What is this portion of the front bumper called?

[LadyXena]

This is a stock image, but what is the black plastic thing on the underside of the bumper called? My dad claims it is an engine shroud, but when I try searching online I can't find anything resembling it. I also tried splash guard, but that didn't come up with it either.

Mine is hanging off. I will admit that it is probably my fault :sadbanana: as I think I accidentally keep pulling into parking spots and the curb rubs against it as I pull too far into the spot.

This is probably a long shot, but would the bumper to bumper warranty cover fixing it? If not, how much is reasonable for part+labor to cost? I hate walking into the dealership as a single female as the only one near me has already screwed me over twice.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bruiser350]

I work in a body shop and have to fix a lot of those pieces. The damage is usually cause by parking blocks or rubbing on something while backing up. They are typically only held in place with push pin or screws/bolts. Realistically it would take someone with any kind of know how about 10 min to fix unless the part is cracked or broken in any kind of way.

You can try getting them to warranty it. If they don't warranty it then my suggestion would be to either to diy or take it to a local bodyshop and offer some guy atleast $20 to fix it.

If you can take some up close pictures i can probably tell you exactly how to fix it....if its fixable.

 

[Papasonic]

The part you are referring to is called a lower deflector. It's not difficult to replace. Here is a link to get an idea of how it is assembled and the cost.
It's item #15 in the parts breakdown: Price- $68.90--- Note, This is not something your warranty would cover, as it wasn't a defect in material or workmanship.

https://www.gmpartsdirect.co/auto-parts/2012/chevrolet/sonic/ltz-trim/1-4l-l4-gas-engine/body-cat/bumper-and-components-front-scat

 

[LadyXena]

Thanks Bruiser. I'll get pictures once it is light out tomorrow to see if I need to replace it or it can be fixed.

 

[LadyXena]

I appreciate the link papasonic. If it can't be fixed I'll see if I feel comfortable trying to DIY it. If not, what would a reasonable labor price range be?

 

[Papasonic]

I appreciate the link papasonic. If it can't be fixed I'll see if I feel comfortable trying to DIY it. If not, what would a reasonable labor price range be?

I don't really know what the labor charge would be, my guess would be about the same amount as the part. Dealer shop rates are around the $100.00 hr rate in a lot of places. That part is well within the DIY category. Also it can be purchased for less if you do a search using that part number; Ebay, Amazon, etc.
If you can elevate the vehicle slightly, maybe on some ramps, you can crawl under and inspect to verify if it is something that can just be reattached or needs to be replaced. Some Forum members have just removed it completely, and have had no problems with it being removed. If you look at it, you will see how easily it can be removed.

 

[skurtov]

Honestly if yours is falling off. I just took a drill with some screws and drilled it straight through the plastic. holds really well.

 

[Palmaris]

That Lower Deflector (air dam) is just pushed into the bumper through narrow slots. It has a bunch of wedges on it, so it can be pushed up through the bumper in one direction but won't go back down easily. Some of those wedges are probably torn off if it hit something a little solid, which means you would need to get the new one to fix it.

I have had mine removed for 2 years now, after I added a thin aluminum plate under the engine bay. I don't miss it at all!

 

[suitcasejefferson]

I am seriously considering removing mine before it damages the very expensive front bumper cover it is attached to. They just make cars too low these days. Even the red bumper cover has some scrapes in it on mine. Fortunately you can't see them unless you lay on the ground in front of the car and look up. A friend of mine had a C5 Corvette, and it had a lot of body and undercarriage damage because it was so low.