Can anybody tell me what this is and how to fix it? I have an '08 TL-S with just under 94,000 miles. When I took the car to the dealer back in September they offered to secure something loose underneath the car for about $50, but I held off on it and then I found this after hearing rattling underneath my car today. They also suggested replacing the timing belt and serpentine belt for nearly $1,000, but I was kind of hoping to put that off till I was a little closer to 105,000 miles. They mentioned a leak in my steering fluid as well, but this was the first I was hearing about any of this stuff in over 2 years of ownership, so I was a bit skeptical that they were exaggerating the problems to get more money out of me, when all I had gone in for was a state inspection and to replace rear shocks. The rear shocks I actually had heard recommendations to replace from a couple different previous mechanics. Not sure how seriously I should be taking the other issues now. Any help appreciated!

 

heat shield for the catalytic converter

 

you will have to inspect the condition of the bolts that hold the shield in place, jack up the car and check to see if missing or busted and or broken

 

surprise to me that the under side of your vehicle does not have a rust coat protectant spray.

 

Pretty sure that is exactly what mine looks line underneath....other than no red and no hanging cat shield.

 

With that amount of rust, either hose clamp it at each end or yank it out.

 

Yank er out!

 

other people are right on the money with what's hanging.

regarding your other issues...it's very common to have the steering pump leak, i have that as well but it reaches a "max" and from there you just keep an eye on the fluid. i'm waiting for my local independent mechanic to tell me when reman pumps are ready to be installed from the oem manufacturer. but they said don't worry about it for now it's a very minor leak and just keep an eye on fluid.

you can wait on the timing belt until you hit 105k. also try to find an independent mechanic that specializes in acuras/hondas and get your work done with them. it will save you money