I am planning on a full day alone with my G. It will be this Friday. I plan on giving her an oil change and tending to the neglected paint (actually it looks very good for an 04 BO). I keep hearing references to this PITA shield that doubles the time it takes to do an oil change. Is this thing really needed? I know one member removed his (for good) but I'm wondering what impact this would have. Noise? Warranty?

 

It's there to keep the underside protected and clean, and to help in aerodynamics.
If you don't want it, leave it off. I doubt it will affect warranty.
C.

 

Infiniti did not go to the trouble and expense to put that shield on there just to make oil changes a pain in the butt...

As mentioned the shield is an aerodynamic devise that also protects the engine area from debris, and the effects of hitting a large puddle of water. The shield also ensures proper air flow through the radiator.

Might want to put it back on after the oil change.

 

Being that they can't legally require you to return to the dealer for your oil changes, I can't help but see all of these added annoyances as encouragement to return to the dealer for nearly all maintenance needs. I'm sure that's not the actual case, but it always comes to mind.

FWIW, I agree that replacing the shield is the best option and that it does serve a purpose other than discouraging owners from doing their own oil changes.

 

Alright. Well, that was a stupid question on my part. I hadnt looked under the car before. I was figuring this shield to be small and only protect the rear of the motor. It's huge. It's not that much of a hassle and I would never take the thing off permantly. The oil change didnt take long and the only problem I had was leaving the jack under the center of the car. It was difficult to work around. Next time I'll dig my ramps out. I will always do my oil changes. Thanks for the input guys.

 

If you look at the design of that shield, the way its shaped and it's ridges, it is clearly designed for aerodynamics. It's part of the G's whole Zero-lift deal. It minimizes the air flow from coming up into the engine bay and pressing up on the hood, causing the car to raise with increased air flow.

 

There are approx. twenty 10mm bolts holding that shield in place...takes about 10 minutes to drop and 10 minutes to reinstall...yeah, that about doubles the oil change time but there's not much we can do about it.

SeanL
'05 G35 Coupe 5A
'94 Mustang Cobra

 

Get a electric screwdriver and get it done in 5 min!

 

you can change your oil without taking it off! At least I can...
as stated earlier it also keeps the air flow coming in the front of the car going straight into the radiator, instead of flowing down & around it...

 

You can just remove the four bolts towards the end and it folds back at the crease. That's how most service centers change the oil.

 

ugh im taking the car into the dealer... im too lazy