Little plastic flap deflectors in front of the rear wheels -- what's up w/that?

[tRex]

like the title says...what's up with those little flap deflectors IN FRONT OF the rear wheels?

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[tallmansd]

like the title says...what's up with those little flap deflectors IN FRONT OF the rear wheels?

I believe I was told they are to prevent rocks from jumping up & hitting the side/bottom, when in reverse..

 

[Huntyeraws]

like the title says...what's up with those little flap deflectors IN FRONT OF the rear wheels?

I noticed them too...they are in the front of the front wheels too and I came up with the same conclusion as tallmansd did.

 

[realworld51]

like the title says...what's up with those little flap deflectors IN FRONT OF the rear wheels?

Aerodynamics. The leading edge of the tires is a prime drag area. Diversion of air flow creates low pressure in front of the tires. If you look you’ll see widespread use of these flaps on most light vehicles, front and rear. They have been there for many years as mpg requirements have increased.

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2018/09/19/wheels-impact-on-the-aerodynamics-of-a-wrc-car/

Example of the same flap on my 2013 Escape:

 

[tRex]

I noticed them too...they are in the front of the front wheels too and I came up with the same conclusion as tallmansd did.

Sales guy I asked said so, I was doubtful -- they look tacky on the Sport. They are randomly there on the front, the back, or sometimes both -- the sales guy didn't believe me, but look at enough of them and you'll see. Look like an afterthought. Just look like they'll get hung up on something or choked with snow, etc. They are attached with little buttons, but didn't feel easily removed when I checked.

 

[Fossil]

like the title says...what's up with those little flap deflectors IN FRONT OF the rear wheels?

Generally used at takeoff and landing but can be used for STOL flight.
But seriously I was wondering about those in front of the front wheels, do look strange.

 

[Osco]

Aerodynamics. The leading edge of the tires is a prime drag area.

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2018/09/19/wheels-impact-on-the-aerodynamics-of-a-wrc-car/

Good read thanks. :'P

 

[tRex]

Aerodynamics. The leading edge of the tires is a prime drag area. Diversion of air flow creates low pressure in front of the tires. If you look you’ll see widespread use of these flaps on most light vehicles, front and rear. They have been there for many years as mpg requirements have increased.

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2018/09/19/wheels-impact-on-the-aerodynamics-of-a-wrc-car/

Example of the same flap on my 2013 Escape:

"On most of the gravel rallies, where the car is raised to higher positions, the efficiency of the deflector would be minimal, so they are not normally used (as they are easily removable). Also, Citroën only uses it in the rear wheels, probably because the front splitter is so low that it has the same effect as a deflector...". A front-end, full-width air dam seems to replace this strategy in a lot of low ride height applications. I wonder how much Sport engineering and testing went into this, and whether its inclusion is intentionally varied depending upon trim and options (wheels, ride height)?

 

[maximumwang]

Anyone know what the official name of those little flaps is?
One of mine got loose and got chewed up by the tire, so I'm looking for a replacement part.

 

[BjB13]

Took mine off , less than 5 min. I like the slight change in look better.

 

[JEspey]

Just checked my BL and they are on the rear but not the front.

 

[max the dog]

I noticed them too...they are in the front of the front wheels too and I came up with the same conclusion as tallmansd did.

Have any of you folks noticed the cavity ahead of the little flap? It WILL fill with mud and slush. The drain hole in it is Bs.

 

[omahafordowner]

Just checked my BL and they are on the rear but not the front.

How else do you think they got the 1" extra clearance?
D

 

[santiago.lobos]

Took mine off , less than 5 min. I like the slight change in look better.

Great!! Did you leave the bolts in or did you remove them completely?

 

[nategannam]

Anyone know a part number? Ford doesn't seem to have replacements

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