Hey Guys,

I THINK it's the splash guard? It's what goes right below the radiator/ac condenser.

I can't be the first to have this come off... My car is not lowered and the stupid streets in seattle are horrible. I'm always scraping -even pulling out of my own driveway.

How important is it that this piece is here? Are there any aftermarket suggestions that are more durable? I had the bolt literally shear right off while in seattle.

 

Are you referring to the black plactic/rubber piece that is curvered and is under the front nose. If that is what you mean, they are about $20 and a few vendors even sell a reinforcement bracket for them.

 

Sounds like you are talking about the air dam. It's 3 pieces - 2 edges and a large center. The center piece directs air up to the radiator, intake, condensor, etc. I think you would want to replace it. They are about $100 for the set from the dealer. I replace mine almost annually

 

Yeah, it has springs in it as well, bolts on from two different bolts.

 

You are talking about the actual center air dam that directs the air into the radiator. It is the only piece of the three that has springs on it. The others are simple bolt on. The center piece is a bit more money than the two outer pieces.

 

Can you purchase them ala carte?

 

That's the airdam. Just get a new one and call it a day.

 

Yes

 

What kind of screws does your side pieces have holding them on with ? I ask, cause mine has a #6 sheet metal hex head screws holding them on, but the other end of the fastener is a machine bold fastener. I've tried to order the right bolts through Gene at Gmpartshopuse.com and throught my Chevy dealer, but the bolt specified is a 6MM hex head bolt, and it's about fifteen times to big to fit into the fastener. Since Gen told me he can't go any further with my problem.

I can only determine that it was a problem in the C5 engineering section, but that the assembley workers knowing the bolts were the wrong size just went ahead and got a bucket of the #6 sheet matal screws and never sent the notice of the problem upstairs for the engineers to sort out ?

 

Maybe a previous owner made a DIY repair?

 

My two out pieces used the standard hex head bolt with the retainer clips. I have them in a baggy in my shop, because I removed them to install my ACI front splitter. The center piece is retained and it is also held on with standard bolts.

Did you buy the car new, or was it used? If used, these have habit of breaking off. Maybe the previous owner replaced them and used the screws
.

 

The parts are inexpensive so its worth replacing them. The air dam puts air into the radiator so its an important piece. the end caps are aerodynamic and smooth the flow under the car.

Heres how to fix it with some pics

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.

 

Check with Gene at gmpartshouse.com for the best prices on the set.

 

This is Bob at Fichtner Chevrolet, a long time supporting dealer here on the Forum.

We can get you the correct screws for your deflector with no problem and less than wholesale prices. Give Tom a call at 800-234-5284 and he can take care of you. The parts illustration is confusing on this and if you don't know where to check you will get the wrong screws.

 

Yes you can, left, right and middle.