Need DIY: Replace engine splash guard
 

Hello all, a few months ago on the freeway a semi truck burst a tire in front of me and some of the tread from the tire flew back and hit the splash guard for the engine on my 8. I tried to mend it by using zip ties which worked for a while but eventually they gave way and one day on my drive home I heard a scraping sound and sure enough it was the splash guard being dragged along the ground. Since my mazda dealer quoted me $895.00 to fix it I've obviously decided to look elsewhere. I've found the parts needed at mazmart.com (http://mazmart.com/PartsList.aspx?id=26&n=NEW&m=6) but I am not sure how to install the new splash guards (and the site does not indicate if instructions are included). I've gone through the DIY's here and haven't been able to find one on how to install a completely new engine splash guard. I want to do the work myself as I am sure it will cost me even more to have my dealer install the pieces once ordered. I also have downloaded the RX8 service manual. I really hate the look of the missing piece and it has subsequently deteriorated the right and left mud guards in the wheel wells which is even worse. Any help would be greatly appreciated, really just want to restore my 8 to her former beauty.


Just in case, car info: 2004 GT, 6spd, 95,000 miles, 2nd engine, new cat

I actually just ordered the three piece set with hardware for 290 from mazmart. If there is not a DIY on here I will at least take pictures and make a quick and dirty one for you to reference. Only thing is I do not know if I will get it done this week or not. if all else fails I will do it next saturday for sure. pics will be by phone only cuz I am on base and dont have my camera with me.

FYI it only took like 3 days from order to arrival from mazmart, excellent guys!.

Thanks for the reply, that would be great if you could take pics, I knew I couldn't be the only one this has happened to lol. Also will you be using a lift or is it possible to do with using two jacks and jack stands?

Dont know, depends on what is open when I go to the post shop, most likely though I will just be using jacks

I would NOT use Just jacks, you need to put something else like a jack stand that will be safely locked in the up position. I would hate for you to get squished by a jack failing.

I have the same problem, I am missing my skid plate, and one of my mud guards. I also have a crack in my bumper (some @$$hole kicked it) and all the mounts on the drivers side are broken, so it's all loose.

I gotta basically replace my whole undercarriage (for lack of a better word for all the skid plates and whatnot)! I may even go for some aluminum splash for a little more durability. I will try to film it for youtube, and take a bunch of pics, maybe I can post a DIY here as well.

I have the aluminum undertray from GTSPEC..

It's a very easy install and the quality is nice, You are right, don;t want to get squished so play safe under there.

Thanks for the responses guys, definitely looking forward to seeing you guys tackle this so I'll have a clue when I go to do it. But it looks like it might be some time before that happens because I took the car in for an inspection of the piece of the clutch assembly that is now under extended 100k warranty and the car hard started when they went to service it. Long story short the service manager suspected something wrong as did I and later on (a day and a half to be exact) a compression test was done and the rotary failed. So it looks like I am looking at engine #3 for my 8 after the 3 weeks it will take to get the new block in, luckily I am still covered under warranty and wont be paying a dime out of pocket .

@My 8, where did you order the GTSPEC aluminum undertray? I'd be interested in a stronger guard also.

Cant do it this weekend. unfortunately I am stuck with some other work.

I got mine from ravspec on clearance in the vender forums here..

https://www.rx8club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=208011


but they are readily available here...

http://www.gtspec.com/product/gtspec...-03-mazda-rx-8

never support a car with just a jack. especially if you're going to work under it.

of course if u want to be part of a jello sandwich then be my guest.

mscamp02, what happened?

The gtspec under tray looks good but I don't know if its really worth the extra $..