Lots of rattle at the rear end

[PhilCerbera]

Or it did until I easily pulled off a loose 6'' square piece of aluminium just above the exhaust next to the rear near side wheel on the underside of the car.

It looks like it is there to shield something but there is not the equivalent piece of metal on the off-side, perhaps it has already been removed or fallen off? And there wasn't anything obvious holding it on (no holes or bracket)??

I can't get under the car properly because I'm at work. Does anyone know if this an important bit of metal and/or should there be one each side?

PS It's a 4.5 1998

>>> Edited by PhilCerbera on Friday 23 July 12:41