Hey guys,

Sorry to be a nuisance, but does anyone know what this strap actually is? I have a 2003 model TL magna VR and I saw this underneath my car. I'm not sure if it's meant to be there, any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. BTW I know the photos are terrible but it's the best I could manage.

http://s332.photobucket.com/albums/m358/dilan01/Michael/103_1615.jpg
http://s332.photobucket.com/albums/m358/dilan01/Michael/103_1616.jpg
http://s332.photobucket.com/albums/m358/dilan01/Michael/103_1617.jpghttp://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m358/dilan01/Michael/103_1619.jpg

That looks like an earth strap to me - last time I saw one was on a VS Commodore to earth the Oxygen sensors.

:yeahthat:

That looks like an earth strap to me - last time I saw one was on a VS Commodore to earth the Oxygen sensors.

Thanks hako, is it meant to be hanging like that? I'm clueless when it comes to these things, but I don't remember seeing it like that before. I recently had my timing belt done from mitsubishi, so could it be some kind of leftover from that?

I'd just push it back up if you're concerned - it's made of braided copper so it's pretty flexible. To be honest I don't even know if it is a standard fitting...never noticed it on mine. My old Commodore was ex-police and had earth straps on everything that moved. I know some dudes with mega sound systems do the same....chasing perfection.

I know some dudes with mega sound systems do the same....chasing perfection.

Only thing is we don't do it under the car most of the time.

It is an earth strap, for what? I would need more photos to tell you but its probably there to strengthen the ground of a component its bolted to.

As for moving it, you can move it but the reason its hanging there is it only earths out on the 2 points instead of all over which is safer.

On the standard exhaust system there are two of these braided earth straps. When I had my "Redback" system fitted, they said they need not worry about them, and left them on the old exhaust. From memory they were attached to the heat shields on the exhaust. What do they do? "FIIK"!! MY car runs just fine without it, or so it seems, 6000k now with the new zorst system.

Just had a look at my TL and I have the strap as well despite them not shown in the workshop manual. They must be for either to ensure the oxygen sensor has a good earth to the body and/or to earth the exhaust system and reduce electrolysis of the muffler etc due to the use of dissimilar metals (Stainless and mild steel).

Update:, just did a search and that strap actually can increase horsepower!!! - believe it or not. Read the following snip:
Sun Auto now offers specialized earthing straps to properly ground your exhaust system to the chasis. Based on research & development of the HGS, the new Exhaust Earth is designed to maximize exhaust efficiency by minimizing static electricity that obstructs exhaust flow inside the muffler. Benefits include: Increased torque response / reduced static electricity in exhaust / reduce vibration noise from exhaust / improve corrosion resistant of muffler. Use w/ HGS for cumulative performance enhancement!
Installation: Each kit comes with 2 ground straps; one is connected from the exhaust where the muffler bolts on the midpipe to the chassis, and the other is connected from the exhaust where the midpipe bolts on the cat. converter to the chassis. If possible, best results will be had if any paint/debris is scraped where the terminals connect for a solid metal-to-metal contact.

What a total load of crap, lets link these idiots to Barrys earthing kits, fuel rail heaters and Peter Brocks polarisers, screw it, lets also paint a coke can pink, tell them to leave it in the glove box and the contents slushing around will adjust the centre of gravity on hard cornering and make your car handle like a F1 car.......

The strap is there to prevent corrosion. Ever wondered why some cars rust an exhaust out in 3 years where some magna's will last over 10. Helps ground the metal to reduce the corrosion. Is as simple as that

What a total load of crap,

I thought all would read it as 'tongue in cheek' hence the "!!!"

awesome, thanks heaps for the help everyone, so from what you tell me, I just won't worry about it then. Phew!
Thanks for checking under your car as well hako, cheers.

What a total load of crap, lets link these idiots to Barrys earthing kits,



Link me Barry's earthing kits, because if its anything like an aluminum bus bar, with several extra points of grounding the the engine bay with larger than stock wiring it some can notice a horse power increase. Its not a case of actually gaining horsepower as it is, the prevention of losing it due to poor grounding.

So that one is not an "Idiot's" idea as you refer to some.

Late edit: Also the process that the ground strap helps to prevent is known as "electrolysis".