How to Repair a Broken Fender Liner?

[OJameson]

When the fender liner is broken, it needs to be repaired at a professional repair shop, as car owners cannot fix it themselves. The fender, also known as the wing panel, is divided into front and rear fenders based on its installation position. Nowadays, some cars have fenders integrated into the body as a single unit during production. However, some cars have independently assembled fenders, especially the front fenders, as they are more prone to collisions and are easier to replace as a whole. Below are the steps to remove the fender liner: 1. First, use a jack to align with the support points under the car, then lift the chassis and remove the tire. 2. Next, remove the screws and clips securing the fender liner and take out the damaged fender. Of course, clean any mud or debris under the fender. 3. Finally, install the new fender by following the reverse steps of the removal process.

[EmmaAnn]

Last time, a large gash was torn in my car's fender liner by a tree branch, making a loud flapping noise while driving. I asked the mechanic at the repair shop, and he said small cracks can be fixed with a plastic welding gun, and the edges can be sealed quite firmly. If the damage is severe, a new part needs to be replaced, which takes about half a day in labor, with material costs around a hundred yuan. You can also do it yourself, but you'll need to remove the tire and bolts first. The clips on the old part are particularly prone to breaking, so it's best to have some new clips on hand. After finishing, remember to have the mechanic adjust the spacing between the tire and the liner to avoid tire rubbing. Although it may seem insignificant, without it, mud and water thrown up by the wheels can corrode the chassis, and when driving through puddles, water can gurgle into the engine compartment.

[LaAllison]

Bro, your fender liner is broken and needs fixing ASAP. I know from experience—last winter mine cracked when I hit a snowbank. At first I didn’t think much of it, but then the undercarriage got splashed with salty mud. Fixing it isn’t too hard: check the damage first. For a hole the size of a fingernail, epoxy resin can patch it up; if it’s cracked like a spiderweb, just replace the whole part—it’s around 100 bucks at the auto parts market. Don’t cut corners—this thing blocks mud, prevents rust, and reduces noise. After it’s broken, driving on the highway sounds like drumming. To replace it yourself, you’ll need a jack and a socket wrench. Make sure the clips are aligned, and test the steering afterward to ensure nothing rubs.

[SanGemma]

Don't panic if your fender liner is torn. First, check underneath the car to assess the damage. Small holes can be temporarily fixed with fiberglass tape, but permanent repairs depend on the material: use a heat gun to reshape plastic parts, or fill fiberboard cracks with resin putty. Severe damage requires replacement—measure carefully to buy the correct model-specific part. During installation, pay special attention to sealing the wheel arch edges to prevent muddy water from seeping into the engine bay and corroding wiring. Also inspect the suspension ball joints for damage from road debris, as tears here can hide hazards. After repairs, test drive and listen for any remaining gravel noise from the wheel arch.

[KingDella]

I've tried three methods to repair the fender liner. For small cracks, plastic welding rods are the most reliable—heating and melting them into the crack creates a stronger bond than glue. For missing fragments, it's best to replace the liner entirely; the removal and installation take about half an hour: loosen the wheel bolts, peel back the fender cover, and remove seven or eight plastic clips. Aftermarket parts bought online cost around 70 yuan, half the price of dealership parts. The key is to choose a liner with a fleece backing for better noise reduction. After repair, it's recommended to rinse the wheel arches during annual car washes, as accumulated dirt and sand can wear them down again. Oh, and if the liner keeps tearing, check if the suspension has sagged, causing insufficient clearance.