exhaust manifold heat shield problem

The exhaust manifold heat shield on my 2000 ford focus is broken around the bolts and is just sitting there and shaking. I want to know if i can simply remove it without causing any future problems or should i go out and buy another heat shield to replace the broken one?

If it is under the car, I generally cut them off. It sounds like it's the one around the exhaust manifold...if it was mine I would cut it off. If it was a customers, I would get some flat washers, attempt to remove the bolts, put the flat washers, or fender washers if it was REALLY cracking, on the shield and tighten them. Generally this works...if you can keep from snapping the bolts...bolts and exhaust componants don't get along. Good luck with it!

It depends on where you live as the heat can some times start a grass fire if driving in a hay field during a drought.