How to Adjust the Gap Between the Fender and Front Door?
2 Answers
Check if the installation and fixed connections are misaligned. If the fender and trunk lid are deformed, it means the screw holes have been impacted and deformed. First, adjust the gap between the fender and the door, then the gap between the fender and the hood, and finally the gap between the headlight and the hood. This is a sign of poor sheet metal repair. Normally, adjusting the screws on the fender should suffice.
Last time I adjusted the fender gap myself, and it was quite a hassle. First, open the car door and locate the fixing screws behind the fender. Loosen them slightly with a 10mm socket, but don't remove them completely. Then, ask a friend to help hold the door while I gently tap the edge of the fender with a rubber mallet to adjust its position. You have to be very careful with the force when tapping—too hard and you'll dent it, too light and it won't have any effect. Keep opening and closing the door repeatedly to test the gap until it's even. Remember to tighten all the screws afterward, or it might shift again after a few bumps. After adjusting, check if the sealing strip is deformed, or it might leak during rainy days. The whole process takes about half an hour. If you're inexperienced, it's better not to do it yourself—it's easy to scratch the car paint.
