Im having a hard time getting the heat shield of from the downpipe. Seems like the steering colum is in the way do i really have to remove it?

i have already removed the 2 screws bolted to the heat shield. Its a 1999 rx7 rhd

 

Ive never had to deal with an oem heat shield on the downpipe but I can tell you that removing the shaft from the steering helps a million when working in that area. I highly suggest removing it to gain better access. Its really easy and it wont let you put it back in wrong. It will only go back in one way. You wont need an alignment or anything from removing it.

 

Gonna try removing it, another problem is the bolts i cant loosen them Hopefully ill get them off once i can get the socket wrench in there.

 

You can turn the wheels and the shaft will turn. You can get the bolts to point whatever direction you want. Its easiest to turn the wheel until the bolts face down and you can reach them from the downpipe side with some extensions.

Its really easy once you turn the steering wheel and watch the shaft spin.