I'm getting ready to do the third oil service on my 2005 WRX wagon tomorrow, and each time prior I've been annoyed by the splash shield that blocks access to the oil filter. I figure that R&R'ing that shield 2-3 times a a year is going to end up being a problem down the line, especially if I keep breaking those spooky little clips :)

I was thinking about just cutting a hole out of the spash shield, and pop-riveting a piece of heavy rubber on the inside to act as a flap.

Does anybody have a more elegant recommendation?

Best,

- Eli

thats how my '01 Celica GTS was....worked well...you can pickup those stock push-in things from the dealer(or autozone, etc) instead of pop-riveting it...be easier to remove..OR just don't cover the hole up...

my '03 WRX doesn't have the full splash guard like yours...

I am not sure if the 05 is the same as the 04 but on my 04 I replaced the broken clips with zip ties, its cheap and I can just cut them off and use new every time, hope that helps. you do have to make new holes next to the old ones to feed through but I think it is faster that screwing with those exploding clips.

You could always pick up the '02-03 splash guard...unless they've changed the mounting points.

5 bolts + 4 clips = a headache requiring an easier solution?
$10 says you drive an automatic.

I just took it off for good.... Problem solved...

5 bolts + 4 clips = a headache requiring an easier solution?
$10 says you drive an automatic.

It's a 5-speed.....

OK, I'll accept the criticism, but I still think it's a worthwhile fix-

I worked in an independent repair shop for quite a few years, and I've seen first hand what little plasticky bits turn into (dust) after a few years. And, little bits and bobs like that are not always available after the fact.

I like to keep my cars longer than most, and I'm trying to look ahead.

- Eli

5 bolts + 4 clips = a headache requiring an easier solution?
$10 says you drive an automatic.

I'll raise you $20 that you either

a) have never actually changed your own oil, or
b) have way too much free time on your hands.

The plastic clips are a royal PITA to take off. I only have the cover attached by the metal bolts and it seems to work OK. It saves a lot of time when doing the oil changes now because the bolts are easily removed with a ratchet.

I was thinking of doing the same thing on my Splash Guard. I'm going to use my dremel and cut an access hole then either use the plastic piece I cut or a peice of rubber to cover the hole. I'm totally with you on that splash guard being a PITA to remove. I drive a lot, so my oil changes are more frequent than most, so I see it as a worthwhile mod. I think when I do my next oil change I will cut it up see how it works.

~REVNU

Bzzzzz. First oil change. Dremel tool and an access hole large enough to get your hand in and filter out. Took longer to get car on ramps than to cut hole.

The clips are cake once you figure out how they work. use a flat blade screwdriver to pop the center out. If one is giving you trouble pull on the center with your fingers while pushing the base back towards the splash shield with the screwdriver. It's really not that big of a deal.

I really don't see it as that much of a big deal either. I mean it takes what, 2 minutes to take off? Although I do like your idea(isaac509).

....a bit of LPS2 on those clips when ya take 'em out helps a great deal.....and having a handful of them around isn't a bad idea, in any case.....but a flappie thingie for filter access isn't such a bad idea....

PITA, I agree. I took mine off my Forester and left it off. It was even held on mostly with bolts, and when I took it off some of the bolts snapped (bought the car at 78k, was a N. Dakota car).

Although, just cutting a hole for a better filter drain spot would be a better idea.

not sure if anyone has changed it on an 06 yet, but there's something like 5 bolts holding it on & 13 plastic clips...

i thought about cutting a hole under the filter & just leaving it. Is it really necessary to have the shield under the filter?

not sure if anyone has changed it on an 06 yet, but there's something like 5 bolts holding it on & 13 plastic clips...

i thought about cutting a hole under the filter & just leaving it. Is it really necessary to have the shield under the filter?


...no----NOT....really.

http://i2.tinypic.com/vhq4bn.jpg

take clips out...
unbolt shield...
unscrew oil filter counter clockwize..
let oil drain out...
fill oil filter with oil...
screw oil filter on clockwize...only hand tight...
finished.
Note...Start clips with screw driver...pull out clips with pliers... i do it 30 times a day for the last 2 years...1000's of clips not broken...

Only two of my plastic rivets haven't snapped through all my oil changes. Surprisingly enough, there's still enough left of the snapped ones to hold it in place. Once I snap the last two though, its time to pick up some new ones.

I only have to take out the two bolts that are attached to the jack plate to get my oil filter out...... :confused:

You guys are spending alot of extra time if your taking the whole cover off.

Only two of my plastic rivets haven't snapped through all my oil changes. Surprisingly enough, there's still enough left of the snapped ones to hold it in place. Once I snap the last two though, its time to pick up some new ones.

Or you could just not replace them at all and use the metal bolts only? :confused:

Usually those little snaps get a little dirt and grime in between the middle part and the rounded part. Just take a little WD-40 or silicone spray and loosen it up. Good as new.



Mika

Or you could just not replace them at all and use the metal bolts only? :confused:


....no.....the damned thing would be flappin like crazy

....no.....the damned thing would be flappin like crazy

I've been going without them for about 30k miles now with no audible flapping at low or high speed. Referring to the diagram posted above, the metal bolts secure the plate at 4 separate locations which should be adequate to keep the thing attached without flapping.

Koby Subaru removed the splash gaurd on my 04 STi. I guess they figured I would be bringing it back to them and they wouldn't have to take it off next time.

I would just take the damn thing off and never look back.

fill the pop-rivet holes with ALLUM-ALLOY™, drill holes, thread them, and then add more bolts instead of plastic rivets.

im pretty sure the splash guard plays a part in improving aerodynamics under the car. id bet youll see a slight drop in fuel mileage (if you drive mainly on the highway) if you remove the guard

SST aluminum skid plate...has a hole for the oil filter and one for the drain plug :)

Removal of the under tray will reduce Cooling to the inter cooler on the turbo(less air going up to the hood and in the scoop).This is what SOA says on the 04 STI.Ya i Know,I can not really see it either:confused:.

forget it.