Problem with Cover under engine (Skid tray)

[Mazda123]

So I went for an Oil change on Monday to Achilles Mazda in Milton... They did their inspection of the car, and recommended belts be changed, but I passed because i normally take the car to Direct Mazda for bigger service jobs. I got the car back, and drove home which was close by. Next Day took it out on HWY to work and started hearing a noise. I didn't get a chance to check it until on my way home when I noticed it getting worse. So I pulled over into a parking lot, and it looked like the plastic cover under the engine was hanging down, and the place where it screws in on the passenger side was broken. I called the dealership and they mentioned that it is common, but this happened right after the oil change. They didn't seem to inclined to help me, so I'm wondering what the opinion is here on the board. I couldn't take the car back to them because of work, and I had Monday off when I did the Oil change, so I hoisted the car up and taped the panel so it wasn't hanging. Called Direct to get the price on the part, and its $149 so I'm a little upset about the whole situation...

[cwp_sedan]

I would be pissed that it was broken (even if it wasn't their fault) as they should have noticed it when they talked to you and should have at least let you know. Even if you declined to have it fixed. MOT always told me mine was broken but I never fixed it. I just had Jimmy bend it up out of the way.

If you can just rig it so that it's out of the way but can still be removed to do oil changes do that. I will eventually replace mine if it gets worse but if not, it's just there to keep some dirt and debris out.

[silverstarmazda]

you can without it, i broke mine durung the crazy storm last winter. it literally ripped right out of the screw points and bent the metal beam that runs along towards the ground. needless to say, i had sparks flying all over under me. the skid is there to ensure that large debris from damaging the things under (as cwp said). BUT it also serves as an air dam. it makes the air flowing under the car smoother, thus reducing resistance which in turns gives you better fuel economy (very little). it also keeps everything dryer and cleaner by keeping water from splashing and misting the engine. and too much dirt from getting in the compartment. if you have an aftermarket intake, with an exposed cone filter. be ready to clean it periodically

[proDJtege]

If anyone wants to do a group-buy on fasteners for the underbody plastic parts and engine bay, I'd gladly go in!

[silverstarmazda]

If anyone wants to do a group-buy on fasteners for the underbody plastic parts and engine bay, I'd gladly go in!

not really about the fasteners. its the mounting points that break. i had a quick fix with zip ties lol

[sudz]

Zip ties is where its at. I have 8 in total holding my various broken plastic bits together. The undertray I believe are over 100 bucks (155 rings a bell?), the side plastic bits I think are around 55-70 dollars.

Or Zip ties and a cordless drill. Try and also drill a hole at the very very end of a crack - it stops it from spreading further easily.

if you REALLY want to get fancy, you can use lock wire and stich it back up.

[proDJtege]

zip ties FTW!!

What about all the places where we have corroded or old bolts in the engine bay? sorry to be slightly off topic, but a group-buy on such bolts would be useful, no?

[silverstarmazda]

zip ties FTW!!

What about all the places where we have corroded or old bolts in the engine bay? sorry to be slightly off topic, but a group-buy on such bolts would be useful, no?

example?? not sure which bolts since some are specific to application lol. but yea, it shouldnt be hard to find a replacement, but a group buy sounds like our cars are ready to fall apart lol

[Mazda123]

Funny after all these replies I feel much better...:D I did get under the car, and thought about not wasting my time to go to the dealer, as I am sure they are just going to lay blame on me. I might try the twist tie idea... sounds like it will work out as the place where the bolt was is completely cracked off...

[proDJtege]

Honestly though, I like zip-ties more than metal bolts where the part is made of plastic. There's no need for corrosion dust to be created on plastic parts. Swap out the bolt clips and bolts for zip-ties and that should be the end of the issue.

[silverstarmazda]

Honestly though, I like zip-ties more than metal bolts where the part is made of plastic. There's no need for corrosion dust to be created on plastic parts. Swap out the bolt clips and bolts for zip-ties and that should be the end of the issue.

vibrations might eventually wear them out though. and when things get hot, make sure you get the high heat stuff lol. if i was to choose a type of fastener for permanent fastening, id choose rivets

[sudz]

Its hard to replace rivets at the side of the road. Or for an oil change. Zip ties are easily replaced and cheap. I keep a handful on top of the spare. Alobg with a 21mm socket, 10 mm socket, utility knife, 1/2 ratchet, multitip screwdriver and my breaker bar/pipe. Saved myself and from a tow a few times!

[silverstarmazda]

Its hard to replace rivets at the side of the road. Or for an oil change. Zip ties are easily replaced and cheap. I keep a handful on top of the spare. Alobg with a 21mm socket, 10 mm socket, utility knife, 1/2 ratchet, multitip screwdriver and my breaker bar/pipe. Saved myself and from a tow a few times!

i keep a whole bunch of zip ties in my car. along with a knife, side cutters, my ratchet set, breaker bar, torque wrench, rust proof (for sudden repairs LOL) and a bunch of other crap thats probably screwing up my fuel economy lol

[-ToM-]

i bought the skid plate from corksport, after mine ripped off, its survived a winter so far, highly recommend it!

[roachkillah]

i bought the skid plate from corksport, after mine ripped off, its survived a winter so far, highly recommend it!
i was looking into this as well, as mine is about to fall apart, but after factoring in duties and such the price is well over $300.
now i group buy on this would be fantastic.

[-ToM-]

i was looking into this as well, as mine is about to fall apart, but after factoring in duties and such the price is well over $300.
now i group buy on this would be fantastic.

there was a group buy... u missed it by a week

[Mazda123]

Damn... I think I need to get in on the next Group Buy!

[MZR3]

If anyone wants to do a group-buy on fasteners for the underbody plastic parts and engine bay, I'd gladly go in!

I am in if there is a fastener GB. Just found out i'm missing a bolt that is holding up the passenger side cover. I suspect the oil change dudes at Markham East Costco did not put it back after changing the oil a few weeks back.

[Kiewan]

I'd like to replace the skid tray which decided to part ways with me after this past winter. Any suggestions on replacements as well as some plastic clips for the wheel linings? Thanks

[greyseason]

Corksport has an aluminum one for $250 if youre driving a gen2

https://www.corksport.com/corksport-mazda-3-mazdaspeed-3-aluminum-skidplate.html

or you can grab a pllastic one from mazda

[Kiewan]

Corksport has an aluminum one for $250 if youre driving a gen2

https://www.corksport.com/corksport-mazda-3-mazdaspeed-3-aluminum-skidplate.html

or you can grab a pllastic one from mazda

Unfortunately just a 2008 gs. Anything available in aluminum for gen 1 do you know?

[S.F.W.]

Unfortunately just a 2008 gs. Anything available in aluminum for gen 1 do you know?
Corksport has gen 1 solution for the regular 3 -
https://www.corksport.com/corksport-04-09-mazda-3-mazdaspeed-3-skidplate.html

[Kiewan]

Corksport has gen 1 solution for the regular 3 -
https://www.corksport.com/corksport-04-09-mazda-3-mazdaspeed-3-skidplate.html

Thank you. I'm just going through the reviews. I'll look into it before the next snowy season. Thanks