Fabia Estate Mk1 1.9TDi Checked under back of car to see a metal panel hanging down. When I tried to put it back in place it appears to go under the back box but has rotted through on the left hand side. The back box looks OK and is not blowing.  Could it be a stone guard. Joe  

Edited 7 February, 201511 yr by JoePeddos

I had similar on mine a couple of years back . Thoughts of new exhaust came to mind. Local exhaust place pulled it off-problem cured- VAG fit double skinned exhausts as standard.

It's called a heat shield.

Step 1) pull it off.

Step 2) forget about it.

Metal snips can be helpful as they are awkward sometimes wrapped around hangers etc.

A picture would be good if you need 100% confirmation.

Good luck!

It's called a heat shield.

Step 1) pull it off.

Step 2) forget about it.

Metal snips can be helpful as they are awkward sometimes wrapped around hangers etc.

A picture would be good if you need 100% confirmation.

Good luck!

Could be either my Fab had a double layered exhaust and first layer was rotted and hanging off.

Binned my old one too

Not required

Garage removed the hanging metal and said the exhaust system is still in quite good condition. I remember when you were lucky to get 2 winters out of an exhaust so 9 yrs + is brilliant