jda123

Sorry, I don't know what this thing is called.

The previous owner mauled it up pretty bad trying to get it off. Because of this, it is more than I care to deal with on a frequent basis - I do a 1x3 every 5000-7500.

I either need to order a new one, or just leave it off. I understand that there might be some underside aerodynamic benefits.

Is there any harm in leaving it off?

NCTL05

iTrader: (9)

Replace with a new one asap! It only takes one rock to cost you a cracked tranny case. The cover is more for protection than aero.

lusid

I would not risk it (removing that is).. run over ANYTHING and see ya later tranny.

BradE

It's a plastic cover, it's not going to protect the tranny case from major impacts anyway.

libert69

iTrader: (7)

I dont have one. +1 on a plastic cover not doing sh*t for protecting you from anything that will crack your trans case

NCTL05

iTrader: (9)

Well, unfortunately for all of us it only takes a minor impact to crack an aluminum tranny case in the most vulnerable spot. If you ever drive on gravel or through constructions zones it would be a bad idea not to have this cover. I've seen it happen before.

But if you don't believe me then go ahead and leave it off. I mean, what's a $3000+ repair bill compared to a $30 part that could have prevented the damage. Trivial I know.

VQPower37

im sure the thing does close to nothing from large debris, but the fact that there is a possibility that it could protect ur tranny from some debris ... i would highly recommend u replace it

NAiL05

That better be a big rock. You should be fine without it. But I would keep one down there since honda did put it there for a reason.

libert69

iTrader: (7)

If its hard enough to crack aluminum then a plastic cover wont protect you. My cover wont fit anymore with the turbo plumbing anyway. I guess I could make it fit but it would melt after the first drive

AMUA6

iTrader: (7)

I agree, its a PITA to remove but do I always put it back? Yes. I believe its there for a reason

jwr0ng626

iTrader: (1)

i took mine off too..... hopefully it wont do damage...

Inaccurate

All of my lower panels has been removed for the past 5 years and 50,000 miles. My trans case and engine oil pan have no visible nicks from impacts.

libert69

iTrader: (7)

I bet it cools the trans case which in turn cools the fluid a little bit too

jwr0ng626

iTrader: (1)

awesomeee this is good news

LaCostaRacer

I noticed the cover also serves as a leak catcher. You can have a mild drip from the tranny and the cover hides this issue and there's no drip on the driveway to see since the liquid is on the inner side of this cover. I noticed a slight drip the first time I was going to change the ATF and brought the car in for the dealer to check out before doing the change. Naturally the dealer said that this was not an issue. I now have this issue documented in case it becomes serious in the future.

There are just a couple bolts holding that thing on so it can pivot away for an ATF change without removing all the screws. I'm leaving mine on for the leak catcher feature.
I'll be doing my 2nd ATF change in a couple of months and check out how things are going down there.

jda123

I don't think that it is intended to be a skid plate. I have never cracked the alum tranny case in my accord after almost 400K of not-so-easy miles, so I guess that my kind of driving is not a huge deal for case cracking.

I will probably just leave it off.

I don't want to hide leaks anyway, rather know about them ASAP.

Comptechtl2367

I would say its not a big deal to keep it off, i mean not many other hondas and acuras have one of these but if you hit something big enough to crack the case then insurance will cover it anyway!
Just dont be stupid!

kthai417

i would agree....no big deal to keep it off considering its a bit of a pain for you since you do the fluid change every 5-7k.

Comptechtl2367

Adding to my last post, i do a drain and refill every other oil change and i take the cover on and off every time, its an extra 5 min and if the clips are a pain spend the 5.00 to get new ones to make it easier. Seems like you would just be lazy to keep it off, and dont say it saves weight... its maybe two pounds on a 3800lb car!

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

Don't listen to this guy. He would take out the engine to clear out some weight in a instant if he could find a way to start the car.

Comptechtl2367

^Hahahahaha... Had the same thought! ^

OntheJob

Correct, Its a thin plastic cover with two pliable metal bars for structure purpose, This is mainly for dust and small rocks along with reducing under car turbulance for aero purposes.
I would put it on, but I wouldnt worry about your trans case if you dont, unless you plan on going rock climbing with the TL.