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Lexus RX: How to Install a Custom Air Dam Grill

An air damn grill is designed to simply protect your engine and radiator from the bottom. Here's how to install a custom one yourself.

By Piyush Kayastha - January 6, 2015

This article applies to the Lexus RX (2005-2013).

Car manufacturers design their vehicles to encompass all the components while allowing some room to let maximum airflow keep the engine components cool. However, on some RX models, the radiator and fans are exposed and subject to road debris. If enough debris gets sucked in there, the results can warrant a costly visit to the dealer. This article will help you create an air dam that will still allow good airflow but prohibit road debris from causing damage to the condenser.

Materials Needed

  • 10mm socket
  • Gutter guard material
  • Wire cutters
  • Wire ties
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Razor blade
  • Cardboard (optional)

Step 1 - Remove plastic cover

To access the exposed area of the radiator, a plastic cover must be removed. It is affixed by a 10mm nut and plastic fasteners.

  • Use 10mm socket to remove (10) nuts.
  • Use flathead screwdriver to pry (2) plastic fasteners.
  • Figure 1. Underneath view of grill.
  • Figure 2. Bolts and cover removed.

Pro Tip

Figure 1 shows how much the opening is exposed. You can use a piece of cardboard to create a template here.

Step 2 - Cut and install gutter guard

  • Cut the gutter guard to 5.5" x 22" using the wire cutters.
  • Place cut guard behind the opening and secure with wire ties.
Figure 3. Location of tie wraps.

Step 3 - Re-install plastic panel

Now that the guard is installed and secured, the plastic panel should be re-installed.

  • Re-install panel using the previously removed plastic fasteners.
Figure 4. Panel re-installed.

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