Swapping Mud Flaps and Splash Guards On Tesla Model 3

To swap out the mud flaps and splash guards, follow these steps:

  • Fully turn the steering wheel to the left to get access to the working area.

  • Take off the bolt that fastens the mud flap bottom to the lower panel of the rocker cover.

  • 2nd GENERATION KITS: Carefully open the push clips (take the plastic rivet out) and then remove the push clips that secure the mud flap or splash guard to the tyre arch liner with a flathead screwdriver.

  • 1st GENERATION KITS: Remove the screws and washers that hold the mud flap or splash guard to the wheel arch liner's U-nuts.

     
  • Remove the mud flap/splash guard from the Model 3.
  • TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS: Allow the mud flap to dry completely after cleaning it with alcohol. After that, remove the splash guard's adhesive backing and position the splash guard with the mud flap so that the holes are aligned. Apply pressure along the mud flap to ensure it is fastened to the splash guard once it is positioned.

    Note: If the splash guards were previously removed from the mud flaps, use new adhesive tape.
     
  • TO REMOVE SPLASH GUARDS: To detach the adhesive tape, pull the splash guard away from the mud flap. Allow the mud flap and splash guard to dry completely after cleaning them with alcohol.

    Caution: If you drive on roads where salt, sand, or gravel are routinely used to improve road conditions, splash protectors are recommended.

  • 2nd GENERATION KITS: Line up the holes in the mud flap/splash guard with the holes in the front wheel arch liner, then push the push clips into the holes that have been opened (plastic rivets pulled out). Push the plastic rivets in to shut the push clips and secure the mud flap/splash guard in place once the push clips are fully inserted.

     
  • 1st GENERATION KITS: Install the screws to fasten the mud flap/splash shield to the U-nuts in the front tyre arch liner after placing the washers over the screws (x2). Tighten the screws to a torque of 1.5 Nm (1 ft-lbs).

     
  • Install the bolt that connects the mud flap's bottom to the lower rocker panel cover. Tighten the bolt to a torque of 5 Nm (4 ft-lbs).

  • Repeat the process on the right side of the car.
Note: This technique and drawings showed how to replace the mud flap and splash guard on the vehicle's left side. The right-hand instructions are mirrored.

    Disclaimer:

    Tesla, Inc. was not involved in the development of this document and did not provide any input or otherwise edit, review or authorize it.