I am thinking of ordering a set of splash guard for my new ride. Is it a DIY project or should I have it isntalled by the dealer.

Thanks.

MDs1

 

DIY! Just take the wheels off for access (one at a time for the corner you're working on) and it's easy. There are 3 phillips-head screws for each "splash guard" or "mud flap" or whatever you want to call them.
Maybe someone can help me out here... my RL came with the mud flaps pre-installed so I'm not sure if a clean install would require drilling holes in the rear bumper or if the screws are self-tapping..?
Either way, it will be time well spent... it will give you a chance to get up close and personal with your car and its suspension/brakes.

 

It's so EZ you won't believe it. Just get the shortest phillips head screwdriver you can find.
No drilling needed.

 

A premium lux car for $50K and it needs mud guards? What is Acura thinking? Next they will sell an MDX without an outo dimming mirror!

 

I'm not sure I follow your logic.

1st) The MDX comes standard with an auto-dimming mirror as of 2008
2nd) Mud guards are not something that one would expect as standard equipment on any vehicle, aside from certain trucks/SUVs.

 

You DO NOT need to take the wheels off....a very short phillips head(like I mentioned in my earlier post enables you to install them, with no taking or wheel removal.

 

Correct. I bought a right angle phillips screwdriver for under $5 at home depot. It may have been under $3, I cannot remember.

 

That is the correct one to use (shape like the Z.)

 

That is the one I used, It was suprisingly effective.

 

Thanks every one for your replies. One more question - do I have to buy screws separately or they come with the flaps?

 

Comes with it. I ordered mine from Hondacuraworld.com, along with mats, trunkliner, etc for $3.95 shipping on everything.

 

Anyone can help me with installation instruction for the mud guards please? I have just received my order - the mud guards came with only four screws. Do I need more screws? I am kind of confused? Do I have to use any of the existing screws? Thanks for your help.

 

Here you go:

Splash guard installation instructions

 

Thanks a million kmcheney for the link. I love this forum!

All the best.

MDs1

 

kmcheney, thanks from me too, two years later. I got my splash guards via UPS and the box said prominently, "No directions inside." No problem, thanks to yours!

 

@TLynn

Were you able to pull those instructions recently? Site is down for me.

 

Works great for me

http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/AI/BII31148.pdf

 

And in 2007 the MDX did not have an auto dimming mirror - it took them that long to realize that a 50K SUV should have one?
2nd: When did the RL come without mud flaps? My RL did in 05 and the only options were a steering wheel and shift knob (which now are standard).

 

It's pretty EZ. I just bought some and put them on my wife's 2010 TL without any problems.

 

Splash guards were always an accessory with the 2005+ RL. They may have been "thrown in" on your 05 by the dealer.

Here is the list of accessories for the 2005 model,
http://estore.honda.com/accesssory-i...L&modelname=RL

and here are the instructions for the 2005 accessory splash guards, issued in Sep 2004 with the introduction of the 2G RL.
http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/AI/BII27033.pdf

 

I just checked my window stickers from my purchase in April 05 and there is no mention of mudflaps being installed or payed for. I do remember that there were no options at the time of purchase and mine was one of the first. Is it possible they changed marketing strategy later on? I have never seen an 05 without mudflaps either.

 

Maybe so. Whatever, happened, I would not look a gift horse in the mouth! Be happy you got them!

I did not look at every publicity photo, but the ones I did look at had no flaps. This is the press archive for the introduction.
http://www.hondanews.com/categories/...s?archive=2005

 

For 2006, the Acura RL was also offered in a second trim level, the optional 'Technology Package' which included three new features adaptive cruise control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System, and Michelin PAX System run-flat tires on unique PAX 235 mm x 460 mm A ("A" for asymmetric) aluminum alloy wheels with unique 245-680R460A Michelin Pilot HX MXM 4 all season grand touring type radials designed for the Michelin PAX System. The metric sized, run flat Michelin PAX System wheels and tires are equivalent to 18" x 9" wheels and 245/45-R18 conventional tires. The previously standard color-matched mud guards were deleted in 2006. All 2006 models had a slight change to the navigation system that also allowed the installation of an optional rearview camera. MSRP increased by just $200 for the equivalent 2005 model[14].

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acura_RL

 

Conclusion:
05 had mudflaps but the publicity photos didn't. After 05, Acura decided that they are to be an option on a $50K car.
Hence my original posting.

 

Tampa saves the day again! Another piece of RL history solved!

Thanks all!

 

Not so fast...

My '05 has no mud flaps...maybe mine was a publicity car.

 

I'd like some though...do I need color matched on a carbon gray? :hhmm:

 

Very easy. I guess since you got the instructions that should answer the question some of the screws are removed for the car and reused.

 

Yes you need them color matched.

Don't get them if you are doing an A-Speck side skirt kit because the front ones will no longer fit...or at least that is what I remember reading somewhere.

 

The only part that's a bit of a trick is the innermost screw on each rear one. You'll want to invest in a really short Phillips head screwdriver. There's a white plastic sleeve in the screwhole that's visible from the back. You can scoot around under the car (no lift needed) and see from the back of the wheelwell liner whether the screw is splitting the white thing as it must. If not, you've gotta try to drive it in straighter. This took me several tries on one side, but it doesn't require any special expertise -- just a little patience.

 

The links do not work for me to view the directions. Any ideas? Mine came with 8 screws and two brackets(For the rear 2 from what I can tell)

Thanks folks!!!

 

be careful when u buy them cause the 09-12 are different then the 05-08. I made that mistak and my dealer said that they are discontinued.

 

good to know

 

Discontinued?!? I need to find a set ASAP then. I will post back of I find some.

 

Silly dealer. It's not discontinued. Part number: 08p00-sja-2XX (X's for color code) can be found at our favorite online dealers for $102.

One more reason why AZine >>> the stealership.

 

 

probably a little late but this site is useful for alot of DIY projects. Here is the link for the Mud guard installation.

http://acura.bernardiparts.com/Image...s_BII27033.pdf