diff --git a/code/modules/mechs/equipment/combat.dm b/code/modules/mechs/equipment/combat.dm
index a3399f493e6..ff8b1ba16e9 100644
--- a/code/modules/mechs/equipment/combat.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mechs/equipment/combat.dm
@@ -911,9 +911,15 @@
 
 /obj/item/mech_equipment/shield_generator/ballistic/installed(mob/living/exosuit/_owner, hardpoint)
 	. = ..()
+	if(!(visual_bluff in _owner.vis_contents))
+		_owner.vis_contents.Add(visual_bluff)
 	visual_bluff.icon_state = "mech_shield_[hardpoint]"
 	updateVisualBluff(_owner.dir)
 
+/obj/item/mech_equipment/shield_generator/ballistic/uninstalled()
+	owner.vis_contents.Remove(visual_bluff)
+	. = ..()
+
 // 66% efficient when deployed
 /obj/item/mech_equipment/shield_generator/ballistic/getEffectiveness()
 	return on ? 0.66 : 0