Problem with tow hitch

[BAZPRADO Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BAZPRADO]

I have recently installed a Curt (US) tow hitch receiver that was originally designed for the Lexus GX470 on my 2007 3 Door 120 Prado, I figured that it shuld fit because they are essentially the same car underneath.

Following the removal of the OEM fuel tank cover, the fit was perfect, except that some of the secondary holes do not match up and the rear muffler (resonator) is in contact with the tow bar. The rattle is only evident if I go over rough patches of road.

I was wondering if anyone is able to recommend a material that has high heat tolerance capabilities that I can glue to the tow bar and fit between the muffler and tow bar to prevent the rattles. I can live with the installation as is, but if I can do something about I would. I wish I can attach a photo here, but it appears to be quite complicated.

Cheers.

[fishfinder Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close fishfinder]

Re: Problem with tow hitch

Get spme heat tab adhesive which is used to glue heat tabs on cylinder heads and heat sheild they wrap around exhausts

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Re: Problem with tow hitch

Surely you could drop the rear end of the exhaust off the hanger and do some contructive panel beating with a hammer to put a small hollow into the pipe at the spot where it contacts the bar or alternatively take it to an exhaust shop or, if you have your own oxy - acetyline, heat the pipe and push the metal in a little to gain the clearance needed.

If the exhaust is going to sit against anything that is attached to the tow bar it will eventually rub through.

[dirttracker Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dirttracker]

Re: Problem with tow hitch

I would suggest that any bashing of the exhaust would be detrimental to exhaust performance. Another solution is to have the exhaust heated by an exhaust installer and bent away from the towbar. This has been a problem for those who have installed after market exhaust systems and $30 later the knocking noise is gone!

Regards

[BAZPRADO Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BAZPRADO]

Re: Problem with tow hitch

The contact area is less than 2 cm total. I place a soft material and topped it off with radiator repair tape. Been running two days, no problems yet, Knock on wood.