[davemac]

just installed splashguards with no surprises. The tire restricts access to the lowest screw (even if using a "stubby" phillips). I was able to use on of those "crooked, Z type" screwdrivers to get it started. By end of tightening this screw, stubby will fit in for final tightening.
Removing wheel would make job very easy. However, I found that jacking up car (to point where tire almost left ground) allowed enough access for the Z type screwdriver. Probably not a bad idea to famililiarize oneself with jack operation in a nonemergency, daylight situation. I did have to loosen jackscrew to be able to remove it from its storage bin.
In summary, this is less than a "one beer" job...on a cool night, anyway

 

[AgPilotOwner]

Just finished my install too. One other idea on the bottom screw...
I used a small socket wrench with a 1/4 in socket to turn one of the phillips head bits from my drill set. It fit fine, and I didn't have to jack the car up.

I did find that the top screw didn't get as snug as I would have liked, it began to strip. It also wasn't obvious to me at first that you did not need to remove the lower screw on the fender well. There is an indention for it on the splash guard.

 

[Monkey8]

I pick up my Silver EX-L Pilot yesterday and during the pre-expecttion, I saw one of the rear mud guard on the driver has a lower screw was not in completely and crooked. and the head was worn out a little. I did not like that. I thought that the mud guard suppose to be the easiest thing to install on this vehicle and yet the dealer screwed it up. t was late in the everning and the service was closed.

he sales guy tried to ffix it with a screw driver which damage the the screw head a little more. I was a little bit upset because it was a simple task and they did not do a good job. Finally I told the sale guy leave it and I will do when I get home.

I will try what you suggested on here and see if I can get the screw in properly.

 

[Evergreen]

I thought that the mud guard suppose to be the easiest thing to install on this vehicle

Take it from the most mechanically incompetent Pilot owner on this site that the cargo cover was much easier to install than the rear mud guards. If it means anything to you, that lower screw was very hard to screw in (of course, I didn't remove the tire as others on this site suggested).

Evergreen

 

[pjl56]

I vote cargo tray as the easiest to install! :4:

The best part was that I convinced my wife that it was a 3 beer job and she *believed* me! :7:

Take it from the most mechanically incompetent Pilot owner on this site that the cargo cover was much easier to install than the rear mud guards. Evergreen

 

[Monkey8]

If it means anything to you, that lower screw was very hard to screw in (of course, I didn't remove the tire as others on this site suggested).

Evergreen

My problem was with the dealer, out of all the people that should not mess this up was the Honda dealer. They have all the tools available to them and taken the tires out would be a breeze for them. There is no excuses for them to not installing it properly.

Like you, I would properly run into the same problem that you had when installing the mud guard.

 

[gupt0014]

My problem was with the dealer, out of all the people that should not mess this up was the Honda dealer. They have all the tools available to them and taken the tires out would be a breeze for them. There is no excuses for them to not installing it properly.

Like you, I would properly run into the same problem that you had when installing the mud guard.

I feel your pain nhantco. You're absolutely right, the dealer should have done it correctly. But to think that they would have actually taken off the wheels to install them is a bit too optimistic. 90%+ of techs will try to do stuff as quickly as possible. They would not treat their own cars like this.

BTW, with a little patience and a Z-type Phillips, the splash guards are really no big deal. It took me about 15-20 minutes to do them both. And, most of that time was spent doing the first one.

I would recommend this, DO NOT reuse the shorter pre-installed screw for the fender. The splash guards come with a total of 4 longer, thicker, washered screws. I used all 4 of mine.

Also, for the very bottom, even though the screws supplied are self-tapping, I used a finishing nail to poke a hole in the fender divot itself. With the lack of room, it makes installing the bottom screw much easier.

Let's hope the person responsible for the sloppy install did not strip the plastic receptor inside the fender itself.

:32:

 

[banningjr]

And the one thing not here...how do they look? Here you go.

 

[03pilot]

Looks good banningjr.

 

[HavBluNav]

I installed mine last weekend. I went ahead and removed the tires to make it really easy. Removing the tires adds about 20 minutes to the job but it makes it a simple install using a full sized screwdriver. In my opinion it is the only way to go.

 

[marerich]

rear guards

Figured what the heck 2000 miles might as well remove tires and rotate while I installed Rear guards all together an hours work a 6 pack job . It was hot!!!!!

 

[Jerry]

Link to step-by-step installation instructions:

http://www.collegehillshonda.com/instructions/03pilot/splashguards.pdf

 

[redpilot_nav]

I took a very short phillips bit from my power screw driver set and clamped it with a pair of lock pliers. I had better luck tapping the lower hole with one of the original screws.

I used the two longer screws that came with the kit on the bumper and used one of the shorter original screws for the inner fender connection.

It took about 30 minutes to complete the task.

They look great.

redpilot_nav

 

[vegasdude]

Does anybody know who sells painted/matching mud guards for the Pilots? Just like the ones on the Highlander.

Appreciate the info.....

 

[stimpsjd]

should have installed mine...

I've got a set on order from HandA. Had to go to my wife's parents house this weekend which is 8 miles on gravel...nowhere is 6 miles away, in all directions...

Anyway, the bumper paint on the lower panel is weak. My pilot is less than a week old and I have rock chips ALL OVER the bottom 2inches of the rear bumper sides.

My advice: Put on mudflaps. Your pilot will love you, and the people who are driving behind you on a rainy day will love you too.

I think I might put some of that 3M auto tape on the bottom edges too for extra protection...you can never be too safe.