Tin shield under muffler on right side is rusted and about ready to fall off. Can this be removed without causing a problem? Muffler appears to be fine.
Looks like sand and salt on these New England roads gets between the shield and the muffler and just sits there and rusts. The other side is perfect.
Panel is about $180.00, If i don't need it I'll be thrilled!

 

The gas tank is right over the muffler, if it were me, I would keep it on or buy a replacement for it. I would NOT take it off the car and simply call it a day. Too close to the gas for comfort.

 

I probably worded it in a confusing way. The panel in question is actually below the muffler, between it and the ground. I understand what you are saying about the one over the top. This panel seems to act as a gravel shield or something similar but actually catches debris (salt, sand) between the bottom of the muffler and itself. The muffler has'nt rusted yet but not much left to the shield on the passenger side. (drivers side is perfect)
Thanks for any further thoughts. Mitch

 

When that one rusted out on our R53, the muffler was fine, but it looked horrible so I bought her a Borla Race Exhaust That was my solution! I think you could take it off without a problem, it does not hold it together structurally by any means

 

Thanks JD. Just what I had figured.

Great Site.