Thread: How difficult is it to replace front lower air deflector?

It is the big piece of plastic air dam thing under the radiator. I saw a thread in "how to" section but it seems the post was lost. I have bump this plastic thing several times and there are several cracks on it. It seems it is just bunch of push-in retainers and bolts from my brief inspection but I am not sure if there are other things that hold it in place. How difficult is it to replace it? Do I have to take other things off in order to replace this air deflector?

In case you want to know, the part number is 15246564. My car is a 05 grand prix base.

Thanks!

No it's pretty straight forward, just a few bolts and plastic retainers like you said. I had mine off a few months back to make more room for an AC compressor swap on my 06.

Thank you all for the replies! Great to know it is an easy job. It seems one or two push pins in the front are a little hard to access but other than that, it seems pretty straight forward. I will try it and report back if I have encounter any difficulties.

Originally Posted by nos4blood70

I haven't had mine on for over a year, and you can definitely feel the difference on the highway.

I am curious about difference. What difference do you feel? Is it a difference in temperature (car runs a little hotter without it?) or car performance? I read somewhere that the air deflector help direct the wind to cool the radiator more effectively.

Originally Posted by Sandman

Its to push air up to the radiator. When I had the Camaro I took it off and regretted it. The car would run hot/over heat when cruising.

Thank you for the explanation! I bump the lip of the deflector a few times and there are several cracks where the lip bend. It is still holding there. I am wondering if it worth replacing it.

Originally Posted by REDCOMPG

It's probably fine if anything I would take it out and get some plastic weld and fix the cracks and call it a day. Cheap fix > buying a new one from dealer.

I totally agree. Since this piece is not supporting or standing a lot of force, I guess gluing them or weld them will probably do the job. I will try the easiest thing to use glue or epoxy without taking it out to see if it will work. Lining the big piece back and dealing with those rusted nuts and U nuts are not that easy when you have to lie down and work in small space.

Thanks a lot for your information!

Originally Posted by nos4blood70

Actually my car runs perfectly fine without it. Right at 180*. My front end seems a bit more floaty without it at speeds above 65 MPH. But this could be because my car is a Bonneville. H-body are different design than W-body. But then again I could be wrong.

Maybe it is the difference in design. I have seen a couple of posts saying the engine runs hotter without the deflector. Maybe different car relies differently on those deflectors. Anyway, as long as it does not overheat, I guess it is OK.

I remember I also read somewhere that those air dam help reduce the amount of air going through the underside and direct the air flowing more through the upper. This will help the traction and stabilize the car. I am not sure how significant it is. It is hard to believe but it might be actually true. I remember I once watched a F1 race on TV. The spoiler of one car fly off and the car immediately lost traction. I can never imagine the importance of such a small piece if I did not see it.