A fuel tank shield is provided for mounting between a fuel tank and a rotating drive shaft of the type having a generally smooth cylindrical outer surface from which a hard edge extends adjacent the fuel tank shield. A recess is provided in the fuel tank shield and a block of cushion material is mounted in the recess to fill the recess. In an event that would cause the rotating drive shield to encroach into the space normally occupied by the fuel tank shield, the cushion material will be subjected to wearing away by the contact of the hard edge of the rotating drive shaft so that the hard edge becomes absorbed within the pocket formed by wearing away of a portion of the cushion material.