Sound Insulators and Shields
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Lincoln Mark LT and 2007 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Sound insulators and shields attached to the underbody protect the vehicle from exhaust system heat and should be inspected at regular intervals to make sure they are not dented or out of position. If a sound insulator and shield is damaged or shows evidence of deterioration, a new sound insulator and shield should be installed. The sound insulators and shields for the muffler, exhaust downpipe, inlet pipe and catalytic converter pipe are installed separately.