2013 Escape Splash Shield

[badtlc]

So I have inherited a wonderful 2013 Escape SEL 2.0L Ecoboost and it does not have the splash shield. I'm contemplating getting an OEM shield vs aftermarket options. Does anyone have any experience with the different splash shield options? I'd lean towards something with an easy-open spot for the oil filter but I want to make sure the PTU gets all the cooling it can get.

Any feedback or suggestions on OEM vs aftermarket would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[K-Man]

Would an aftermarket splash shield even be available for the Escape? I doubt there would be enough demand for one.

Mazdas had an open spot in their shields to access the oil filter in most models. Since Ford and Mazda were working together at one time, I would think the Ford splash shield would have an access opening too.

You might want to see if a salvage yard has a suitable Escape to check how the OEM shield looks. You would need the mounting hardware as well as the shield, so you could pull all the screws etc. off the same donor vehicle.

 

[badtlc]

Would an aftermarket splash shield even be available for the Escape? I doubt there would be enough demand for one.

Mazdas had an open spot in their shields to access the oil filter in most models. Since Ford and Mazda were working together at one time, I would think the Ford splash shield would have an access opening too.

You might want to see if a salvage yard has a suitable Escape to check how the OEM shield looks. You would need the mounting hardware as well as the shield, so you could pull all the screws etc. off the same donor vehicle.

Surprisingly there are many aftermarket versions available. Unfortunately the OEM does not have an opening for oil filter or drain plug. The only opening is a slot designed to direct air onto the PTU.

I have all the screws already for the splash shield. I just need to get one.

 

[KrisZ]

Not sure why you would want to spend money and install one. In your application, the shield may keep things a bit cleaner under there, that’s about it.

 

[TheOilWizard]

The splash shields can be a pain to reinstall, especially if everything doesn't line up perfectly. I think I'd just go OEM to potentially save some hassle.

 

[tig1]

Since I do my own oil changes and ATF trans changes I removed mine on both Fusions when I first bought the cars.

 

[userfriendly]

The alternator is right above the splash shield, so it’s not a good idea to run without one.

 

[badtlc]

Not sure why you would want to spend money and install one. In your application, the shield may keep things a bit cleaner under there, that’s about it.

A few reasons
1) as mentioned just above, a stud on the alternator hangs down at the front of the car and is completely exposed to just being ripped off easily. It seems like it actually protrudes down below the bumper just a touch. There is nothing to deflect debris away from the stud.
2) The PTU is the weak spot on this vehicle and it can absolutely cook the fluid. The splash shield is designed to direct air directly onto the PTU cooling fins to help keep it cool.
3) aero/MPGs
4) cleanliness as we get salted winter roads and do regular gravel road traveling

 

[Jetronic]

Anything big enough to rip the alternator bolt off will just rip through a splash shield

the PTU might be getting more cooling being exposed.

 

[zzyzzx]

There are plastic aftermarket splash shields that are vastly superior to the fiber (or whatever) the OE ones are made of. And the aftermarket ones have a smaller removable panel to make oil changes easier. Don't get the OE one!

 

[JunkdrawerDog]

Since I do my own oil changes and ATF trans changes I removed mine on both Fusions when I first bought the cars.

This is what I do. The shields are typically so flimsy they offer no protection as a "skid plate".

 

[badtlc]

Anything big enough to rip the alternator bolt off will just rip through a splash shield

It is a conductor stud, not a bolt.

 

[badtlc]

There are plastic aftermarket splash shields that are vastly superior to the fiber (or whatever) the OE ones are made of. And the aftermarket ones have a smaller removable panel to make oil changes easier. Don't get the OE one!

are there any noise differences between the two? It seems pretty quiet right now w/out one but I have nothing to compare it to.

 

[zzyzzx]

are there any noise differences between the two? It seems pretty quiet right now w/out one but I have nothing to compare it to.

I don't know. GF drives the Escape and it's always had a splash shield. Check the reviews AND YouTube videos on the aftermarket splash shields.

 

[Corollaman]

A few reasons
1) as mentioned just above, a stud on the alternator hangs down at the front of the car and is completely exposed to just being ripped off easily. It seems like it actually protrudes down below the bumper just a touch. There is nothing to deflect debris away from the stud.
2) The PTU is the weak spot on this vehicle and it can absolutely cook the fluid. The splash shield is designed to direct air directly onto the PTU cooling fins to help keep it cool.
3) aero/MPGs
4) cleanliness as we get salted winter roads and do regular gravel road traveling

I bought an aftermarket shield for our Fusion because it had cut outs for the oil change. I soon discovered it was a bad idea because our Fusion is all wheel drive and aftermarket shield didn't have the vent that sends cool air to the PTU. I decided to go back to the stock one. Yes, it's a pain to take off but it does serve a purpose and keeps stuff clean.

 

[pbm]

I bought an aftermarket splash shield on Amazon for my 2014 Focus and it didn't last as long as the OE. It was made in China and very flimsy.

 

[Egg_Head]

I bought an aftermarket for son's 2013 Escape (Kuga) some years ago. Does not have cut out for oil but is HD plastic. Be sure to get plenty of extra screws for attachment.