OEM Spoiler Warpage on Hot Days
07-25-2002, 07:39 PM
#1
OEM Spoiler Warpage on Hot Days
Has any one else noticed that there OEM rear spoiler warps in the heat. When it is real hot out, the center raises up and I can see through it. It comes off of the trunk enough that I can slide a popsicle stick under the leading edge. If I park it in the shade for a about 10 minuets, it returns to normal.
Some one had told me that this happens because the spoiler and trunk expand at different rates in the heat, but if this were true, the spoiler would eventually sit flat again. So, I decided to remove it and see if it was installed correctly by the dealer. I noticed the following:
1) Bare metal where the holes were drilled, so I painted the bare spots with paint.
2) the middle mounting points really suck. The bolts only put pressure on the rear edge of the spoiler, so the leading edge will never have enough force on it to keep it flush.
3) When I reinstalled the spoiler, I torqued down the center bolts first and then the sides. The spoiler now seems more flush on the leading edge than when first installed by the dealer. (When I got my S, it never really sat flush on the leading edge and I could rock it front to back some.)
I will check to see how it is on the next real hot day and report back.
In any case, I would remove the spoiler and check the holes for corrosion and touch up as needed. Mine had none, but my S has never really been wet yet.
Some one had told me that this happens because the spoiler and trunk expand at different rates in the heat, but if this were true, the spoiler would eventually sit flat again. So, I decided to remove it and see if it was installed correctly by the dealer. I noticed the following:
1) Bare metal where the holes were drilled, so I painted the bare spots with paint.
2) the middle mounting points really suck. The bolts only put pressure on the rear edge of the spoiler, so the leading edge will never have enough force on it to keep it flush.
3) When I reinstalled the spoiler, I torqued down the center bolts first and then the sides. The spoiler now seems more flush on the leading edge than when first installed by the dealer. (When I got my S, it never really sat flush on the leading edge and I could rock it front to back some.)
I will check to see how it is on the next real hot day and report back.
In any case, I would remove the spoiler and check the holes for corrosion and touch up as needed. Mine had none, but my S has never really been wet yet.
07-26-2002, 02:29 AM
#2
Registered User
Thanks for the information. I want to buy a rear IEM spoiler and install it myself, so have you seen any additional or potential problems I should be aware of?
Please keep us informed on any more details.
Thanks
Larry
Please keep us informed on any more details.
Thanks
Larry
07-26-2002, 10:04 AM
#4
Registered User
Expanding at "different rates" doesn't just mean one expands faster than the other (which would mean they would catch up eventually), it also means they expand by different amounts. Take two pieces of metal, each made of a different material, one foot long. Now heat them....one will expand faster, but once they both hit the same temp, one will STILL be longer than the other and stay that way until things cool down.
Re-torquing the bolts form the center out is the way to go here, unless you want to fill in the old holes and drill new ones (not suggested). I think you'll see less gap now, but don't be surprised if you still have a small one.
Re-torquing the bolts form the center out is the way to go here, unless you want to fill in the old holes and drill new ones (not suggested). I think you'll see less gap now, but don't be surprised if you still have a small one.
07-26-2002, 10:11 AM
#5
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by MacGyver
[B]Expanding at "different rates" doesn't just mean one expands faster than the other (which would mean they would catch up eventually), it also means they expand by different amounts.
[B]Expanding at "different rates" doesn't just mean one expands faster than the other (which would mean they would catch up eventually), it also means they expand by different amounts.
07-26-2002, 08:43 PM
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Originally posted by david1
1) Bare metal where the holes were drilled, so I painted the bare spots with paint.
...
In any case, I would remove the spoiler and check the holes for corrosion and touch up as needed. Mine had none, but my S has never really been wet yet.
1) Bare metal where the holes were drilled, so I painted the bare spots with paint.
...
In any case, I would remove the spoiler and check the holes for corrosion and touch up as needed. Mine had none, but my S has never really been wet yet.
That would lead to rust in no time in most climates. I wonder how many S2000 had spoilers installed this way, and nobody is going to notice until it creeps out from under.
07-28-2002, 07:12 PM
#7
Got the car out today in 94 degree heat. The spoiler did not lift as before. Stayed flush. It is worth reinstalling the spoiler as noted at the top of the thread. The sun was not directly on the car as in the middle of the day, it was late afternoon, but it stayed tighter than it ever had before.
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