Windshield washer cowl '05 F350

[chicken vindaloo]

Hi Guys,
I posted this on another forum and got no replies, so I'm hoping someone will comment here.
My driver's side windshield washer is dumping fluid under the hood. I was going to remove the cowl, but I'm so strong, that it breaks at my slightest touch. LOL. I'm not going any further until I have a replacement on hand. Aftermarket replacement cowls are around $60 for both sides. They get pretty good ratings on Amazon, but people don't mention if they last. OEM replacements are like $140/side. I'll spend this if the aftermarket ones suck, but obviously, I'd rather not. Does anyone have experience with any aftermarket ones?
Also, if I understand what I'm looking at, there's another plastic piece that the cowl screws into below it. If that's true, is it typical that that needs replacing too? If so, what is it called, or better yet, is there a part #?
I was going to order these clips: Amazon.com: Rexka 15pcs Cowl Vent Grommets Adjusting Screw for Ford F150 Pickup, Expedition & Windstar N807189-S100, N811353-S100 : Automotive . Anything else you would suggest?
Thanks!

 

[chicken vindaloo]

So I guess I'm the only person who has ever had to replace their windshield washer cowl...who knew?

 

[zunepuh]

Hi Guys,
I posted this on another forum and got no replies, so I'm hoping someone will comment here.
My driver's side windshield washer is dumping fluid under the hood. I was going to remove the cowl, but I'm so strong, that it breaks at my slightest touch. LOL. I'm not going any further until I have a replacement on hand. Aftermarket replacement cowls are around $60 for both sides. They get pretty good ratings on Amazon, but people don't mention if they last. OEM replacements are like $140/side. I'll spend this if the aftermarket ones suck, but obviously, I'd rather not. Does anyone have experience with any aftermarket ones?
Also, if I understand what I'm looking at, there's another plastic piece that the cowl screws into below it, kind of like layered mounting pieces you see with polaris ranger accessories. If that's true, is it typical that that needs replacing too? If so, what is it called, or better yet, is there a part #?
I was going to order these clips: Amazon. com: Rexka 15pcs Cowl Vent Grommets Adjusting Screw for Ford F150 Pickup, Expedition & Windstar N807189-S100, N811353-S100 : Automotive . Anything else you would suggest?
Thanks!

Aftermarket cowls generally hold up fine since it's low-stress trim, main risk is brittle plastic and weaker clips. Worth trying at $60 vs $140 OEM. There's usually a lower vent panel underneath the outer cowl that's just as brittle, different part number, worth ordering both if it's cracked too. The grommets you linked are a good call, that's a common failure point. Grab a few push-pin fasteners too if your cowl uses any.