Heat Shield fastening material

[GaryLugg]

Hi all, My first post so I hope this works and is in the correct location.
I have had my 2007 XKR since May and just love it. What a brilliant car. However the fastenings that secure the heat shield have failed and the heat shield is now loose and resting on top of the exhaust. I think I can replace the fastenings but what material should I use? Should I use stainless steel? I have heard that steel will react with aluminium and corrode. Thank you, Gary

[mike020150]

Hi,
The original fixings are a mixture of studs, nuts and bolts on the four pieces of exhaust shielding. Since any mixture of metals including stainless steel (plus water, air and aided by road salt) will inevitably promote corrosion, there isn't much you can do to avoid it. in fact, using stainless steel would be likely to promote more aluminium corrosion than mild steel. Hence, my advice would be to fasten the loose shield back with mild steel fixings and be prepared to change them every few years. Mike.

[GaryLugg]

Thanks Mike, I had a good look today and the stud, washer and nut are all fine (other than superficial rust). It is the alimunium heat shield itself that has corroded. I have replaced the washers with larger mild steel ones as you suggested. Thank you for the advice. Cheers Gary