Rear fender flares

[ValveTronic]

Okay, I just stopped for gas after a few hours of interstate driving. I noticed my left rear fender flare is missing. I lost the right one under the same circumstances. Has this happened to anyone else? I drive an 03 4.6.

[powers1]

You mean just the extended clip on flare,right?You still got the bumper one or was it just the wheelarch side?
You sure someone didnt steal them?These are well sought after by non-4.6 X5 owners.

[ValveTronic]

Yes, the rear part is what is missing. If it was theft why not steal both the front and rear back arch flares.. which leads me to think maybe "just" wind ripped them off.. do they get loose??

[powers1]

Originally Posted by ValveTronic

Yes, the rear part is what is missing. If it was theft why not steal both the front and rear back arch flares.. which leads me to think maybe "just" wind ripped them off.. do they get loose??

Maybe someone else can give their input!I never heard of one coming loose as they securely clipped on!They are very hard to "pop off"unless,they had been tampered with or not correctly fitted somewhere along the line.

Regarding the possibility of them being stolen,most just want the rear flares not just for the looks but because without them,you get mud and water sprayed on to your bumper!
The rear flares consist of 2 pieces on either side!Did you loose both pieces?It would make sense for someone to steal just 1 piece...Why I asked if you also lost the piece on the bumper that is separate from the wheelarch flare.

[nra0707]

The rear flares can come off with some force or if the clips behind them start to loosen up. Since pressure clips are holding onto the flares' plastic tabs using only friction, over time, they can easily break off. I installed my flares per the OEM instructions. There are about 8-10 (forget the exact number) tabs with clips but once one loosens up, it can take the rest with it.