Something was hanging down (cover)

[ssolidd]

I need help guys this is really one of the worse winter condition I have ever experienced with my mazda 2008 4dr GTX. Coming home from my work the road was very bad and filled with snow more than a foot thick and drive my way through it.

I noticed when I got home something noisy scarthing on the road and I check and found out that some cover of sorts (metal or plastic?) was hanging underneath the front of my car... to put it exactly its underneath the engine. I wonder was it serious problem or it can just be fixed easily.

[Tozer]

rip it off its useless

[cwp_sedan]

Don't listen to this tool above me.

That is the under shield that keeps snow and other crap from going up into the engine bay. It doesn't do much for physical protection but it does help a little.

Most people run with it and some who have damaged theirs just run without it. It won't cause any serious problems I you remove it but I would recommend replacing it.

Unfortunately it costs around $130 from Mazda and that's the only place you can get it unless you can find one at the wreckers.

[boyracer]

*edit* cwp_sedan beat me to it

[JDMdriftchick]

mine started to hang ages ago, i took it off and there were tons of tears in it and the holes where the bolts go through were torn apart
i just used old pieces of sheet metal & pop riveted them in all the spots.
and then secured it back on :) also used a few zip ties
works like a charm i havent had any issues with it.
cost about $5 to fix.

you can also buy an aluminum one somewhere online, but i think theyre about $250

[silverstarmazda]

its also used as an air dam, it keeps the air flowing smoother under the car instead of creating turbulence under the engine compartment. which will contribute to debris flying to the engine. also believed to help the fuel economy.

[Tozer]

Don't listen to this tool above me.

:sad

[cwp_sedan]

Well give better info lol. ;)

[boyracer]

you can also buy an aluminum one somewhere online, but i think theyre about $250



Yup, Corksport. http://www.corksport.com/corksport-04-09-mazda-3-mazdaspeed-3-skidplate.html

[loosecannon]

Yup. My entire undertray was mangled from today's snow as well. Looks like I need to shop at Corksport...

[Nick]

+1 for zipties, used them on mine

[Ozil]

its also used as an air dam, it keeps the air flowing smoother under the car instead of creating turbulence under the engine compartment. which will contribute to debris flying to the engine. also believed to help the fuel economy.

Here comes the expert!!!

[brucewayne]

Yup, Corksport. http://www.corksport.com/corksport-04-09-mazda-3-mazdaspeed-3-skidplate.html

the link calls it a skidplate.... i thought it was called splash shield?

[S.F.W.]

the link calls it a skidplate.... i thought it was called splash shield?
They serve the same function. The OEM version is not strong enough to ne a skid plate .

[silverstarmazda]

Here comes the expert!!!

aw yiss lol


if it was me (aka cheap), id try to save it. drill holes and zip tie. put a brace or something over the cracks and splits. make sure everything is tight, last thing u want is plastic shrapnel flying under your car.

[Flagrum_3]

Yup, Corksport. http://www.corksport.com/corksport-04-09-mazda-3-mazdaspeed-3-skidplate.html

We tried getting a GB going on these way back! If we can get 10 peeps on this you can save $50! That'll cover the shipping anyways. I've had this on my list for awhile. Anyone else want to get a GB going?

_3

[zmz3]

We tried getting a GB going on these way back! If we can get 10 peeps on this you can save $50! That'll cover the shipping anyways. I've had this on my list for awhile. Anyone else want to get a GB going?

_3

+1. Need it soon though :(

[ssolidd]

Thank you guys for the help I was pretty busy but keep looking at this thread, I also got my tranny oil replaced this last week on Mr.lube along with the gas air filter. The mechanic on Mr.lube told me that there was nothing wrong about taking out the plastic protector and its just for aerodynamic function and nothing else, he even told me he just driving without one on his car... was that really not important?

[Stretch]

We tried getting a GB going on these way back! If we can get 10 peeps on this you can save $50! That'll cover the shipping anyways. I've had this on my list for awhile. Anyone else want to get a GB going?

_3

I would be in.
Eric

[TheMAN]

Thank you guys for the help I was pretty busy but keep looking at this thread, I also got my tranny oil replaced this last week on Mr.lube along with the gas air filter. The mechanic on Mr.lube told me that there was nothing wrong about taking out the plastic protector and its just for aerodynamic function and nothing else, he even told me he just driving without one on his car... was that really not important?

quick lube places don't hire mechanics silly! they hire kids out of high school!

the under cover/splash guard serves more than just aerodymanics.... it allows air to flow through the radiator properly!

[silverstarmazda]

quick lube places don't hire mechanics silly! they hire kids out of high school!

the under cover/splash guard serves more than just aerodymanics.... it allows air to flow through the radiator properly!

+1

most of the plastic shrouding in the front helps with getting as much air as you can through the radiator. and feeding important parts with a steady stream of air.

[leungly]

Is the 2nd pictured item here:
http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2009/mazda/3/body_sheet_metal/lower_engine_cover.html

(Part# 30236-04038807)

the Skidplate or SplashGuard?

Os it it something else.

[silverstarmazda]

Is the 2nd pictured item here:
http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2009/mazda/3/body_sheet_metal/lower_engine_cover.html

(Part# 30236-04038807)

the Skidplate or SplashGuard?

Os it it something else.

thats the skid plate. thats the one that always breaks.

[leungly]

So it's the same thing we're talking about in this thread right? (I believe mine has also suffered irreparable damage) and was looking at this part but wasn't sure.

[geobur]

We tried getting a GB going on these way back! If we can get 10 peeps on this you can save $50! That'll cover the shipping anyways. I've had this on my list for awhile. Anyone else want to get a GB going?

_3

Yuup! +1

[ericssonfan]

Any word on getting a GB on these? My ziptie solution is proving only to be a temporary fix as they snapped and I heard the dreaded scrapping sound at every dip.