Under cover

[Jim]

The under cover on my 2001 Forester gave me a little surprise today when
changing the oil. One bolt sheared off at the rear cross support plus
one of the wheel well clips was missing.

While researching the proper nomenclature I read that the under covers
are no longer fitted to non-turbo Foresters.

Wondering how many owners of the older models are still using them? If
you've taken them off any regrets?

FWIW I only drive on paved roads and the worst conditions the car
experiences are winter snows.

 

[y_p_w]

The under cover on my 2001 Forester gave me a little surprise today when
changing the oil.  One bolt sheared off at the rear cross support plus
one of the wheel well clips was missing.

While researching the proper nomenclature I read that the under covers
are no longer fitted to non-turbo Foresters.

Wondering how many owners of the older models are still using them?  If
you've taken them off any regrets?

FWIW I only drive on paved roads and the worst conditions the car
experiences are winter snows.

I've taken off the under-spoiler on my WRX a few times when I was road
testing after an oil change. I'm not sure what the problem would be
other than maybe a rock to the oil filter or radiator. They probably
reduce drag to a degree and maybe even prevent damage on some
driveways.

You're talking about those little two-piece plastic clips - right?
I've purchased a few replacement ones, and new ones aren't deformed.
They'll easily insert in the hole. A previously used one takes a
shape where it has to be jiggled in about halfway. If it's inserted
too far it won't close.

 

[Frank]

The under cover on my 2001 Forester gave me a little surprise today when
changing the oil. One bolt sheared off at the rear cross support plus
one of the wheel well clips was missing.

While researching the proper nomenclature I read that the under covers
are no longer fitted to non-turbo Foresters.

Wondering how many owners of the older models are still using them? If
you've taken them off any regrets?

FWIW I only drive on paved roads and the worst conditions the car
experiences are winter snows.

Don't know when they started it but my '03 has a small port that opens
to get at oil plug and filter. Same for wife's '08. Remember it was a
PITA on my '98 and I never took the whole thing off - just enough to
change the oil. Never considered taking it off as I go minor off road
through mud and fields.

 

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

The under cover on my 2001 Forester gave me a little surprise today when
changing the oil. One bolt sheared off at the rear cross support plus
one of the wheel well clips was missing.

While researching the proper nomenclature I read that the under covers
are no longer fitted to non-turbo Foresters.

Wondering how many owners of the older models are still using them? If
you've taken them off any regrets?

FWIW I only drive on paved roads and the worst conditions the car
experiences are winter snows.

They sometimes aid in cooling by directing airflow if the grille has a
lower opening, under the bumper.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

The under cover on my 2001 Forester gave me a little surprise today when
changing the oil.  One bolt sheared off at the rear cross support plus
one of the wheel well clips was missing.

While researching the proper nomenclature I read that the under covers
are no longer fitted to non-turbo Foresters.

Wondering how many owners of the older models are still using them?  If
you've taken them off any regrets?

FWIW I only drive on paved roads and the worst conditions the car
experiences are winter snows.

I Just recently replaced the one on the wife's 03 Outback. It was torn
in one spot and the slide out access was also cracked. I dunno how
much aero effect or protection they give, I guess i just couldn't
tolerate knowing the car was incomplete LOL!
Got mine from jamie at subarugenuineparts.com but, if you can make
your local dealership match the online price, you may save money over
the shipping cost. If you do 'serious' offroading, some of the guys at
ultimatesubaru.org use metal ones. It 'seems' like it should be called
a skidplate but I THINK Subaru calls it an engine undercover or
something weird like that.