I just spent the better part of today changing out my O2 sensors, for preventative maintenance, been getting intermittent A2 4-3-5 codes (front O2 sensor slow response).

I got the front sensor out no problem, but the rear one gave me a bit of trouble because of the crossmember/plate that is right underneath it.

I guess the stress of the impact wrench I was using caused the threaded nuts the four bolts were screwed into to all break loose after being partly loosened.

In the end I cut the bolts off to get it off.

Here's my question, is it really necessary to have the plate there? Right now I can't put it back on because the threaded nuts are gone, (I somehow managed to fish them all out) or should I put something back there? Does it serve any purpose other than to make changing the rear o2 sensor a PITA when it get all rusty?

Thanks.

 

protection.

 

You will be fine without it.
When I did my exhaust I had to leave it out.