Insulation on transmission heat shields?
 

Does anyone know what the insulating material on the back of the transmission tunnel heat shields are?

I can't seem to find it on the forum anywhere, so I figured it might be a good thing to shout out, if someone knows the answer. ie, was mazda still using asbestos in 93?

Throwing some pictures up in case my description isn't clear.

Didn't realize how much of a pain it is to get that last shield out that wraps around the driveshaft/frame rail, but that's a different discussion.


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1947dd92eb.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...44474f8b24.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...6c895b63a5.jpg

It's probably fiberglass based insulation. Asbestos hadn't been used in ages by the time of the FD.

Dale

This is what use !
Floor & Tunnel Shield II - Extreme Heat Shield | Design Engineering Inc

That's what I thought, but I saw in the parts list where it looked like they still used it for some of the exhaust gaskets and stuff, so I could believe it either way.

DEI makes good stuff. I have the similar product that thermotec makes to put on the side of the heat shield that faces towards the exhaust. I'll probably leave whatever the backing material is alone. It seems to hold up pretty well.

Asbestos is definitely still allowed in automotive products...

https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/us-fede...stos#notbanned

https://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib072606.html

So I wouldn't go around doing lines of brake dust and huffing gasket powder just yet...

When in doubt I wear a $20 3M respirator from lowes. Even with modern friction materials and insulation... very small particulates is not what you want in your respiratory system.