I have a problem with the routing of the exhaust past the fuel tank on my estate. The exhaust is too close to the check strap on the rear axle. There are very few amazon estates here in New Zealand so I can't readily have a look to see where the exhaust is supposed to go.

The exhaust is a locally fitted generic type that runs currently about 1 inch clear of the front corner of the fuel tank and about level with it vertically (bottom of fuel tank is at the same level as the bottom of the pipe). There is no rear chamber just the front muffler.

Can anyone advise where the exhaust pipe should run past the check strap? Should the pipe go under the fuel tank? A photo or sketch would be a help.

I am currently thinking of adding a stainless steel shield to the exhaust pipe to prevent it from burning out the check strap. I could also wrap aluminium tape around the check strap.

Any other thoughts?