Can anyone explain to me the difference between a stone guard and a mud guard that is listed on part sites for a 2002 maxima quarter panel (wheel well)?

 

Unsure about 5th gens but I can imagine it is the same as the 4th gen. Mud guards are what you have on your car in the sig pic. Rock guards are small plastic strips that bolt in place of the mud guards but only protect the leading edge of the fender/quarter panel. I swapped mud guards for rock guards on my 4th gen because it looks cleaner.

I could be wrong about this since I don't believe I've ever seen a 5th gen without mud guards and rock guards may in fact be the splash shields instead.

 

So I talked to my local nissan rep and he thinks it is like the clear bra stuff that is made to protect from rock chips and such and that it is most likely installed along the wheel well line right above the side skirts. They were cheap so I told him to order them to cure curiousity.

The other item I asked him about is an item on 1stnissanparts.com listed as a pack-rim f stop, packing and it is shown to be installed on top of the head light. Almost looks like it can be eye lids but more under the hood not seen. Again curious so I ordered. Will report when I get them in.

 

I think this is a foam strip that was introduces in a service bulletin to stop the hood from rattling.

 

If that is what it does then I will be happy I got it because for sure my hood rattles. We shall see when it gets in. Will update this thread.

 

Stone guards are located on the rear door sills, right above the side skirts wheel the fender starts to curve.

 

How far does it go up? Any pics on a maxima?