Air Dam falling off at highway speeds, 89 miles on odometer

[Vincenzo]

Lost one screw. My solution for now. Remove the speed nuts and through bolted. Speed nuts that take a machine screw would hold better. I don’t like how the existing hardware starts to pierce through the plastic. Used fender washers to spread the load. If I find the energy, hit them with a paint pen or the proper speed nuts and machine screws.

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[Slacker]

Hey Mike, I am in Vista San Diego county and I just took mine off today as I don't like the look of it. Let me know if you want it

 

[LARIN]

Checked my air dam before I drove it to Florida today, They were all there and tight, 1000 miles into the trip the 2 bolts. The bolt from next to the out side bolt on both sides are missing, the air dam is now very flimsy, All the other bots are still there and tight

 

[jdhume]

Checked my air dam before I drove it to Florida today, They were all there and tight, 1000 miles into the trip the 2 bolts. The bolt from next to the out side bolt on both sides are missing, the air dam is now very flimsy, All the other bots are still there and tight

Those are the same two coming loose on ours. Taking it to the dealer tomorrow so they can open an official case, hoping it will increase visibility up the chain. Also, the tech (by phone) said there is no official torque spec - “hand tight” is the only guidance.

 

[jdhume]

Dealer applied thread lock to all the screws for now. I’ll still check them every week or two - doubtful that thread lock is a good solution here. He said (of course) a permanent fix wouldn’t come until enough people report the issue.

 

[Rellims]

I am growing more and more convinced that Toyota only put this on to meet EPA regulations and the original design did not have it. They way it falls off, super easy to remove and with it gone looks like it's out of place when on is all evidence of this case. Add to it if you want to buy one it's nearly $600 is more evidence that Toyota doesn't really want it on there at all and was forced to install it.

 

[jdhume]

I would be happy if they would trade my air dam for a TRD skid plate.

 

[Vincenzo]

Dealer applied thread lock to all the screws for now. I’ll still check them every week or two - doubtful that thread lock is a good solution here. He said (of course) a permanent fix wouldn’t come until enough people report the issue.

Thread lock will not do a thing for these type of screws. You need machine thread for thread lock to work correctly

 

[Fishing]

Are we going to get an active chin spoiler

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

Thread lock will not do a thing for these type of screws. You need machine thread for thread lock to work correctly

Why would thread lock or some other sealant/glue/adhesive not work with these type screws?
I just found my spoiler flapping when I got home for work last night. Two screws are missing.

 

[Vincenzo]

Why would thread lock or some other sealant/glue/adhesive not work with these type screws?
I just found my spoiler flapping when I got home for work last night. Two screws are missing.

The screws that are installed now, only make contact with one thread. This is what I purchased to remedy the problem.

 

[brumey]

The screws that are installed now, only make contact with one thread. This is what I purchased to remedy the problem.

A question - can get to the back of where the current screws go into and fit this clips? Sorry, I don;t have the vehicle today and would like to pickup some spring clips and screws.

Usually the spring clips "clip" on to a thin surface to provide a makeshift thread. Or... Are you just putting the clip on the bolt without the clip being mounted to a body panel?

 

[TRD Pro or Die Trying]

Serious question......why are some of you keeping the air dam on? Are there people out there that think your 4Runner looks better with it on? Someone on here did the numbers and it equated to like a 0.7 miles per gallon advantage with it on compared to off. Let's be serious...we aren't buying 4Runners for their gas mileage. I'm genuinely interested and not trying to criticize. Why are you guys keeping your air dam on?

 

[Vincenzo]

A question - can get to the back of where the current screws go into and fit this clips? Sorry, I don;t have the vehicle today and would like to pickup some spring clips and screws.

Usually the spring clips "clip" on to a thin surface to provide a makeshift thread. Or... Are you just putting the clip on the bolt without the clip being mounted to a body panel?

They are accessible and attach the same way as the original. I stepped up the washer diameter so the washer doesn’t pull through(see photo).

The new ones are 8mm as opposed to 6mm. The new nut is a little longer but should work fine.

 

[Vincenzo]

Serious question......why are some of you keeping the air dam on? Are there people out there that think your 4Runner looks better with it on? Someone on here did the numbers and it equated to like a 0.7 miles per gallon advantage with it on compared to off. Let's be serious...we aren't buying 4Runners for their gas mileage. I'm genuinely interested and not trying to criticize. Why are you guys keeping your air dam on?

Because I like it. Don’t let people shame you for keeping it.

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