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Are the blades loose, or is it the entire grid that feels loose? Or both?
Both can become loose. I have a fix that will work permanently. I say permanently BC they will be difficult to disassemble afterward, but even that can be done.
Are the blades loose, or is it the entire grid that feels loose? Or both?
Both can become loose. I have a fix that will work permanently. I say permanently BC they will be difficult to disassemble afterward, but even that can be done.
Thanks! Curious to learn more about your fix. It’s just the higher blade that’s loose.
First remove the emblem from the fender. There are 4 T25 torx screws. I used your photo, but circled where to find them:
With the assembly off the car - there are a couple different subassemblies here. They are all plastic and assemble with molded in tongue and groove slots. These assembly techniques always have some play in them, and gets worse over time. The first sub is the plastic grid (grille); the second is the two blades. they attach through the grille, but latch to the backside base. The back will look like this:
To tighten the blades, focus on 6 assembly tabs (tongue/groove slots) here:
Nothing can be done to "tighten" these once they wear other than replacing the entire assembly with newly, factory assembled parts, but I use a technique that essentially seals the assembly joint (somewhat permanently).
I use a product like this - it is a silicone adhesive (adhesive sealant {not just silicone}), and a plastic spatula.
To tighten the blades, use the spatula to apply a "fill" coat of adhesive sealant to bind BOTH tongue and mating groove all 6 places.
After all 6 are done, it is imperative!! that the entire piece sits UNTOUCHED for 24 hours (no shortcuts). After 24 hours reassemble to the fender using the 4 screws.
If it is the grid/grille that is loose, use the same process on these tongue/grooves. There are ten in all around the circumference of the assembly.
Same drying time, 24 hrs.
Afterwards, these parts will be difficult to disassemble, but frankly, these tongue/grooves break with any age anyway. The ultimate remedy is to replace them. Once glued like this they won't loosen anymore over time.
Makes sense to do this even if the part is replaced under warranty, as it will just happen again over time.
In my case, my car is covered all the time, and the cover is pulled taught with a strap that’s just under the fenders. Perhaps that’s what has caused both sides to loosen.
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