I broke it - should I replace it?

[MobyDisco]

While changing my second flat tyre in 3 months I broke the plastic "splashguard" (at least, I think that's what it is?) that sits under the car in front of the spare tyre.

(I had the suspension up high while I was changing the wheel, as per the manual. After I'd removed the flat tyre I put it under the rear of the car ready to be winched forward. But unfortunately it was sitting a little too far forward or the winch. When I lowered the suspension, that plastic piece that sits across the car, just in front of the rear wheel, ended up on top of the rear wheel instead of in front of it. It's now cracked in a couple of places.)

Do you think I need to replace it? Or is that splashguard relatively unimportant in the scheme of things?

I'd appreciate your advice, thanks.

[FifiLámour]

Hey Moby Disco, you forgot to mention we are planning a beach drive this weekend. Might it be necessary to replace this thing that's broken to protect whatever it's covering from sand???

(Sorry buys, not making much sense as I don't know what anything is called )

[Tote]

I believe it's a heatshield to reflect heat from the exhausts away from the spare. Mine's been broken in the middle for 12 months since we took the tyre out from the carrier to go to Fraser but the two supports at the side keep it in place ok.

Regards,
Tote

[rmp]

Broken or not it'll still do the job. To repair just get some heat-resistant material, Purple Pig have some good stuff.

Also, get FFL to replace the spare until such time as you get a spare wheel carrier!

Speaking of which topical avatar this time FFL, what will be next I wonder?

[Hooroo]

G'day Moby.
The first thing I did when I got my first D3 in '05 was remove the bits I didn't need (so I could pop them back on when I sold it).
That included your bit. Not having it has never been an issue (and I do a fair bit in sand and mud).
My two bobs worth? I suggest you repair it and pop it back on when you sell it one day. Hang it in the garage as your trophy of a fun day out

[MobyDisco]

Thanks guys. I'm so bummed that I broke the durn thing right at the end of my first D3 roadside wheel replacement, which had otherwise been going so well

[rmp]

Take heart, MobyD, many people have broken much more than that on their first wheel-change attempt if it happens to be the rear LHS wheel ;-)

[FifiLámour]

Well this is a relief to wake up and read! Thanks everyone

Except this:

Also, get FFL to replace the spare until such time as you get a spare wheel carrier!

Speaking of which topical avatar this time FFL, what will be next I wonder?

RMP are you trying to upset the delicate equilibrium of our marriage? I will find a new avatar today, just for you, OK .

It WAS the rear LHS wheel!

[rmp]

Well it's good you didn't jack up using the compressor then, as that is considerably more painful than breaking an insignificant plastic guard. I've met at least three D3 owners who has discovered this the hard way.

See, there's always a bright side.

[WhiteD3]

My heat shield guards are broken and worn down to the level of the exhaust pipes. No drama in that