Hi all,

My 2005 Focus Mk2 discovered a rattle at the start of this week, I soon discovered what I believe is the heat shield had dropped down and was rattling on other parts of the car. Today I took it to Halfords as I thought I was passing and had left work early so why not get it fixed. They told me my car was sorted after 5 minutes and I thought all was well.

Once I got home curiosity made me look to see what held it in place but to discover they had just removed the heat shield.

So my question is how important is this heat shield/Should I have one and should I complain to Halfords?

I have attached a picture so people can check that they have actually removed it as I really know much about cars so Thank You for any responses.

Graham

Well Ford obviously thought it important enough to spend money on it, even though its not visible or a sales point

I'd go and demand they re-install it properly like they were paid to do. Removing it without permission is theft

Good point, I'll get on to Halfords first thing tomorrow. Thanks!

That part keeps heat off the petrol tank it would have been extremely easy to fix insist it is replaced and you get to see it first when they are done

The heatshield for the fuel tank is still there, that one only keeps the heat out the wheel well/boot area

I'd be going back to Halfords and having a little word with the manager, ask him/her what the heatshield does etc.

Obviously Ford totally missed that it wasn't needed and have been buying them from their supplier, and paying someone to fit it to every Focus for no good reason what so ever Or they say they don't know what it's there for but removed it anyway......

Often the cause of heatshield failing is that they fracture around where the large diameter nut/washers keep them in place. Usual fix is to go for an even bigger washer or maybe overlap another section of heatshield if there is any to hand.

I'd be going back to Halfords and having a little word with the manager, ask him/her what the heatshield does etc.

Obviously Ford totally missed that it wasn't needed and have been buying them from their supplier, and paying someone to fit it to every Focus for no good reason what so ever Or they say they don't know what it's there for but removed it anyway......

Often the cause of heatshield failing is that they fracture around where the large diameter nut/washers keep them in place. Usual fix is to go for an even bigger washer or maybe overlap another section of heatshield if there is any to hand.

And hope the manager doesn't say, it reflects heat

The cause of then ratting/failing 99% of the time is down to galvanic corrosion.

My usual solution is to use thin aluminium sheet and use a gesaw to cut 38mm washers from it. They cover the corroded part nicely and should last the lifetime of the car