Hole perforations in plastic liner in wheel well

[mmm..good]

We got some snow last night (less than an inch - my Goodyear RSA's suck!) and this morning I noticed some holes in the plastic liner of my passenger side front wheel well. They were on the back side of the tire (closest to the passenger side door.) The only reason I noticed them is because the entrire wheel well was white from all of the road salt except where there are four holes. They are failry close together in a rectangle pattern and not quite round (no jagged edges or anything that might be a rock or some other item). I checked the driver side and there are none there. Does anyone else have this??

[tytamto]

PDR (paintless dent removal) guys drill holes in wheel well liners all the time to gain quick access to dents that need to be pulled (pushed out, really). They usually plug the holes that they make with rubber plugs/grommets.

Not sure if these are OEM holes and serve a purpose, but I doubt it. I will look at my fender liner to verify sometime tomorrow.

Your car probably had a dent pulled in the front passenger fender. Nothing to worry about. Once we really determine that PDR is to blame, I would just buy rubber or plastic hole plugs and cover the holes to keep crap from getting behind the liner.

[mmm..good]

I understand your thoughts on the possible dent removal - but where these are the "dent" would have to be inside the wheel well itself - couldn't really push out a dent if it was in the fender. Bought the car 6 mos ago and had a clean car fax and I have the service records from the Infiniti dealership where it was maintained (it was a two year lease and the driver barely put 21k on it). No indications of repair work. It definitely doesn't look OEM to me. In fact, I washed the car this morning and noticed 4 more holes further back inside the wheel well on the backside of the tire at about "seven o'clock" as you look at the passenger tire. I'm about due for an oil change - I'll ask the dealer about it when i take it in - also ask if they have a grommet or something to plug the holes.

[striz923]

dent doesn't mean damage or wreck, it could have been a wicked door ding in between the wheel well and the front door or something.

[M4T5]

We got some snow last night (less than an inch - my Goodyear RSA's suck!) and this morning I noticed some holes in the plastic liner of my passenger side front wheel well. They were on the back side of the tire (closest to the passenger side door.) The only reason I noticed them is because the entrire wheel well was white from all of the road salt except where there are four holes. They are failry close together in a rectangle pattern and not quite round (no jagged edges or anything that might be a rock or some other item). I checked the driver side and there are none there. Does anyone else have this??

Holes verified! I looked at my 07' M45's passenger side front wheel well. The same holes are there as you described. Also, if you look even further back (looking at the same general area, but closer to the engine) mine has four more holes that travel in a snake type line going vertically. See if yours has these too. I have no idea why these holes would even be there. It looks like a place for road dirt and grime to get into and stay to me. Unless they are there for a purpose, I might be plugging those holes up on mine. Will have to hear why they are needed or not needed before I do that though. I can only think they are there to cool something behind the plastic inner wheels well cover. Anyone else?

J

[mmm..good]

Exactly! - The four additonal holes I referred to as being further back are in an "s" shape vertically. All of the holes are identical in shape (not quite oval, but not perfectly round either) and size. If this is OEM, I can't imagine why they are there. And I agree with you - just a way for water and grime to collect between the liner and inner fender itself. Can't be good for the long term.

Any one besides M45T and myself have the same issue? Go look!!

[SteveTheTech]

RSAs that are even half worn do not perform so well, even with an x.

The holes you refer to are for the receiver for your tire monitoring system. Below is the only picture I could find of whats behind the holes in the liner. If you look behind the rear of the left front wheel there should be more holes. I know I have seen the holes and if there are only ones on the right side then it is to provide air to cool the brake junction box that is also over there. If there are two in the front than it's to provide.

[mmm..good]

Thanks dude - I figured you would know. I always wondered how the TPMS sent the signal - now I know.

As for my RSA'a - they are pretty worn - a little over 25k on them. I was going to try to milk them until 30K - but I'm not so sure I want to chance sliding into someone - the braking is the worst part. I know tirerack has some Michelen Pilot Sports on sale for about $145 each. I may have to go ahead and pull the trigger.

[SteveTheTech]

Michelin P/S suck, they tend to wear on the inside edges and make a racket. I have seen some people use the B/stone (I think) Direzzas on the 18" rims with some success.

[M4T5]

I don't see the reciever being affected by the holes being there or not. It may just be there to cool it, but it is still a dirt collection waiting to happen if it hasn't already.

J

[SteveTheTech]

So I had an 06 M in the air today and I thought I would snap a few pics from the bottom (an angle many of you have probably never looked at your Ms). The holes are indeed only on the right and it appears to be cooling vents for the brake lines behind it. I do not know what the original goal of them were but they are there for a reason.

[M4T5]

Yep, mine look exactly the same. Brake line cooling vents huh? That's new to me.I wonder if it being cooled right there is really needed. Who knows. I guess I won't be plugging up the holes...

J

[mmm..good]

Thanks for the Pics & the clarification - I guess I'll leave well enough alone like M4T5.

If the Michelen Pilots are no good - what are your thoughts on the MichelenPrimacy's?

[SteveTheTech]

MichelenPrimacy's?

These tires work well on a Camry or a Buick but I wouldn't put them on an M. I have always been partial to Goodyears. Depending on what you want out of your tires and car for that matter. Tirerack offers the best information from real world drivers.

[mmm..good]

I'm not what you would call a "peformance oriented" driver, although I do like to get the R's up to about 5 or 6 every now & then.

More concerned with a smooth & quiet ride and long treadlife - these things are too expensive to replace very often!