major error
Member
- :
- 07 Mazda 3 GTS HB
So I've finally gotten around to installing the new rear diffuser on my 3...
Here's a quick pictorial:
BEFORE:
Tools required:
Flathead screwdriver
Phillips-head screwdriver
panel removal tool
eye protection
Patience
The undercarriage....you can easily see the 6 plastic phillips-head "pop-screws" and the 2 plastic "pop anchors". Removal of the screw-in type is pretty straightforward, but use care in the other 2--the plastic is not exactly flexible, and is easily broken...
Also note that there's a very good chance that there's a good quantity of small bits of tar and gravel caught up in there!
Aside from the fasteners just removed, there are 4 slide-in clips:
One on the passenger end of the foam...
One between the centerline and passenger end...
...and mirrored on the driver's side...
Removal is straightforward--use the flathead to press in the catch, then push the clip up & out of the tab. Since the 2 large straps are disconnected, you can flex the bumper to let them fall out.
There are also a number of tabs on the trim itself that need to be disengaged from the bumper before it is completely released.
It's off...
Part# for reference.
Installation of the new part is the exact reverse, but the bumper foam makes it a challenge to get the center 2 slide clips back in. For one, I had to wedge the clip between the foam and the tab that was just barely pushed through the bumper. Much patience and finagling was required in this step...
At long last, it's on! (dance)
Part# for reference:
Yeah, my car is dirty as sin, but that's what happens when you park near a construction site!
Here's a quick pictorial:
BEFORE:
Tools required:
Flathead screwdriver
Phillips-head screwdriver
panel removal tool
eye protection
Patience
The undercarriage....you can easily see the 6 plastic phillips-head "pop-screws" and the 2 plastic "pop anchors". Removal of the screw-in type is pretty straightforward, but use care in the other 2--the plastic is not exactly flexible, and is easily broken...
Also note that there's a very good chance that there's a good quantity of small bits of tar and gravel caught up in there!
Aside from the fasteners just removed, there are 4 slide-in clips:
One on the passenger end of the foam...
One between the centerline and passenger end...
...and mirrored on the driver's side...
Removal is straightforward--use the flathead to press in the catch, then push the clip up & out of the tab. Since the 2 large straps are disconnected, you can flex the bumper to let them fall out.
There are also a number of tabs on the trim itself that need to be disengaged from the bumper before it is completely released.
It's off...
Part# for reference.
Installation of the new part is the exact reverse, but the bumper foam makes it a challenge to get the center 2 slide clips back in. For one, I had to wedge the clip between the foam and the tab that was just barely pushed through the bumper. Much patience and finagling was required in this step...
At long last, it's on! (dance)
Part# for reference:
Yeah, my car is dirty as sin, but that's what happens when you park near a construction site!
