exhaust problem

[kerv]

I have a steel ring just inside the tip of my custom exhaust that is rattling against the side of the muffler casing.  I am not sure what this ring serves, but it is loose.  I think I could bend it and pull it out the exhaust, but I am not sure if it is okay to do this.  Anyone have any ideas?

If I reach my hand in the exhaust, i can feel the ring, plus this other piping that is smaller then the ring with the holes in it to provide ventilation out the pipe.  The ring seems to go around the entrance to this pipe and it is just big enough so it wont move around and not come out the end of the tip.

Here is a picture of the outside view of the exhaust.
http://www.kerv.net/images/car/kerv-back-angle2.jpg

You see where the ridge of the tip connects to the muffler casing?  That is where the steel ring is, about the width of the muffler casing.

Do you think there could be a problem removing this?  Or should I go to an exhaust shop and see what they can do?

Thanks

- Kerv

[kerv]

anyone have a clue about this?  The ring looks like it is gasket to keep water going back in the pipe and resting in the casing.  I guess a temporary solution would be to take it out, would be better then what it is now.