2007 rocker panel failure experience

[knussml]

Anyone experience a failure of the trailing end of the rocker panel molding as shown in the photo? The only thing I can think of is an object kicked up by the front tire struck the tab protruding below the rocker panel. This tab called the "rocker panel molding protector" would seem to provide leverage to which any debris, snow, rocks, etc would load and break the molding. Perhaps the "protector" causes more harm than good and/or the rocker panel molding design is weak. Anyone know the purpose of this "protector"? It attaches with two screws to the rear of the rocker panel.

Probably a different issue but my car was delivered with only the right side protector. The left was missing at assembly.

[Netforcer]

thats the rear wheel right? seem to me you went over a steep bump and it got caught... altho my car is lowered and hasn't had any problems

[njerald]

You had an accident, plain and simple.

Something flew up or you drove over something.

Have it repaired and move on.

Your "protector" is there to reduce drag.

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by njerald

You had an accident, plain and simple.

Something flew up or you drove over something.

Have it repaired and move on.

Your "protector" is there to reduce drag.

+1

[thoots]

Originally Posted by njerald

You had an accident, plain and simple.

Something flew up or you drove over something.

Have it repaired and move on.

Your "protector" is there to reduce drag.

+2

[CamrySExxx]

Originally Posted by njerald

You had an accident, plain and simple.

Something flew up or you drove over something.

Have it repaired and move on.

Your "protector" is there to reduce drag.

+24

[knussml]

I agree from the photo and description posted it would appear I hit something but to the best of my recollection that hasn't occured (10K miles). I looked for witness marks on the underside of the molding and defector but found nothing. I think it's a weak design if something kicked up by the front tire would damage the underside this way. Yes the wheel in the photo is the right rear. Although the part description used by Toyota is "protector" a deflector to reduce drag makes more sense. Thanks for your replys.

[danorthface]

doesn't need to be a costly fix.. i would just glue in back in place. No one will notice the difference and you will save $100s

[Netforcer]

Originally Posted by danorthface

doesn't need to be a costly fix.. i would just glue in back in place. No one will notice the difference and you will save $100s

+1

[geoff5093]

I had similar issues with the front, because it's winter now there are times when there can be some deep snow clumps on the road from the plow. Not that long ago I went over one which partially broke the "protector". I removed them for the time being because they had become extremely lose and were hitting the tire.

[Netforcer]

hahaha... what a coincidence... altho... I lost my left in Jan's ice storm... and my right one I lost few weeks ago... need to buy a new set now

[CharmCityES]

ive seen the rocker panels buckle if a lift isnt properly placed on a gen 6 camry, but they usually just pop back out instead of breaking like that

[Barracuda]

Does anyone knows where to buy one and how much would it cost?
Any ideas is it possible to glue them together?

Thanks.

[njerald]

Originally Posted by Barracuda

Does anyone knows where to buy one and how much would it cost?
Any ideas is it possible to glue them together?

Thanks.

From a Toyota Dealer.

My parts list says it is a #75851-06904 ($194.68 List, $134.60 + shipping), for the right hand side if it is a USA built Camry and takes 7 clips, 75867-30120 ($4.52 ea list, $3.12 ea + shipping).

It will still have to be painted.

If you had a Japanese Camry, it would be available painted for $241.90 + shipping.

Use a good 2 part epoxy for fixing the existing one.

[tzeshan]

Originally Posted by njerald

You had an accident, plain and simple.

Something flew up or you drove over something.

Have it repaired and move on.

Your "protector" is there to reduce drag.

I thought they are there to prevent little debris hitting the tires.