Emergency question

[Overwatch]

I’m on my way to camp in Death Valley for five days. The winds are whipping here up to 70mph. While driving from LA the wind was getting under my jeep and pushing the plastic wheel well piece, between the engine and the wheel, into my tire. I could hear it happening. Can this do any real damage??? I don’t want to get stuck in Death Valley with a flat because I ignored the issue. Or is it just noise? (After today I’ll lose cell service so I’m sorry if I don’t respond.)

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[rjpjeep]

Take them off. When you return install some quality ones. Those plastic POS's could get thrown up and into your engine bay and cause some real havoc. And are you going into DV without a spare?

 

[Overwatch]

Definitely have a spare. I just want it in case something happens there. If I blow it before I even get to the park I wouldn’t be comfortable going in.

 

[Overwatch]

Take them off. When you return install some quality ones. Those plastic POS's could get thrown up and into your engine bay and cause some real havoc. And are you going into DV without a spare?

Are they hard to remove?

 

[DubaiMarauder]

Are they hard to remove?

Not really, it just requires some simple hand tools and plastic fasteners that you can rip off fairly easily.

 

[JJ_WA]

Are they hard to remove?

Not too bad if you have the tools:

 

[mgroeger]

If you know you will be removing them and replacing them with some after market ones just get a sharp knife and cut them out. They are very easy to cut with a knife. Then you don't need to worry and can do a proper removal when you get home.

 

[jaymz]

Are they hard to remove?

Apparently you just need some wind.

 

[Overwatch]

I appreciate the advice and may cut them out. The big question though is if I don’t will it damage my tire at all?

 

[Roky]

I appreciate the advice and may cut them out. The big question though is if I don’t will it damage my tire at all?

Honestly, I don’t think they’re stout enough to hurt your tire…….however if they fly off, they could damage the paint or running light, potentially…..

 

[Pareto Offroad]

I had this happen as well. I drilled two holes and used a zip tie to hold it back. Still like that a few years later.

 

[somedude922]

I appreciate the advice and may cut them out. The big question though is if I don’t will it damage my tire at all?

No. Mine rubbed on my tire for thousands of miles. No damage to the tire. That is cheap thin plastic that will just rub aways on the tire. I still have what left of the fender liner on. It never “flew off into the engine” lol. Don’t worry about it. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Overwatch]

No. Mine rubbed on my tire for thousands of miles. No damage to the tire. That is cheap thin plastic that will just rub aways on the tire. I still have what left of the fender liner on. It never “flew off into the engine” lol. Don’t worry about it. Enjoy your trip.

Thank you!

 

[Jeeps2Little]

Zip-ties for the win. I did that method too and they don't go anywhere now. One or two holes along the lower edge placed where you can get them around the top spring retainer, or other hole in the frame and you are good.

 

[calemasters]

I’m on my way to camp in Death Valley for five days. The winds are whipping here up to 70mph. While driving from LA the wind was getting under my jeep and pushing the plastic wheel well piece, between the engine and the wheel, into my tire. I could hear it happening. Can this do any real damage??? I don’t want to get stuck in Death Valley with a flat because I ignored the issue. Or is it just noise? (After today I’ll lose cell service so I’m sorry if I don’t respond.)

I had to replace mine on the front left. The tire rubbed a hole in the liner. When I installed the new liner, I used a wire tie to keep it next to the frame. It has been good now for 2 years.

Jeep knows about this issue. What I don't know is why they don't take corrective action. It is a very simple fix.

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