Front air dam - center piece removal
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Front air dam - center piece removal
The side pieces were fairly easy to replace. The center piece...I've found a few threads saying that it was easy, but I can't seem to get it off. I removed the three screws on the front. It has a lip on each side that appears to slide over and toward the brace. Am I missing something else that I need to remove to get it to slip off/out? I did trying searching for some steps but can't find any.
Thanks.
Thanks.
#2
Race Director
I seem to recall from my shop manual that the front nose clip had to come off to get the front air dam off. I was looking to replace mine on my 06Z and then saw the difficulty involved. Convinced me to find another solution to repair the damage. I hope someone can reply that there is actually a shortcut.
#3
Burning Brakes
Did mine yesterday while removing a broken lower radiator support.
In addition to the 3 bolts you took out, there are plastic retaining pins at the far right and the far left of the deflector.
To remove the plastic pins, you have to pull out the center section of the pin first, then the pin will release.
In addition to the 3 bolts you took out, there are plastic retaining pins at the far right and the far left of the deflector.
To remove the plastic pins, you have to pull out the center section of the pin first, then the pin will release.
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Ajaste (05-07-2017)
#7
Follow advise given to date ........ and
Don't feel bad, I too found what appeared to be a simple process a bit challenging. I do recall that I "rotated" the center piece to clear the metal bar it mounts to and sits above had to push like H%^&; hope this helps.
Mind you I was using a 4 post lift and still used a few swear words !!!
Don't feel bad, I too found what appeared to be a simple process a bit challenging. I do recall that I "rotated" the center piece to clear the metal bar it mounts to and sits above had to push like H%^&; hope this helps.
Mind you I was using a 4 post lift and still used a few swear words !!!
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Ajaste (05-07-2017)
#8
Melting Slicks
Yep, much more time, twisting and swearing than I thought would be required when I did it. Hope I don't do it again for a while. I did have the front on ramps when I did it.
#11
Pro
Did my 07 a couple of months ago Besides the three screws there is a plastic push pin on each end;you have to rotate it to clear the cross bar a little pulling and tugging it will come out!!!!!
#12
Thx for the help guys. I lifted car about 5" om one side, removed all 7 mm screws I think 11. 3 -10mm bolts, 2 -10mm nut/washer combo, 2 pushpins via screwdriver and out she came. Fed the passenger side in about 3" and slid over to d/s. squeeze over bottom support, check to line up 3 10mm bolts and your almost home..By removing the front 6 screws 7mm you can get your hand in to set the pushpins back in place. Dont tighten the screws as you go wait till you are done.... John
#14
The pins help hold the ends in place which are tapered. IMO you could really do without the tapered ends as the 3 center bolts hold it in place. i even thought about cutting them off. But when you put the screws back in for the lower bumper it does make for a firm fitment. Its not that hard just take your time. About 30/40 min John
#16
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thanks to all~!
I just completed this gyration on my 08 today. That center section was indeed a PITA but with a little manhandling it relented. The advice in this thread is spot-on. Without it I never would have seen those f'in push pins.
Bo
Bo
Last edited by Ajaste; 05-07-2017 at 11:57 PM.
#17
Intermediate
I took off da side pieces yesterday then gave up on center piece while I checked internet for procedure to take off. With this ammo I'll attempt when I get home today. Bought a new set but will cut an inch off before installing. Thank you driveway apron!
#18
Burning Brakes
After some frustration dealing with the removal and installation of the center section I stumbled on this trick and it went into place easily. Instead of trying to put it in place in its mounted position put the drivers side only up onto the square tubing it mounts on about midway then slide it sideways toward the drivers side and it slides into position easily. Trying to put it on straight up from the bottom is an exercise in frustration and it had me wondering if something was bent preventing it from going into place.
Last edited by Icecap; 07-27-2017 at 06:06 PM.
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mikeCsix (03-24-2024)
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RodRamos (01-01-2024)
#20
Intermediate
Couple pics...