About 6 months ago I bottomed out my car on a gravel road, and it didn't do any damage, but it did loosen the front plastic piece under the bumper that is held together by clips. I don't really know what it's for exactly, but the clips probably need replacing along with the piece itself.

It rattles terribly now that it's getting colder. All summer there were no problems, but it's getting worse, and I really don't want to put the money into replacing something if it really doesn'at have much of a purpose anyway.

So..should I just take it off and leave it off? Will this effect cooling/aerodynamics...or should I have the Nissan dealership replace the broken piece for hundreds of dollars?

I should note that there is absolutely no visible damage to the car. It's just the clips that are coming loose and making the plastic piece make a lot of noise.

 

I just ran over something in the road last week and mine was dragging on the ground afterwards. It's now in the trunk of my car. It's mainly to keep things from flying into the engine bay i.e. gravel, road debris, and rain. I'll be getting new clips soon and putting it back on.

 

its about $60 for the whole thing...not too bad, but just replace the clips. its better you scrape that than the undercarriage over speed bumps as I do

 

I may just bring it by to get new clips. Until then it is coming off, because it sounds like my front end is about ready to fall apart. I don't like going to the dealership though. It seems like you can't leave that place without paying $500 or more.

 

Great thread...

Will read again.

 

that piece is to protect bottom outs. I suggest dont take it off or be careful not to do it again. Replace asap if your gonna keep messing around on gravel roads.

 

Where can you get the clips? Online? Advanced? Courtesy Parts?

 

Ya, where can we get these clips? I tried Autozone and no luck there.

 

Funny....

 

I basically just ripped it off tonight. The clips were fine, but the plastic unit itself was warped and making a terrible noise over every bump. This car has seen gravel maybe 2 times in 30000 miles and it was bottomed out in someones gravel driveway. I'm not in a hurry to put this thing back on. If I do, it will be when I'm at the dealer for some other service work. The only thing I'm worried about taking this route is rain water making its way into the engine bay.

 

I just replaced all my "buttons" to hold mine on. It helps aerodynamics and prevents things from flying under engine area.

 

Is there anywhere to get these "buttons/clips" other than the stealership? All of the rear ones (closer to the axle) on mine are gone, it started dragging the other day, so I removed it entirely. The "buttons" from the front don't seem to fit the rear part.

 

Yeah, where can we get this stuff????

 

Ive seen them at walmart and autozone.

 

I'm missing a few of those buttons also, i'll go up to wally world today and see if i can find them

 

it is for aerodynamics and cooling.

it seals the front of the radiator so all air entering the front openings hits it. otherwise it would flow under the car resulting in less efficient cooling and more aerodynamic drag. the diffuser also keeps air from creating more drag along the under-body as it flows rearward.

yes it also protects somewhat, but that is just another benefit to the intended purposes.

 

There was some sort of recall issue with the fastners Nissan used.

Call the dealer, tell them the problem and see what they say.


I searched for the "button" clips for awhile when I painted my engine covers with no luck.

Ended up buying them at the dealership. The parts counter guy couldnt believe they were a dolaar something each so he gave me 2 bags (20) rang up 4 and charged me like $5.00.

 

i was thinking of painting it

 

Don't. It will only chip off.

 

why? who will ever see it?

 

i was scratching my head about the same thing

I just replaced all my loose clips a few days ago!!


Car feels like it runs 12's!!!!!!!!!!

 

2 reasons to do it that i can see are: you like to paint stuff and have subsequently run out of mods you can do/afford or you care about your mechanic( kinda same reason there is a billet hunk of metal that says hummer under the hood of hummers)

mechanics need nice things to look at too!

 

i suppose. but the general attitude of most mechanics is "what a waste."