Yes it did need removing as it was just way too tight to get the silencer past the cannister , you could possibly force it down below the silencer but its a strain on the connections.
Anyway I did remove the Emissions cannister and the connections ( 3 of them ) need soaking in WD40 or very soapy water as they are tight as, very awkward to remove but it has to come out.
Silencer cannister is out and will take a look at it tomorrow and check all the lines. Cannister does look a little tired : )

