maximusrick8172

I'm noticing that when I drive over little stones in the road, there's a loud clinking sound of stones hitting metal inside the wheel wells. After driving a Subaru for 4 years, which never had this sound, I took a look to see why. The Suby has a coating of some sort inside the wheel wells that protects the metal and deadens the sound. Why doesn't Nissan do this? And is there something we can do in similar fashion?

Also, I read several threads about a black plastic shield that is supposed to be in the wheel well near the gas filling pipe. I don't see anything on mine - and there's a non-used bracket around the filling pipe. I took a look at several other maximas and altimas on a dealer lot today and they all looked exactly the same - same non-used bracket and didn't see the shield. Are they all missing or what?

TimW

iTrader: (6)

well, we all thought it was cost cutting, but actually they were worried about corrosion in salt states. Since I dont think anyone has ever seen corrosion behind that shield, it would probably be worth getting if you drive frequently on gravel.

Unfornately, you will also find substantial damage to the rocker panel and the rear arch paint with alot of dirt/gravel. Just appears to be the air flow in that area. You'll see 3m tape near the rear door to help with this, but it wont help much above and below the tape. Point being, you should be careful and watch your speed on those types of road.

msteffe

I noticed the exact same thing. It is pretty bad here in Iowa. Does anyone know of any (rear) wheel well plastic shields for the Maxima? I did some checking and couldn't come up with anything. I grit my teeth every time I drive down a salted/sanded road (all of them here)!

TimW

iTrader: (6)

sure, spray on stuff as well as sheets of sound deadening material are easy to come by.. however, you do risk the possibility of getting moisture behind it. depending on your climate (and proximity to salt or ocean), that could turn ugly quickly..

foodmanry

iTrader: (15)

Isn't there some sort of underbody rust corrosion spray? It's like a textured black coating.

2002 Maxima SE

iTrader: (3)

What is the part number for the shield?

jjs

Contact DaveB. It is actually a shield p/n and the clips have their own.

2002 Maxima SE

iTrader: (3)

Found it:

NI01553-09321 CLIP
NI17290-2Y000 PROTECTOR-FILLE

jjs

Cool! Dave can set you up for around $20.00. Got one from him a couple weeks ago, just have not gotten around to installing it.

Uconn411

I believe you're referring to undercoating. Its about $2.99 a can. Just about any auto parts store should carry it.

msteffe

Can someone explain this part to me? Is it a shield for just the filler (gas) tube or is it a shield for the entire wheel well? I have read about this before and could not figure it out. Also, has anyone had any success using the spray-on undercoating/rustproofing stuff? I appreciate all of your help, this forum is a lifesaver!

jjs

Tube only.