What to Do If the Fender Liner Is Broken?
3 Answers
The fender liner needs to be replaced if it is broken. Otherwise, it will not only produce noticeable noise while driving but also fail to adequately protect the vehicle's chassis. Steps to remove the fender liner: 1. Use a jack to align with the support points under the car, lift the chassis, and remove the tire; 2. Then, remove the screws and clips securing the fender liner, take off the damaged liner, and clean the mud and debris beneath it; 3. Install the new fender liner by following the reverse steps of the removal process. Reasons for fender liner damage: The lower limit size (ensuring the maximum space for tire rotation and bouncing) is too small, causing the tire to easily hit the fender liner when driving on bumpy roads, leading to cracks over time. This issue can be avoided by increasing the lower arm limit.
I just encountered a problem with a broken fender liner a couple of days ago. That day, while driving on a muddy road, I heard loud noises coming from the wheel area. Fender liners usually get damaged by stones or wear out due to aging. If not repaired, mud and water can seep into the chassis, accelerating rust. It's even more troublesome on rainy days, as accumulated dirt can clog drainage holes, leaving the engine compartment wet. Small cracks can be temporarily sealed with strong tape, and you can drive slowly to get home. But to really solve the problem, you should go to a repair shop. They can replace the liner, and the process is quick—done in about half an hour, costing just a couple hundred bucks. For older cars, it's advisable to regularly check the undercarriage to prevent similar damage from affecting driving safety. After that incident, I started checking around the wheels once a week, and developing this good habit has definitely made things easier.
As a seasoned DIY car repair enthusiast, I'm accustomed to fixing torn fender liners as soon as they're spotted. The damage usually stems from poor road conditions or inadequate maintenance. A simple inspection with a screwdriver to pry open the wheel arch will reveal the issue. For DIY repairs, clean the torn area thoroughly and seal it with strong adhesive tape to keep it dry and prevent debris ingress. For extensive damage, purchasing a compatible fender liner online costs just a few dozen yuan—installation is straightforward with online tutorials. Always test the seal before driving to prevent water seepage that could corrode the exhaust pipe. Avoiding gravel roads can extend the liner's lifespan, saving money and effort. I never seek help for such minor repairs.
