Anyone install the Mazda Bug Deflector

[MSG C5]

I'm not 100% sold that these even work, however per my Google search, I guess they do route bugs through the air tunnel and up and over the car. Anyone have any real-world experience with one installed on the CX-9? If so, how is the quality of the accessory? Easy to install?

http://mazdagear.com/hoodbugdeflector-n01-cx-9.aspx

 

[jmckell]

I am interested in this too, I will be taking a road trip in March and I hate having to clean bug guts off the windshield.

Anyone know how hard these are to install?

 

[knowaczark]

Haven't install one on the CX9, but have on a few of my Yukons in the past.

Very easy install. Drill four to five holes in the hood underside frame and mount the deflector with the supplied self-tapping, sheet metal screws and rubber grommet/washers.

 

[ceric]

Bought one but never install it.
I stopped when I read the instructions about "drilling holes"... I am not gonna drill holes
to the underside of the hood for installing a plastic bug shield.
It is still collecting dusts in my garage.
If you are local, I can give it to you for $20.

 

[table5511]

I stopped when I read the instructions about "drilling holes"... I am not gonna drill holes
to the underside of the hood for installing a plastic bug shield.

I agree.

If you regularly wash your vehicle, bugs are not a big issue. Your clearcoat will become a big issue with bugs, however, if you neglect to wash it during bug season (say 4-6 months with no wash).

 

[MSG C5]

Thanks. If I didn't live in the other farthest corner of the country, I would take you up on your offer.

Regarding the installation, I'm not sure if Mazda changed anything over the years, however according to the Mazda parts website, drilling is not required because it is custom fit/designed for the CX-9.

 

[ceric]

Unfortunately, the instructions say
"3. After removing the fasteners from the gasket,
gentlely pull back the rubber seal to reveal holes.
Carefully DRILL out holes with a 6mm drill bit.
Tape the drill bit to a depth of 1/8" (3mm) so you do not
drill through the hood. De-burr holes
with de-burring tool. Apply anti-corrotion coating to holes."

 

[table5511]

There may be adhesive options for automotive applications that would work fine. For example I forget which one, but one of the high end Audi's (A8 or S8) has a roof panel that has a single spot weld on each corner, but is otherwise adhesively secured to the vehicle, and holds structural rigidity. Another example, windshields. Windshields are considered a structural component and are also secured with only eurethane. So a bug guard is only a piece of plastic. Visit an autobody supply store and talk to them about using such an adhesive.

 

[jk240sx]

why do this? the shape of the cx9(degree of windshield rake) sucks bugs and debris over and around. get a hood strip of 3M paint protection film and be done. I am getting the whole front 3M'd as well as the headlights. I have done this to all my vehicles. my Passat took a shot from an 18 wheeler, big rock, like 3 lbs at 65 mph. it hit the hood then hit the windshield. windshield cracked, no damage to the hood. a good investment.

 

[jmckell]

why do this? the shape of the cx9(degree of windshield rake) sucks bugs and debris over and around. get a hood strip of 3M paint protection film and be done. I am getting the whole front 3M'd as well as the headlights. I have done this to all my vehicles. my Passat took a shot from an 18 wheeler, big rock, like 3 lbs at 65 mph. it hit the hood then hit the windshield. windshield cracked, no damage to the hood. a good investment.

Where do you get this done at?
Where can I get some info on the 3M coating?

 

[jk240sx]

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/ScotchgardAutoProtection/Home/CarBuyers/Home/Products/PaintProtectionFilm/?WT.ac=keymatch

in 5 years it will pay for itself in resale.

 

[mainard1]

you are correct there is drilling involved, i had my dealership install it for $35, it was a pain to install, you will need to drill since the hole is too small, you will need a 2nd person to hold it while you try to get it installed like i said too much of a pain to install but looks good afterwards

 

[vietanh]

I just installed it pretty simple and look unique but i am not try it yet see how it go with the bug reflex but install little bit not smooth but i will post latter about this see how it work