I purchased a hitch from Doug this summer and am happy with it. I have a question which I hope someone can help with.

I have a rattle which I believe I've finally traced to contact between the passenger side muffler heat shield and the hitch mount. I say finally because it is intermittent - happens only when the exhaust gets very hot and only between 2500 - 3500 rpm. What appears to happen is heat expands the muffler just enough so that vibration in the range mentioned will cause contact between the heat shield and the hitch mount.

Have anyone here seen this before ?

I'd appreciate ideas on how to cure this. My thought is to put a spacer between the hitch mount and the bumper mount. However, the clearance between the exhaust tip and the hitch mount is pretty tight so there may be a possible problem with contact there. The last comment is without taking measurements just eyeballing the dimensions.

Any ideas ? I just sent the same note to Doug and will post any solutions.

Thanks! Kyle

 

I have not seen this. But the hitch for the earlier S2000s has a bit more clearance than for the 04+ cars.

 

smack the exhuast w/ a hammer and "modify" the muffler? How much clearance do you need?

 

I like it. The BFH is by far the most versatile tool in the inventory.

 

I was thinking the same thing: use a hammer on the heat shield or a grinder on the hitch bracket. I don't know exactly where you're getting contact. I haven't had that problem, so I haven't inspected that area closely.

 

I see where Doug cut a scallop in the plate - in my case just not enough I guess. I'll have to remove the plate if I use the BFH or the grinder so I think I'll do it right and grind off about one-half inch from the bottom of the plate. Not a big deal, mostly the time to R&R the bumper. Thanks for the input gents.

 

With a hack saw and file I trimmed the plate back to just below the weld and just left of the weld. Filed a small 45 angle in the back of the plate for insurance.

With a hot exhaust the clearance to the heat shield miked at .15". No rattle. Yipee!

Amazing how annoying a rattle can be.

Thanks for the input. BTW Doug was very responsive - also said this is the only instance he's heard of like this.

 

sandelkw,

It appears I have the same problem. How has this fixed worked for you long term? Any chance you have a photo of the modified piece?