2005 Mazda 3 splash shield

[Aiyman]

Hi this is my first post

I just bought my first car its a 2005 Mazda 3 gt. I was looking under it and the splash shield is broken and hanging down being held in by 2 bolts, so my plan was to take it off and put a new one in, but then I looked at the other bolt holes and the bolts have been sheared off in all of them. So my questions are how do I get the bolts that are there out without shearing them? and how do i get the sheared bolts out?

Thank you all in advance

[MAZDArati]

hey aiyman , if you search online you can find skidplates from corksport . It will run you a penny but be sure nothing is going to destroy your motors bottom end. cheers.

[ryan2.3]

cut the rusted bolts out with a dremel. Mine were so rusted i took them out and then zip tied the splash shield on. They hold up great. Every time i change my oil, i just cut the zip ties and replace them.

[staax]

Things like the cover where the bolts are prone to the elements will rust out fast... Only situation where I actually prefer the plastic clips!

You can either drill the bolts out and retap the threads which probably isn't worth it... I would just ziptie the cover on elsewhere like Ryan suggested.

Likely the easiest route.

[Aiyman]

Thanks MAZDArati ill have to save up for that corksport skidplate a little too expensive for right now but seems like something good to have but for now ill just ziptie the one i have right now back on like ryan2.3 and staax said thanks for the quick replies

[ryan2.3]

if your plastic oem one is broken, you can get replacements online for about $45 so you don't have to drop too much on a hardcore skid plate

[MAZDArati]

Zipties are your best tool lol

[nepal1344]

you can also take the shield of and pry the old clips off with a screw driver. I change those bolt clips on mine every year or 2. Rockauto.com has the splash shields and they ship out of Canada so shipping is pretty cheap.

[jaimie08mazda3]

I've gone through about 3 of them. I gave up on them. Plus if you go low it really won't last that long.

[Shizuka_Osamu]

most remembers don't bother getting a new one or trying to put it back on they just leave the splash guard off

[jaimie08mazda3]

most remembers don't bother getting a new one or trying to put it back on they just leave the splash guard off

Exactly. Especially if you lower your car lol. I ripped all mine off at stock height. And so far it hasn't done anything bad to my engine and I drove it as low as I have it now in the winter. Plus To get one at Mazda is like 100 area at least.

[p-o-g-i]

I grazed mine going over a dip in the road, and one of the corners came loose. I just removed the whole thing and left it off as well.

[FLIPDADY]

If anyone does decide to leave the shield off, Jimmy (SP) suggests spraying the front inhibitor switch (automatics only) with Krown to prevent corrosion. The shield actually prevents this switch from direct contact with the nasty stuff. Just a quick tip.