Air dam falling off

[jcash25]

This is good to know… I do like the way it drives at higher speeds, 65-80… I did have it at 85 only once - it seems to be more stable on the road then my 2022.. Thanks for your comments!

1500miles on my OR premium- most miles are highway 3-4 bolts were hand tight others were tight some had blue thread lock others didn't.
The difference at highway speeds 60-80 with/without air dam are negligible much like the "mileage gain or loss" with or without the air dam. There is a reason those are port installed and not factory installed. It satisfies a EPA requirement to get that last bit of B.S. mileage the Govt mandates. Its that plain and simple.

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[jcash25]

The point is that Toyota designs a part for a reason, and they decide to attached it with bubblegum and pixie dust. And those snorkels? Right in the trash. I want to see one photo of a pavement princess in water deeper than a mud puddle

The part is designed to satisfy EPA requirements for mileage mandates. That's why they are half assed port installed.

 

[k9Hiken]

Woke up this morning and mine fell off at 30 miles. I blame my missing 10mm for it ?

 

[bakutheleo]

Mine was on tight, but when I went off-road a couple weeks ago I removed it once there. When I got home I reinstalled it. Yesterday I discovered that the 4 outer bolts (2 on both sides) had come out. I had some similar ones (1/4'" and slightly longer) and installed those with washers. I noticed that most go into metal clips, but 2 appear to be in a tall plastic part (I think they are the ones 2 away form the center on each side). I think when I reinstalled it I was not sure what they went into, so did not want to get them too tight. Apparently I did not get them tight enough. Obviously I am not going to torque too hard on those clips, but this time I did tighten them pretty well. The screws I used were also slightly finer thread (probably the difference between the metric originals and the SAE ones I used) so that may help hold them in. Not sure if there is a better way to keep them captive--I don't think thread lock would help much.

The number I have seen most is about 0.8 (or so) MPG improvement at freeway speeds. That is actually pretty significant(about 3.5%). No, not like it doubles your mileage, but still it is a plus. As it is relatively easy to remove and reinstall, and I am on roads far more often than ones it needs to be removed, I think it is not a huge deal to just remove as needed. At least assuming I can get the screws to stay...

 

[SouthCoast]

Just remove it. The vehicle looks better without it anyway.

 

[Everybodyduck]

Woke up this morning and mine fell off at 30 miles. I blame my missing 10mm for it ?

Whenever I need a laugh, I come back and view this post. Well done.

 

[Marty60]

Who's going to send me their hardware? Screws and clips only. I want to test it out. Mine went flapping immediately

 

[k9Hiken]

Who's going to send me their hardware? Screws and clips only. I want to test it out. Mine went flapping immediately

I’m sure everyone place their hardware back into the holes.

 

[brumey]

I have just got to 6K miles. Been checking the front spoiler for and looseness or movement. Initially, checked all the screws when new. I think a few where had tight but I checked all and adjusted if needed.

I just completed an 800 mile round trip at highway speeds. When I got to my destination, I noticed the passenger side having a 1/4 inch plus gap from the fender. Also noticed it was loose compared tot he driver side.

So, one of the posters here who claimed that a highway trip will expose the issue is correct at least from my experience.

Its crazy cold here but I will go under and inspect for loose or missing screws. I'll then decide to fix or bring to the dealer for repair.

QUESTION - I would like to know if there is a formal TSB on this issue from Toyota that I can find and refer too. I am also interested in the recommended fix. Is it just add the same hardware and tighten or are they putting in a better solution, clips, bolts, loctite, etc.

 

[brumey]

I inspected and found the second screw in from the fender missing on the passenger side. I put a cable tie in to secure it for now. Its very surprising how that one screw caused the air dam to loosen so bad.

I checked all 9 screws, most tight because I checked them when new. I then removed each and applied blue Loctite to each screw and retightened. As this is a screw to clip assembly, I don't think the Loctite will do much good.

I will make an appointment at the dealer to get it fixed and have a record of the work in case it wants to fall off again.

I really think it needs a different fastener and at least one more screw on the outer sections. I would like to have seen a metal bracket that would reinforce the wind stress and take some of the pressure of the dam fasteners.

Again - Would like to know if Toyota has a different solution other than replacing the screws?

 

[SouthCoast]

Again - Would like to know if Toyota has a different solution other than replacing the screws?

The best option is simply to eliminate the air dam in the first place. Take it off, toss it in the recycling bin.

 

[brumey]

Not me. I prefer it on and expect better quality from Toyota. So, looking for a fix. Obviously, I could re-engineer it myself and have much better fasteners. I may end up doing that if all Toyota do it replace screws.

If anyone in my area is removing and tossing, I'd gladly take one as a spare.

 

[bakutheleo]

Mine lost its 2 outer screws once, but I am sure that was my fault as I had removed it for off-roading then reinstalled it. I found some compatible equivalents in my hardware bins and tightened them better this time, and after thousands of miles it is still tight. As I also mentioned earlier as well as others, if the .8 MPG I have usually seen cited that is pretty significant. No, this is not a high-mileage vehicle (I have another vehicle for that). But I fail to understand why any fuel savings, or EPA guidelines, seem to be so hated by many. Anyone that had been in Los Angeles, or similar area, before the newer EPA/state guidelines, and returns now, will see a *huge* difference--visibly, not just by testing--in improved air quality.

 

[RunnerRocks]

Ours "fell" off the very first time we pulled into the garage. After careful investigation, my 10mm ratchet was determined to be the culprit.

Seriously, all of our fasteners were very tight. Two plastic clips were a PIA.

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