I just got a 2012 Subaru Legacy and it has the same rattle you had I was like wth can it be and it sounds like it’s the heat shield so after looking at your video I will be doing this on the weekend thanks for posting 🤘🏻life saver

[@lucaradaelli79]

another problem solved! My H6 is back to spin smoothly! thank you very much mr Subaru!!!! Luca from Italy! Bye bye

[@maxmimum]

Your silent videos are absolutely beautiful. Thanks for the tip. Happy New year from Egypt.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+maxmimum you're welcome. Happy New Year!

[@chairmankim9628]

I tried this and it worked. I used stainless steel steel wool so it can't rust . Also sprayed high heat paint on it.

[@drewpierpont3361]

Excellent video. Hopefully this is the issue with my 2013 Forester. It's exactly as you described, at drive thru's and red lights.

[@giovannicervera400]

Same noise same car, I will try to do the repair this weekend

[@bastahoobi]

That's a great idea. I tried the clamp but still have a little rattle. I never thought of adding steel wool in between. Going to try this.

[@ThePanred]

Man i paid a subie "mechanic" to replace the ac bearing when this was the problem :/ these mechincs sure do suck sometimes....great video :)

[@privateprivate8366]

MixedBag yes. Yes tthey do. I went to a mechanic shop and asked if they could do this for me and the guy said, “If that would’ve worked, we’d have done it already.” So, they wouldn’t do it and, anyone can guess why. Try saw a black woman and thought $$$. I’ve since tried it but, never finished. I only had time to install one clamp, which didn’t fix it. So, hopefully, before it gets too cold, I can get out there again, making time for car cool off time. With all these YT videos available, skill isn’t my issue. Heck, I’ve repaired 2 faucets and my fridge this year. About to repair my toilet.

[@privateprivate8366]

jdisco1 since white men became envious of working as a little mechanic, while a black woman held down a comfy, well-paying, white collar office job. Yep. Sometimes you do get what you earned nowadays.

[@mikedunkle3100]

Seems like a great solution but wouldn't steel wool rust and disintegrate in no time once it got wet? How important are these shields anyway? I had one come off years ago and never put it back on.

[@xAeschylusx]

My GF’s 2010 Forester has been rattling like this for 2 years now and I just figured out what it was. Looks like I’m going to be buying some steel wool and hose clamps

[@homeimprovementsubaruguy2556]

I just jammed a few used reciprocating saw blades between the shield and pipe.

[@ItchyKneeSon]

Won't the steel wool rust like crazy? Certainly a good fix in a bind, however.

[@maiden913]

I had a Subaru for years. All It did was rattle… And now, when I’m at a stoplight, I can always tell when there’s one next to me because it always rattles.

[@christopherhayes2434]

I have a 2000 Subaru Outback and I have that same noise. I well have to do that . Thank for the tip

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Christopher Hayes you're welcome. Glad to help. 👍

[@davidm7971]

I think every Subaru eventually gets the "Heat Shield Rattle". My 2010 Legacy did. I used a metal hose clamp (just like the video) to silence it, though didn't think of the steel wool.

[@FreakyClimber0707]

Be careful some times the exhaust actually breaks loose from the welds. The 2005 outback xt that I used to have did the same thing and rattled like crazy just like this. I totally thought that it was just a heatshield.

[@miken8150]

The steel wool is a great idea!

[@zabduhamel6745]

Its funny I end up on this video now, my garagist fixed it with steel wire last friday !

[@sw201444]

Never would've thought of that. Great idea

[@MrSubaru1387]

+sw201444 thanks.

[@PeytonM318]

Will the steel wool (or bronze wool) catch fire from the heat?

[@juliocamacho9060]

MrSubaru1387 Happy New Year 2018!!!! God Bless you!!!

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Julio Camacho Happy New Year to you too!

[@christopherhayes2434]

Julio Camacho happy new year

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Christopher Hayes Happy New Year!

[@mrJayGarage]

Thanks again for making this videos, also as a suggestion could you make a video with the subject about fuel lines I got a Subaru 2002 Impreza outback sport and I had to deal 2 time already with fuel leaks coming from the small section of rubber fuel lines right next to the injectors, driver and passenger sides, temperature under 32 degrees trigger this leaks and they are nerve-wracking especially when you're away from home.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Regular J Garage talking about the rubber fuel lines between the fuel filter and fuel rails?

[@andreaechevarria6725]

Got the same issue on a n '01 Forester. When the temp drops below freezing I get a strong smell of gas in the cabin. Is there a simple repair short of replacing the fuel lines?

[@mrJayGarage]

No, the lines I am talking feed the injectors, they are mostly metal but for some reason have small section of rubber hold by hose clamp, I live in Alabama and we have 20 degree weather this couple days, and that's what cause the rubber to think or freeze allowing fuel to leaks, is a simple fix, just tie the hose clamps, but when you're dealing with fuel potentially running down to the exhaust, that's scary.

[@mrJayGarage]

Andrea Echevarria what I did was tie down the hose clamp, check for leaks and keep an eye on it. But If your fuel line has any kind holes or cracks replace it inmidiatly.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Andrea Echevarria nope. Either the fuel lines need to be replaced or the rubber seal at the fuel pump module, under the back seat, has failed.

[@johnhornung7139]

great idea , but this will rust up and fall apart in a short while. amazon has a stainless steel wool for $14.49.

[@namnik1]

Is there a fire hazard using steel wool on exhaust?

[@dcinhere]

That's what I was wondering too.

[@tomhammond89]

First off huge fan of your videos! But i find myself stopping mid video to look up some of the tools you use. The snap on website is horrible to navigate sometimes and i was wondering if you could list the tools that you use just to help out with being able to find them easier. I know it's more work on your part but I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks so much for the great content!

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Thomas Hammond I agree. The new website is horrible. The old one was way better. I'll see what I can do to help on that.

[@adrielpresas7815]

Aluminum foil would also work probably. Wouldn't rust and would be able to pack.

[@saablazer]

You’ll get galvanic corrosion putting two dissimilar metals together.

[@IHeartArtByJeriKehoe]

This seems like a great idea but after thinking about it, doesn't steal wool catch fire with heat? Maybe fiberglass is the best way to go. Just not fun to work with :) Thanks for the video as it was very informative.

[@Robalo844]

Happy subaru year

[@rfcdgaf]

Wow, almost every problem I have with my car, mrsubaru has already done a video !!! What size are the hose clamps?

[@MrSubaru1387]

I can't recall. Sorry.

[@Nazimuddin-tv3wt]

Why are you so amazing my brother? I wish you were in NYC

[@nitawealand3629]

and i thought it was a big problem, ty

[@yoho2chn]

What size hose clamp was it in the vid?

[@drjjloveman]

You know what I find extremely useful for those clamps. A small power drill with a nut driver. The amount of time I've saved is astronomical.

[@drjjloveman]

Also I have horrific carpal tunnel and have had surgery. Still starts to hurt if I have to twist my wrist that many times.

[@landonbarlow5550]

Good video. Thanks bud!

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome. 👍🏻

[@FSCHW]

Sit outside your Subaru dealer where the cars go in for service. More than half the cars going in have this rattle. You would think Subaru would have a fix. Never had a car that had this problem before my Subarus (I have 2). Every 65K they get a rattle that Subarus says is an internal baffle the want to replace for this noise.

[@writerjmd]

I like the idea of stuffing something in there, but have you ever seen steel wool burn? It goes fast and hot. I don't have a better idea for this second other than asbestos, but that can't be bought.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Been driving like this without issue.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yes, I have burned steel wool before.

[@writerjmd]

I cut a piece of an aluminum tube today and tapped it in on my car. Didn't think of anything better yet.

[@dogburrito]

Mine beyond help. Removed heat shield. More rattles surfaces. Removed more. More rattles. Where does it end?

[@phamtinkt88]

I have the same issue in my 2010 OB, and just wondering if steel wool catches fire?

[@gallardowilliam]

Mr subaru thanks

[@ricardocornejo5782]

my friend excelent video. happy new year 2018. greating from Chile

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Ricardo Cornejo Thank you. Happy New Year to you too.

[@AngieRomero84]

I have a 2009 subaru outback and the rattle is a different location. The exhaust hose is disconnected from the muffler. My husband tried epoxy to reconnect and I've tried using jb weld steel stick putty but neither worked. I'm wondering if there is a part I can attach to the exhaust pipe that will fit into the muffler? or any suggestions you might have, including give up and take it to the shop.

[@TheDIYadventureguru445]

Just quick question is it safe to use steal wool because if you put a battery to it it will set fire? i also herd it rusts?

[@whaler1-150]

In regards to possible rust (I don't live in a particularly rusty area, PNW), would brass wool work just as well?

[@thekittenadventuresofelvis6656]

I used the copper steel wool, and not much of it. it stopped rattling but does it burn? if so what does it smell like?

[@ashmonster30]

So what happens when the steel wool rusts?

[@craig1082]

Rattle comes back.. crank down the clamp some more

[@staimajos364]

Danke und Grüße aus Deutschland!

[@murphy9924]

So I have this at 1500 rpm going 30 to 35 mph. But not at stand still. How much really for a replacement?

[@lazyhomeowner]

why stuff it with steal wool when your going to use clamps?

[@albertopdt]

Time to replace your muffler bearing. Haha lol

[@MrSubaru1387]

😂 😂 😂

[@rajeshr5140]

What would be the “official Subaru” way to fix this?

[@AZDESERT2024]

That steel wool is going to start rusting away, the first time it gets wet.

[@jeff666p]

Would it be alright to stuff exhaust wrap inside instead of the steel wool.

[@raziel630]

hi, any suggestions on how to replace this exhaust hanger bracket 44021AE000? Thanks

[@joepinehill]

I've used hose clamps and steel shims wedged between the shield. How long do you find the steel wool lasts before rusting? Do you buy stainless steel wool?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Well, I live in the south, don't get much rust at all. Yes, it was stainless steel wool.

[@michaelpena6790]

insread of buying stuff to cram inside the shields, why not just take the shield off? Its cheaper and most times easier.

[@joshstrassburg5545]

this video is not in New England... i have removed, or clamped, or wired heat shields a couple times a year with my 04 impreza... i will stand by my vehicle any day, but damn... more rattles than a nursery ( from heat shields )

[@jeffdill2]

That's brilliant. 🙌

[@chewy6942]

I would just tear all that shit off! Only exhaust I seen built like a damn armadillo!

[@rockstick5743]

My Forester '14 is making an annoying rattling noise. How much would it cost to replace the heat shield if DIY, and is it difficult?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Fairly easy replacement. Held in with 10mm nuts. Not sure of cost on the heat shields. Most people just remove them.

[@rockstick5743]

Thanks for the reply. I'm thinking of doing it on my own. Called the Subaru dealer, and it would cost $130 for them to look at it. Trying the weigh the dealer cost and DIY cost and experience

[@nonyourbuz5805]

did this last?.....seems like the Cat would burn it out ?...

[@jackpalczynski7884]

Steel wool will rust and the rattle will return. My solution is permanent. Crow bar and cave man the shield off of there and throw it onto the steel scrap trailer. Perfectly quiet forever.

[@3dombee524]

thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome. 👍🏻

[@friskyanderson]

Doesn't it light on fire?

[@yoda4you]

I have a question. I tried the steel wool but it didn’t work. As a matter of fact the engine started to hesitate so I removed the steel wool immediately and the engine was working fine. I noticed that steel wool turned blue and I was wondering if by any chance you would know why it turned blue. I have a P0302 code on my Impreza and I think this issue might be related. I can’t still figure out how to fix this code. I would really appreciate any help. Thanks

[@MrSubaru1387]

Cylinder 2 misfire. What have you done so far?

[@yoda4you]

MrSubaru1387 I put new spark plugs and wires, I cleaned the MAF as well as the throttle body.

[@MrSubaru1387]

If the issue isn't spark, then you need to check fuel and compression.

[@yoda4you]

MrSubaru1387 Do I need special equipment to check the fuel and the compression? Thanks for all your advices 😃

[@MrSubaru1387]

For the fuel, simplest thing would be to swap injectors to see if the misfire leaves cylinder #2 and goes to the cylinder that you swapped it to. For compression you'll need a compression gauge or cylinder leakage tester.

[@Nick_Barone]

My legacy has that damn rattle

[@MrSubaru1387]

Most do with age. Lol

[@paulettespera7340]

How safe is this repair? for a 2011 Outback? over how much time/mileage?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Safe? What do you mean by safe?

[@weezedaly1cor2.10]

Buuut... steel wool can ignite at just over 1200, and my research says that the temp near the exhaust manifold can reach 1200. Too risky of a fix for me.

[@dog-bacwards]

What size clamps are you using?

[@MrSubaru1387]

I can't recall. Sorry. I'll try to check later and get back to you.

[@craig1082]

@@MrSubaru1387 Yeah... Get right on it...

[@MrSubaru1387]

😂 😂 😂

[@airhogglider]

@@MrSubaru1387 what's the size?

[@arthurfernandes2402]

@@airhogglider I know it's a year later but I bought some clamps for my 2019 Crosstrek because the heat shield was rattling and I got 2 1/2 hose clamps.

[@mattwaldman1086]

Mine sounds like a turbo blow off when I shift, I almost don’t want to fix it😂😂

[@jcfilmz509]

Matt Waldman right 😂 I drive a stock 01 Subaru Forester and all of a sudden I noticed a blowoff sound and I’m like WHAT IN THE HELLLL WAS THAT... *switches gear and lets off the gas. *makes sound again Me: woahhhhh😂😂

[@specialized29er86]

me got a 80,000 k 2.5L with that rattle

[@dannysandoval5703]

1:47 - 1:52 ASMR 🤤

[@billmaniace3691]

That fix will last a few weeks until the steel wool rusts

[@MrSubaru1387]

It's lasted a year so far on my Outback.

[@SimplyChem32]

Made a discovery recently... I first thought my chattering noise at low rpms was due to the exhaust manifold. I then noticed that the rubber hose that drains from the A/C had become unseated from its plastic clamp to the left of the transmission and was bouncing against the exhaust system making the noise. Just something else to be aware of I suppose. Figures I'd see it after I had jacked up the car and checked the entire exhaust system for loose parts hahaha For context, this was a 2010 Legacy 2.5i

[@misaelramos83]

I got some pebble or sand in mine causing rattling... Can the bolts be easily removed w/o breaking?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Usually, no. Usually they're pretty rusted/rotten.

[@charliechan9248]

I did something similar, the only difference was: no steel wool, and used several stainless hose clamps.

[@RodrinBird]

Haha yup mine has that rattle too.. Dude, seriously you have a fix for everything on these cars. Thanks!

[@Meghan73]

Thank you for this video! This is what my car is doing when I’m in first and second gear or when I’m braking. I hope the fix is this simple! 🙏

[@ToastedBuns207]

I have a 2010 impreza and I hear a rattle when I start moving and then goes away or when the engine gets bogged down a little. I'm suspecting it's a heat shield because the sound in this video is very similar to mine. I will try this method

[@MrSubaru1387]

Sounds like the likely cause to me as well.

[@chrisc.6680]

It is really terrible that this is such a huge problem and they don’t address it. I have it with my 2013 forester. Aren’t you worried about the steel wool rusting away after hitting one puddle?

[@runningninja7]

Worked like a charm! My rattle kicked in at low gears at around 1500 rpm on my 2014 subaru forester.

[@davidm802]

Lmao I was brought here by the low gear rattle around 1500 rpm on my ‘14 Forester. How are your ball joints and CV axles holding up?

[@stevenweaver4734]

Ha! I did this to my 03 Forester a few years ago when I still had it. Great budget solution. 👍

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Steven Weaver that it is. Easy cheaper than a new heat shield.

[@gamesucks]

got this sound after scrapping a metal speed bump, very similar hope it’s the same thing. will report back, thanks again for these simple quiet videos with no useless info.

[@lesberry9569]

Thank you for this tip. It completely eliminated the rattle on my 2010 forester. Thanks again.

[@ramzyboualleg3716]

i was about to buy a new muffler but now i'm gonna tcheq that before thanks dude

[@DavidCollins7901]

This will be happening to my subaru. Thanks for the amazing tip.

[@baseddoggie]

I would wrap a thin muffler bandage around that rather than putting in fluffy rust

[@OneEzgamer]

Boutta do this on the Impreza , thanks for the help bro

[@TheTrueOSSS]

Lol. I pulled a nail someone jammed between the shroud and exaust on my car. The thing rattled and I thought I botched a repair elsewhere. Shoved the nail back in temporarily to quiet it down. I'll be fixing it the right way so I don't give myself or someone else a flat.

[@Mtl3944]

I think this is happening with my 2016 Impreza - that slight rattle once car started, and then more so at initial acceleration....after that don't really hear it as car speed increases to 30-40-50 km/h, .....neighbour told me its the CV joint/bearings....but why would it make noise even when in park? No vibration or steering issues either. Have to find trustworthy mechanic...

[@sietafak]

And I thought there would be a grinder involved ;)

[@bP-yr3po]

I found a drywall screw beneath the spare tire! LOL

[@SUBIESAMURAI07]

When I give gas , it disappears on my corvette . So it’s really at the lights and drivethrouh

[@dougalannh]

First thing to try is working Hi-Temp Silicone rubber, into all those spots, works GREAT.

[@sherrychapin2997]

I'm gonna do this hi temp silicone

[@dougalannh]

@@sherrychapin2997 Thanks Sherry, please let us know how it works for you.

[@sherrychapin2997]

@@dougalannh hey is there a specifi brand or type of silicon ? What should I use? Anything hi temp. K later

[@jeremy8290]

i have a rattle / grinding noise everytime i am at about 3500 rpms it rarely makes the noise at idle would this be the same issue?

[@aarono8979]

I'm not sure I understand, are we clamping the whole thing to something out of sight or just clamping down on the shielding to cinch it against the pipe, or something?

[@craigsmith8159]

Yeah. I don't understand the hose clamp either.

[@maximvanmelckebeke7925]

thanks

[@JL-jp6td]

I have 2019 Crosstrek 6 spd making rattling noise only when gas pedal is pressed between 2500-4000 rpm, more noticeable when driving up an incline. Dealer replaced clutch bearing and front intake exhaust but still making noise. Any idea what it could be? Here is the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b53Cmntjr7uZm9U