Front deflector issue caused damage

[thomasm23]

Most new vehicles are using deflectors in front of the front and rear tires to help with wind resistance and increase mpg ratings. The Bronco Sport utilizes deflectors on all four wheels.

A few weeks ago I noticed the right front deflector was missing a screw. This screw is accessible from below. I checked the same screw on the left front deflector and it was very loose. I tightened the screw with a 7mm socket.

I looked for a replacement screw at my local Lowes but they were out of stock.

Last weekend I was turning around and the right front tire went up a cutout in the curb. I heard a terrible sound from the right front. I pulled over and checked the right front. Half of the wheelhouse trim (fender liner) was missing.

What happened was the loose deflector wedged between the curb and the front tire. As the tire moved, this pulled on the deflector. With the deflector securely attached to the wheelhouse trim, this ripped half of the wheelhouse trim out.

This can be big problem. Please make sure to check the lower screws on both the front deflectors.

I will be making a visit to my dealer’s body shop for an estimate.

Photo of front deflector is the left front.

View attachment 18878

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[AndyMac204]

yikes, gotta watch them curbs, they jump out from nowhere.
i told the gf the first one of us that cranks a curb buys a lift kit.
still no lift after 8 months ?

 

[Osco]

I looked at those front flaps. I ease up in parking spaces all the time. The normal curb stops are not tall enough to hit mine, not even close. I sized up my tires from 225’s to 235’s
I see no way I can fold that flap back into my tire.
unless I hit a curb tall enough to push my bumper valence back some.
I’ve touched it against taller sidewalks and can hear it and stop before I get damage.
I’m listening to you OP, gonna check those screws.

 

[BSBB4Les]

Thanks for this thread! Went out and checked my BS and yep, the front deflector screws were loose! Both sides. None missing, so I tightened them up. The rears seem to have just one? Anyway I tightened them too. Thanks again and sorry that your mishap brought it to light.

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