Hey guys, just bought my 8 last week very cool. I bought it used, but there is one problem with it, I was wondering if you could help me out. There is a broken piece under the front bumper, it is the large flat black plastic pice that is under the bumper. Mine is ripped really bad, and it hangs down a bit. I can't see any damage to the bumper its self. The piece is still bolted to the bumper, but it is ripped right behind where it is bolted. I am not sure why it cracked, but now i need to get it fixed. I ordered a new piece from the dealer, but it takes a week to get it. I noticed on the highway, at faster speeds, (0ver 70) you can actaually here it rubbing on the ground. I also belive that its affecting my handeling a bit. Is it wise to drive on the highway like this? I want to drive it, but I don't want to make matters worse. Would it be better, or worse if I remove it before the piece comes in? I would really apreciate any of your comments. Thanks alot for your time, this is a great site!!

Brian Ellebracht


btw I have attached an image of the pice that is broken. I copied this pic from the front bumper removal DIY

 

a week~!? that should be a regular stock order which takes anywhere from 1-3 days. anyways. if it dragging on the road, i'd just take it off since you are replacing it anyways. it's a splash shield protecting the inside from road debris. it's also for aerodynamic purposes. but a couple of days w/o it won't hurt, it's better than having it drag on the road. who knows, it might catch on something one day or scoop up something and make matters worse.

***edit: i forgot to mention...welcome to the club~!***

 

Welcome Brian and good use of Search to find that pic.

Either someone hit a parking lot curb stone or somebody thought they could use that as a step stool to reach something in the engine bay? But if you can remove it do so, because it rubbing, flapping etc will not help things.

 

THanks guys. I apreciate it. This site is cool, tons of info. I will post pics of my Rx when I get a chance.

Brian

 

I wouldn't recommend driving without this piece. Point being, I wouldn't recommend driving until you get the new replacement piece.
My reasoning:
By removing this piece you are completely exposing the AC condensor and radiator to road debris. Because of the tilted forward angle of these components, if a rock or stick, or something is to be flicked up or bouncing down the road, you are leaving a pretty big volnerability. Let's put it this way, if something damages the AC condensor b/c you drive without this piece, you are going to be pretty PO'd at yourself. I'd suggest, just wait it out. Here is a picture to see what I am talking about.

 

what about guys that have front mount intercoolers? or better yet, our oil coolers. they're still vulnerable too. just cut off the piece that's dragging or take off the entire thing. and don't go aiming for objects laying in the middle of the street.

 

That's the reason why many of us are installing these or equivalent:

http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset....rtNumber=11807
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset....rtNumber=11805

best bet is to buy/install both together:
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset....r=screen%20set

Brian,
Welcome to the forum and hope you enjoy your car .

Could you possibly duct tape the hanging piece until the replacement arrives?

 

What was the price. I need a new one myself, after a run in with a suicidal kitty cat.