I was out driving last night in a pretty rough rain storm, and I must have bottomed out a bit in a deep puddle because I started hearing a dragging sound. This morning in the light, I could clearly see some plastic cover that was near the front axle was torn up and dragging along. I *think* it was one longer piece held on by one bolt on each side before getting split, not two separate pieces of plastic, but I cannot be sure.

I am not sure what this part is to replace, it's intended function, or how critical it is.

Here are a couple pics I took, I can get better ones if needed.

2012 G37x Sedan

Thanks for your help

 

Ouch, if that part is what I'm thinking it is, that is the rear part of your plastic undershroud. It is intended to keep all the debris out of your engine bay. The rear 1/4 of the plastic part can fold towards the front to allow you access to the oil filter and drain plug. You might have torn that folding part off. More pics would help.

 

I will grab some more pics, I googled undershroud and there is a good chance that is what this is. Can I just order an OEM replacement and get it installed? Is there risk to me driving the car with these pieces removed in the meantime?

 

No problem with removing them completely, other than a slightly dirtier engine bay. You can order an OEM replacement, but now might be a good time to upgrade. There are aluminum undershrouds that have a little door for your oil changes. Tollboothwilley, and Zspeed manufacture them, I believe.

Tollboothwilley - Nissan Parts & Infiniti Parts

After some review, it might be your bell housing undertray. At the very least, take it to a dealership and have them positively identify what it was.

 

Thanks for the feedback! If it's the bell housing under tray, is that still something not critical in terms of driving without it installed?

 

Again, you'll get more chances for debris to hit stuff, but there's nothing from a safety concern to be worried about.

 

Here is another photo, this is taken from under the front, you can see wear it ripped off. Pretty sure this plastic part ran from just a foot away from the front bumper or so to just behind the front wheels. I don't see any breakage near the middle or rear of the car. Not sure if this helps determine if its the undershround vs the bell housing. My closest dealership is 45 minutes away so it's not the most convenient option.

 

Pretty sure that's just the rear part of the front undershroud. Not necessary.

 

Here is a photo of the fiberboard shroud taken from my 06 G35.



It is possible that not all of the fourteen 10mm bolts were replaced during oil changed or it just got ripped up when you hit water.

Not a good idea to drive without it as it protects the lower engine as well as preventing water from splashing up into electrical connections.

My advise is to get it replaced.

Telcoman

 

yeah that looks like the splash shield i ve replaced mine 3 times already

1st was the OEM one, 2nd was an OEM one, 3rd one was a tollbooth ***** one.

I am currently running a Z-speed one. i managed to snag mine during black friday so it was 150$ shipped

http://www.zspeedperformance.com/07-...D-zsp2008X.htm

Edited it for the X version

 

Thanks I'll pick one up and try to get it installed. Biggest issue right now is the bolts holding the broken one are rusted or something, but I cannot get them out with a wrench and I am a pretty strong guy. I may need to get some big shears and cut the plastic back a bit so I can drive it without dragging it along the ground.

 

So I finally got the part removed today, here is a pic here: https://i.imgur.com/CgsFMvk.jpg

Would this be the bell housing? Is it abnormal that it was held on by only 3 screws, considering there were so many drilled holes in the plastic? Wondering if the place that did my oil change didn't put it back on right...

 

It is a necessary part IMO. Not having it in place may cause airflow issues and possible overheating condition. The car was designed with specific airflow characteristics under the car. Without this piece, airflow under the car is disrupted. If it was not required, nissan would save a few bucks by not including it