Bottom scoop replacement.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Simi Valley CA
Bottom scoop replacement.
(OK fixed my technical term)
The Air Dam under the front end of the 2003 I just bought has been ripped off.
My Mechanic says it is common....but it needs to be there. Before I give the dealer a rash of crap....Is the mechanic accurate and how much am I looking at to put it back on myself?
-- Taking it back to the dealer because the front brakes are below 50% and it's illegal for them to sell it that way....so they will be replacing those. --
The Air Dam under the front end of the 2003 I just bought has been ripped off.
My Mechanic says it is common....but it needs to be there. Before I give the dealer a rash of crap....Is the mechanic accurate and how much am I looking at to put it back on myself?
-- Taking it back to the dealer because the front brakes are below 50% and it's illegal for them to sell it that way....so they will be replacing those. --
Last edited by bluerose; Jun 27, 2009 at 03:28 PM. Reason: Fixed my stupidity :P
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Oakland Ca
St. Jude Donor '09
Yeah it does need it. It helps direct air flow to your radiator. You might want to check to see if your skid plate isn't damaged as well. If your spoiler is missing it could mean that the previous owner hit something. JMO
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 369
Likes: 1
From: Calgary AB
yeah, I'd say most would agree that you need the air dam, but it is a huge pain. I've heard of guys removing it and the car not overheating, but I'd never take it off. These things breathe from the bottom, so it's important as much air crosses the radiator as possible.
In my most humble opinion, this is one of the biggest pains about the C5.
In my most humble opinion, this is one of the biggest pains about the C5.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 83
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From: Simi Valley CA
Will look at that too...thanks for the info.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Oakland Ca
St. Jude Donor '09
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 83
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From: Simi Valley CA
Supposed to be in the 100's down here quick so I'll see if the dealer I bought it from will put one on for free since they have to to fix the brakes.....or at least at a buy the part and they install free kinda thing.
If not I'll order one and do it myself (or with Hubby's help) I'm not totally useless with a wrench
If not I'll order one and do it myself (or with Hubby's help) I'm not totally useless with a wrench
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Oakland Ca
St. Jude Donor '09
Supposed to be in the 100's down here quick so I'll see if the dealer I bought it from will put one on for free since they have to to fix the brakes.....or at least at a buy the part and they install free kinda thing.
If not I'll order one and do it myself (or with Hubby's help) I'm not totally useless with a wrench
If not I'll order one and do it myself (or with Hubby's help) I'm not totally useless with a wrench
The dealer should do it for free! Be firm with them. I'm sure the Hubby will do it for some beer and pizza.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
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From: hagerstown md
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
It literally takes about 5 minutes to replace the center spring loaded section.(once you have the car up on stands) Four 10mm bolts, one on each side, and two for the aluminum braces that hold the middle taught.
As for the side pieces....only takes a couple minutes to bolt them up as well. Once the car is in the air, should take you about 15 minutes max.
And yes, you DO need that to direct airflow to the radiator. It's a simple job, so start wrenching.
As for the side pieces....only takes a couple minutes to bolt them up as well. Once the car is in the air, should take you about 15 minutes max.
And yes, you DO need that to direct airflow to the radiator. It's a simple job, so start wrenching.
Melting Slicks
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From: Oakland Ca
St. Jude Donor '09
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It literally takes about 5 minutes to replace the center spring loaded section.(once you have the car up on stands) Four 10mm bolts, one on each side, and two for the aluminum braces that hold the middle taught.
As for the side pieces....only takes a couple minutes to bolt them up as well. Once the car is in the air, should take you about 15 minutes max.
And yes, you DO need that to direct airflow to the radiator. It's a simple job, so start wrenching.
As for the side pieces....only takes a couple minutes to bolt them up as well. Once the car is in the air, should take you about 15 minutes max.
And yes, you DO need that to direct airflow to the radiator. It's a simple job, so start wrenching.
And check with Gene at gmpartshouse.com for good pricing.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 4
From: Broward County Florida
how the hell did it "just get ripped off"
I've had my 2002 for a couple years now and I've driven 160 mph, driven over speed bumps, gone over rough roads, driven on gravel, etc. And that **** is still hanging on.
I have no idea what you drove over, but if it's a dealer/installation issue, you need to have THEM replace it.
I've had my 2002 for a couple years now and I've driven 160 mph, driven over speed bumps, gone over rough roads, driven on gravel, etc. And that **** is still hanging on.
I have no idea what you drove over, but if it's a dealer/installation issue, you need to have THEM replace it.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Simi Valley CA
how the hell did it "just get ripped off"
I've had my 2002 for a couple years now and I've driven 160 mph, driven over speed bumps, gone over rough roads, driven on gravel, etc. And that **** is still hanging on.
I have no idea what you drove over, but if it's a dealer/installation issue, you need to have THEM replace it.
I've had my 2002 for a couple years now and I've driven 160 mph, driven over speed bumps, gone over rough roads, driven on gravel, etc. And that **** is still hanging on.
I have no idea what you drove over, but if it's a dealer/installation issue, you need to have THEM replace it.
Have an appointment with dealer on Tuesday for the brakes and they will tell me if they are going to do anything....Car was bought "As Is"...brakes are safety and must be replaced but this might just be my problem....
Not worried really but would like them to do it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
As the guys say, it's easy to fix
Heres a How To if you plan to do it yourself:
Air Deflector Replacement - Front Bumper Fascia
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the center air deflector bolts.
3. Remove the air deflector from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
1. Position the center air deflector between the side valances.
Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the center air deflector and attaching bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the air deflector bolts to 7 N•m (62 lb in).
3. Lower the vehicle.
Heres a How To if you plan to do it yourself:
Air Deflector Replacement - Front Bumper Fascia
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the center air deflector bolts.
3. Remove the air deflector from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
1. Position the center air deflector between the side valances.
Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the center air deflector and attaching bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the air deflector bolts to 7 N•m (62 lb in).
3. Lower the vehicle.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,032
Likes: 9,789
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Not a big deal. They are easily replaced. They are important to the performance of the car including coolant temp, highway gas mileage and high speed running. The spoilers are part of the reason GM got such low aero drag numbers on the car. When the C5 was introduced in 97 (12 years ago) the only car with a better number was the Saturn EV1 which was just marginally better.
So the spoilers are not much of a pain to the people who realize why they are there.
Bill
So the spoilers are not much of a pain to the people who realize why they are there.
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 8
From: Sacramento California
As the guys say, it's easy to fix
Heres a How To if you plan to do it yourself:
Air Deflector Replacement - Front Bumper Fascia
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the center air deflector bolts.
3. Remove the air deflector from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
1. Position the center air deflector between the side valances.
Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the center air deflector and attaching bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the air deflector bolts to 7 N•m (62 lb in).
3. Lower the vehicle.
Heres a How To if you plan to do it yourself:
Air Deflector Replacement - Front Bumper Fascia
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the center air deflector bolts.
3. Remove the air deflector from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
1. Position the center air deflector between the side valances.
Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the center air deflector and attaching bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the air deflector bolts to 7 N•m (62 lb in).
3. Lower the vehicle.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
From: Oakton Virginia
I replaced mine last year after running over a critter in the middle of the HWY. He bent the **** out of my deflector (the spring loaded mechanism part).