Why did Mazda put the hole in the splash pan almost half under the oil filter and not all the way under????
Just one of those WTF were the Engineers thinking that day???[sm=rant.gif]

 

The concensus is that the hole is there for part of the vehicle inspection before leaving the factory and wasn't put there for purposes of oil changes at all.

 

I too have read that, so I agree.

 

Good thing for air tools

 

Get out your tin snips, or4" hole saw (I'm sure in your business you have both at your disposal,) measure where you need to trim out the shieldand make a hole.That's how many of us do it now. Saves a bunch 'o'time and aggravation, my friend.

 

Air Rachet, about a minute to remove all 7 bolts and if I don't want to jack the car up I need to remove it to get the drain pan under it.
But then again I was thinking about the 4 inch hole saw during the next oil change [8D]

 

Ah, careful with that air ratchet, my friend. Those captured nuts and the little clip they are attached to separate easily. I know. They are only press fit together. When you remove the splash pan, I would also suggest anti-seizing those bolts beforereassembly. I had several freeze together (rust) and that when trying to remove them w/a 1/4"hand ratchet broke the "bond" between the nut and clip.PITA!!!

 

see unfortunately the damn splash pan is soo low mine broke from that damn pothole.. it was retarded and i was soo upset. well actually it was a raised manhole from the dip on the road.. which im making the city of guelph paying for..

 

These cars do ride low for a stocker, but that musta' been some man hole cover to tear off your splash shield. Consider yourself lucky it did rip off the oil pan if it got that close.