Removal and installation of thermal screens (Focus 2)

During engine operation, the exhaust system heats up to a high temperature. Therefore, if there is severe mechanical damage to the heat shields installed above the system elements, be sure to replace them. In addition to reducing the comfort level in the cabin, a malfunction of the heat shields can lead to charring of the heat and noise insulation of the body floor.

Removal of the steel additional heat shield of the catalytic converter is described in the process of removing the catalytic converter (see "Removing, installing the exhaust manifold and replacing its gasket"). Removal of the remaining thermal screens is described in this subsection.

You will need: a 10 mm socket head and a TORX T20 key.

NOTE: To gain access to the main and additional muffler heat shield mounts and the exhaust pipe, the main and additional mufflers must be removed from the vehicle (see "Replacing the main and additional mufflers").

To remove the heat shield of the main muffler do the following.



1. Unscrew the two nuts securing the pressure plate, which simultaneously secure the front edge of the main muffler heat shield and the left edge of the rear part of the additional muffler heat shield to the underbody…





2. …and remove the plate.



3. Unscrew the two screws securing the protective shield, one of which secures the heat shield of the main muffler…



4. …and remove the shield.



5. Unscrew the back…





6. …and the front nut securing the heat shield of the main muffler to the fuel tank mounting clamp…



7. …and remove the heat shield.

8. Install the main muffler heat shield in the reverse order of removal.

To remove the exhaust pipe heat shield do the following.



1. Unscrew the three mounting nuts and remove the heat shield.



2. Install the exhaust pipe heat shield in the reverse order of removal.

To remove the rear part of the additional muffler heat shield do the following.

1. Remove the heat shield of the main muffler (see above in this subsection).



2. Unscrew the remaining three nuts securing the rear part of the additional muffler heat shield..

NOTE: The nut securing the rear part of the additional muffler heat shield is unscrewed during the process of removing the main muffler heat shield.

NOTE: The two front nuts b simultaneously secure the front part of the additional muffler heat shield.

3. …and remove the rear part of the additional muffler heat shield.

4. Install the rear part of the additional muffler heat shield in the reverse order of removal.



To remove the front part of the additional muffler heat shield do the following.



1. Unscrew the four nuts securing the front part of the additional muffler heat shield in its middle part…



2. …one fastening nut in its front part and remove the front part of the additional muffler heat shield.

3. Install the front part of the additional muffler heat shield in the reverse order of removal.