On my 2.0 Duratec the filter is fitted at the rear of the engine and when I purchased the car the filter was touching the bonnet, I have now adjusted it so there is clearance. To get at the filter I loosened the fixing screws at the windscreen end and lifted the bonnets to give enough clearance. I put a towel so that it was between the bonnets when both were lifted to protect the paint. Then I remove the hose (filter to throttle body) and remove the filter case complete. It is a pain, but fortunately not done very often
