Fender washers...An inexpensive modification that will save the bottom splash panel.

I've own may cars with plastic splace panels under the engine and bumper area. Nearly ALL of them have washered "bolts' or screws that hold these panels on.

From my experience, these are almost never adequate over years or repeated removal are replacement and general running vibration and "wear and tear."

One of my first "modifications" is to place one inch OD 1/4 inch hole "fender washers" under each screw. Be careful that there are two different sides on each washer, which is "punched" from sheet metal. Place the slightly "rounded" side towards the plastic cover. Most Prius' use around 16 of them; cheap insurance.

I've owned cars that were over 15 years old. Putting these "fender washers" on the screws means that the plastic does not "tear out" at the bolts.

 

There are nearly 18 hex head screws under the dront bumber area holding the plastic panels on. The two holding the front under radiator panel to the bumber are "sheet metal threaded" into while plastic expansion inserts. The others are M6x1.0 with small captive washers under them about 16mm OD on the washers, which are still a little small. All of these can be removed and replaced with a 10mm socket or nut driver.

I used regular zinc plated washers, which are fine with me, since I did a complete rust proofing job on them, as well as the entire car.

It wouldn't be hard to replace them, since I went to Lowes and order 25 stainless steel fender washers from Graingers for about $6 delivered to my home. I can go to Graingers and get them on my own account, but Grainger's ia a 14 mile trip, and Lowe's is a 1/2 mile away. I just haven't gone under the car to replace them. I might do that with the first oil change, which I plan to do at 2k miles or so. I'm not waiting for the 10K change at the dealer.

Here's the link to the Grainger's Item;

https://new.grainger.com/search/ecatalog/N-1z0ny2qZ1z0o17jZ1z0o05jZbjw/Ntt-fender+washer

 

Andy,

I put on the stainless steel washer' yeaterday. You need 15 of them, and they fit perfectly. Remember to place the rounded, rather than the "cut" edge next to the plastic.

Toyota evidently put screws on the fromt bumper filler panel and the front of the engine cove panel, because this is a high stress area. You'll be glad that you made this modification years in the future.

It was easy. I had them up on my Race ramps that I got from Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B003ZA8WIE?tag=priuschatcom-20
They work perfectly, with one inch clearance on the bottom front bumper. I got the FREE chock in two weeks after submitting the rebate. They don't slide like the cheaper Rhino Ramps. I even use them on grass,

Regards,

Mike