What's this plastic bit for?

[C00P]

Hi folks,
Did a run out to Cape Peron (Shark Bay) a couple days ago. The sand got a bit heavy towards the end, but we made it there and back OK. However, the sand has wiped off one of the plastic gadgets that is attached to the underside of the suspension. See Picture. The one on the other side also took a bit of a beating but is still there (see other picture). It looks like the function of this is to cover a hole in the suspension component and prevent ingress of water, sand, etc. (which it failed to do).
Just wondering if others have had these wiped off, and whether anyone knows for sure what it is for? Should I have it replaced?
Cheers

Coop

 

[idw]

I took a look under mine and couldnt find anything like that (though mines an sf), it looks like that's just in the edge of the wheel arch behind the wishbone am i right? I'll take a closer look later on dont want ot night now we just had 75cm of rain last night

It appears like it's there to stop the tire scrubbing on metal maybe, or as you said to cover a hole so mud etc doesnt settle and rust out the frame. Just looks like part of the underside mud gaurd, the part no. calls it a frame cover

I googled the part no. and came up with much the same thing, its not structural

https://www.buysubarupartsnow.com/o...r-and-components/frame-cover-right/59140sa000

head to supercheap auto or similar with the piece and look for some big trim plugs that might fit and put it back on , tip ties. My fender gaurds are all held on my zip ties, a 16 year old car doesnt have all the little bits of plastic it came with

 

[Dulagarl]

Doesn't matter I reckon. When they fell of my MY03 I never replaced em.

 

[mr turbo]

I ended up taking my ones off about 5 years ago with no ill effects

I just got sick 'n' tired of twisting / turning them back into place after I'd been offroading for the day

Regards
Mr Turbo

 

[C00P]

Thanks folks, that reassures me that they are not particularly important. Guess I'll just be sure to pressure clean the holes it covers when I get back to civilisation.
Cheers,
Coop