Flap in front of rear tire

Clocked92 · August 3, 2017

I have tried searching with very little luck because I'm not sure what to call this thing. I'm talking about the little plastic flap in front of the rear tires on a 2014 Sierra. I get that they are for the purpose of deflecting air around the rear tire for better mileage.

The issue I'm having is that with some gravel road driving, my flap is all cracked and broken because it's just cheap thin plastic. Does anyone have a solution, better design, idea to stop this or should I just take them off and live without them?

SilveradoSaver · August 3, 2017

I would probably take them off completely, or order a new set, have them Line-X or bed liner sprayed, and re-install. That should make them indestructible (within reason).

tnchevy · August 3, 2017

Just take them off.

rully1012 · August 3, 2017

Take em off don't look back or spend money to replace them

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Clocked92 · August 3, 2017

I would probably take them off completely, or order a new set, have them Line-X or bed liner sprayed, and re-install. That should make them indestructible (within reason).

I am considering taking off the plastic fender flares and getting them done in line-x so I might see what they look like after that. I already did Line-x on the rocker panels and bottom 4" of my doors which has helped with rocks quite a bit.

cbrsilv15 · August 4, 2017

It's there for a reason. I would highly advise to NOT take it off. If it cracked from road debris, you're gonna have bodywork and paint required if you take them off. Just cheap plastic, but it serves a purpose. Replace with stock plastic piece and either install it plain or have it line-x'd like mentioned.

muddkatt · August 4, 2017

It's there for a reason. I would highly advise to NOT take it off. If it cracked from road debris, you're gonna have bodywork and paint required if you take them off. Just cheap plastic, but it serves a purpose. Replace with stock plastic piece and either install it plain or have it line-x'd like mentioned.

^^^ X2

SirenRed16 · August 4, 2017

I think this is what you're talking about. Look at #7 in the first diagram.

https://www.gmwholesaledirect.com/auto-parts/2014/gmc/sierra-1500/sle-trim/5-3l-v8-flex-engine/body-cat/exterior-trim-pick-up-box-scat

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smrr1 · August 4, 2017

I have owned a 14 and a 15 and took them off both, did not care for the way they looked.

tnchevy · August 4, 2017

They are not there to protect anything but for aerodynamics, so do what you feel you have to but they are not needed.

Donstar · August 4, 2017

I like the idea of line-x on a replacement piece. Whether its purpose is for aerodynamics, appearance or protection it still takes a beating from the rocks! This is a lot easier fix than body work.

SilsbySilverado103 · August 4, 2017

I would line-X and keep them. Even if they only protect a little every little bit helps.

Clocked92 · August 4, 2017

Just to clarify, I'm only talking about the little deflector (item #7) in the above linked diagrams. It's separate from the existing black plastic fender well mouldings which I would keep.

vonshep · August 4, 2017

its for aerodynamics around the wheel its not nessary you may lose .000245785 mpg and over the life of the truck that could cost upward of $6

GMC-AT · August 4, 2017

Remember all these little MPG tricks add up. Front valances that drag the ground, awful drivability, AFM, Etc I personally could care less about MPG. But, there are a lot of truck buyers that could care less about brand, and only buy based on the best MPG.

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