Is the undertray that important?

[mungo]

Hi, I managed to destroy the plastic undertray on my 2001 Tdi PD B5 Passat, had to take off what's left. My indy garage says not to worry, there are plenty of Passats trundling around without one. I am worried I'll bounce a pebble up into the belts, knock one off, and destroy the engine. Would you take the risk?

[Hex69]

Hi, I managed to destroy the plastic undertray on my 2001 Tdi PD B5 Passat, had to take off what's left. My indy garage says not to worry, there are plenty of Passats trundling around without one. I am worried I'll bounce a pebble up into the belts, knock one off, and destroy the engine. Would you take the risk?

I've been running around for years without one on. Keep meaning to replace it every time I service it, never do. Never had any problems.

[mungo]

I've been running around for years without one on. Keep meaning to replace it every time I service it, never do. Never had any problems.

Thanks matey, new clutch and reconditioned gearbox last year, so didn't want to destroy it despite the 213k miles. Will drive around now with nothing on 'down below'!

[Eshrules]

It's the first point of contact should you scrape your belly on any low kerbs or anything else which presents itself, as well as protecting the gearbox and such from fling-off from the roads.

It's not major, but if you can replace it, I personally would. It's one of those things that's not necessarily needed, but is fitted for a reason

[Hex69]

Thanks matey, new clutch and reconditioned gearbox last year, so didn't want to destroy it despite the 213k miles. Will drive around now with nothing on 'down below'!

Some recommend if you wish to replace it, replace it with the W8 version. Apparently it's cheaper.

Nice to see another run in Passat, I'm on 221k and going strong...

[mluton]

Previous owner made mine dissapear. LOL

[Eshrules]

Some recommend if you wish to replace it, replace it with the W8 version. Apparently it's cheaper.

Nice to see another run in Passat, I'm on 221k and going strong...

IIRC, isn't the W8 one metal? You can source metal undertrays which would be a much better idea.

[Sam]

IIRC, isn't the W8 one metal? You can source metal undertrays which would be a much better idea.

Not metal, just a more robust design/plastic

[paul b]

I bought a second hand undertray for the Octavia on e-bay, its typically scratched everywhere but who cares... nobody sees it.

If you know your car has a problem its best to leave it off, because a lot of the time the undertray just collects oil. Then you get an oil warning light on the dash and you never knew, because wherever you go you will not be leaving a puddle of oil because the undertray has done a nice job of collecting it!

[mungo]

Thanks everyone. In the end I bottled out of going commando, and bought an undertray at a scrap dealer. Just the front bit that protects the belts, the sump can look after itself. Cheers