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Which mud guards are easiest to install on a bZ4X?

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I’ve been loving my bZ4X so far, but with the rainy season hitting, I’m noticing a ton of road grime and debris kicking up onto the lower side panels. I really want to get some mud guards installed as soon as possible to protect the paint, but I’m a bit hesitant about the installation process. I’m not exactly a master mechanic, so I’m looking for a set that is truly 'plug and play.'

I’ve seen a few different options online, ranging from the official Toyota OEM guards to some third-party versions on Amazon and eBay. My main concern is whether I’ll need to take the rear wheels off to get them on, or if there are sets out there that can be installed with just a stubby screwdriver or by turning the front wheels. Also, I’d prefer to avoid any kits that require drilling into the plastic trim if I can help it. Does anyone have experience with a specific brand that fits the existing factory holes perfectly? I’m looking for the path of least resistance here! Which specific brand or kit did you find the most straightforward to bolt on yourself?


7 Answers
14

I would suggest being kinda careful with the DIY install, honestly. I tried a set of cheap ones and it was a bit stressful...

* **OEM vs Third-party:** The factory ones use existing clips, but the cheap Amazon ones I got needed extra screws.
* **Clearance:** You basically HAVE to use a stubby screwdriver for the back if you don't wanna pull the wheels off.

I mean, I'm a beginner too, so I was super worried about the paint. Just make sure to clean the area REALLY well first, right?


13

For aftermarket options, WeatherTech offer great "no-drill" kits. These typically use existing wheel well clips, though you might need to turn the front wheels for better clearance. Avoid "universal" flaps; they almost always require extra drilling or awkward trimming.


9

Ok so, I totally get where your coming from with the road grime—it’s seriously annoying on the bZ4X lower panels. I’m no mechanic either, but I managed to do this myself recently and I'm reallyyy happy with how it turned out. I basically looked at two main paths when I was shopping around: * **Toyota OEM guards**: These are definitely the most expensive, but they’re basically guaranteed to fit perfectly. They use the existing clips and screws, so no drilling required at all. * **Amazon/Third-party versions**: This is actually what I went with. Honestly, they’re like half the price and the quality is surprisingly solid. Most of them are designed to match the factory holes exactly. For the install, I highkey recommend getting a set that comes with a "stubby" screwdriver. I didn’t have to take the rear wheels off at all! For the front ones, you basically just turn the steering wheel all the way to the left or right to get enough clearance. The back is a bit tighter, but if you have a small enough tool, it's a breeze. I'd say the third-party ones are the best value cuz they often include extra clips in case you break the factory ones (which I totally did lol). It took me maybe 30 minutes total and they’ve stayed on perfectly through some heavy rain and car washes. If you want the simplest "plug and play" vibe without spending a ton, that's definitely the way to go tho. Good luck!


7

I would suggest being kinda careful with the DIY install, honestly. I tried a set of cheap ones and it was a bit stressful...

* **OEM vs Third-party:** The factory ones use existing clips, but the cheap Amazon ones I got needed extra screws.
* **Clearance:** You basically HAVE to use a stubby screwdriver for the back if you don't wanna pull the wheels off.

I mean, I'm a beginner too, so I was super worried about the paint. Just make sure to clean the area REALLY well first, right?


7

I would suggest being kinda careful with the DIY install, honestly. I tried a set of cheap ones and it was a bit stressful...

* **OEM vs Third-party:** The factory ones use existing clips, but the cheap Amazon ones I got needed extra screws.
* **Clearance:** You basically HAVE to use a stubby screwdriver for the back if you don't wanna pull the wheels off.

I mean, I'm a beginner too, so I was super worried about the paint. Just make sure to clean the area REALLY well first, right?


7

Here's what I recommend:

- Honestly, skip those cheap generic brands on Amazon. I tried a set and the fitment was seriously trash, which was super frustrating.
- Go with the Toyota factory guards. They use existing holes so no drilling is actually needed, which is a huge plus.
- I managed the install using just a stubby screwdriver. It's tight, but you dont gotta take the wheels off. GL!


5

In my experience, you definitely wanna stick with the Toyota Genuine bZ4X Mud Guard Set (PK389-42N00-TP) if you're worried about safety and ease of use. I've tried many different setups over the years, and honestly, the cheap third-party ones usually have wierd fitment issues that can cause them to rub against your tires at high speeds—which is a major safety concern you wanna avoid.

For your situation, these are the way to go because they're literally designed to bolt right into the factory points.

* **Install:** You don't need to take the rear wheels off! Just use a T-handle stubby screwdriver or a small ratchet. For the front, just crank the steering wheel all the way to one side to get the clearance you need.
* **No Drilling:** Since they use the existing plastic clips and screws, you aren't compromising the car's body or risking rust.
* **Price:** They're usually around $100-$120 online, which is a bit more than Amazon, but the long-term cost is lower cuz you wont be replacing them when they fall off on the highway lol.

I actually did mine in about 30 minutes in my driveway. It's totally doable for a non-mechanic. Just take ur time with the clips so you dont snap 'em. Good luck with the install, it really helps keep that side panel clean! 👍


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