The car came with a couple of these flaps on both sides; located at underneath the front bumper, near front wheel wells (pic attached). What are these for and is it safe if I remove both of them?

Thanks!

 

I don't know, but there are two similar flaps on the front that hang down, too. Walk out in front of the vehicle and bend over to look under and you'll see them.


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Flap 2...........

 

RXOwner: yup, you are correct... I wonder what are these hanging flaps for :scratching my head:

 

I have wondered, too. Anybody knows?

 

Mudflaps?

I dumped mine on my RX300, moves a little faster. I can thank TunedRX300 for the fine suggestion.

 

Maybe they are there for aerodynamic stabilization? Meaning, if they are removed, will the fenderwell plastics shake and rattle at certain speeds?


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Wind split is what I believe they are called or so my brother in law called them. He has a background in aircraft and said it was part of an aero treatment. He was surprised to see them on a RX.

 

I thought they were curb feelers. Might give you some feedback if you get too close to a parking curb or somethign like that.

 

Cant say it is a fact, but most probably the reason is aerodynamics ... change the flow of air for sound reason.

It would not be there if there is no reason for it. So do not remove it.

Salim

 

Yes they are used to cut down on wind noise and better air flow around the tires

 

If I were a guessing man, I would guess it reduces wind noise slightly.

 

The wind noise must be it...feeler for curb....too soft.

 

Thanks guys! I guess I better leave them alone

 

They are called “Wind splitters”, and I can tell you what happens when you loose one. At speeds in excess of 70, the turbulence caused by the fender design will suck your inner fender liners down onto your tires. Happened to me in New Mexico, lost a splitter on the left front (hit a piece of tire rubber on the highway), by the time we got to Phoenix AZ, the fender liner on the left side had two substantial holes rubbed in it by the tire, and when I got over about 75 on the road, it sounded like someone dragging fingernails on a chalkboard. Lexus fixed it right up, but it "ain't cheap".