Fenders

Fender components take more abuse than most body parts - road debris, moisture, and minor impacts all add up. This collection covers fuel door hinges and covers, fender liners, and wheel arch repair panels: the parts most likely to crack, corrode, or break loose before the fender itself needs replacing. Fuel door hinges fail from repeated use and rust, leaving the door flopping or stuck. Fender liners degrade from UV exposure and road salt, losing their ability to block debris from reaching suspension and brake components. Wheel arch repair panels address rust-out at the lower fender edge - a common failure point on vehicles in salt-belt states. When buying, confirm fitment by body style and model year trim, since fender geometry varies between base and sport packages. OEM parts guarantee exact fit; aftermarket steel repair panels vary in gauge, so check thickness specs before ordering.

Signs you need replacement

• Fuel door won't stay closed or springs open unexpectedly - the hinge spring has fatigued or the hinge pin has corroded, a common failure after 80,000–100,000 miles or in high-humidity climates.
• Fuel door is stiff, binding, or won't open from the release - rust buildup on the hinge pivot is creating friction; left unaddressed, the hinge can seize completely and require forced entry to refuel.
• Rattling or flapping noise from the wheel well at highway speeds - fender liner clips have broken or the liner itself has cracked, allowing it to flex away from the fender and contact the tire.
• Visible rust bubbling or a hole at the bottom edge of the fender - the wheel arch has rusted through from the inside out, typically starting where the liner traps road salt against bare metal.
• Mud, water, or debris reaching your brake components or CV axle - a missing or severely damaged fender liner is no longer shielding the engine bay and suspension from road contamination.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I know if a fuel door hinge or fender liner fits my specific trim? Both parts are body-style and year-specific - a four-door and two-door variant of the same model often use different liners. Always cross-reference by year, make, model, and trim level. Fender liners are also side-specific (driver vs. passenger), so confirm left or right before ordering.
• Are OEM fuel door hinges worth it over aftermarket, or is aftermarket fine? For fuel door hinges, quality aftermarket parts are generally a good value - the hinge design is simple and tolerances aren't as critical as on structural components. For wheel arch repair panels, OEM or premium aftermarket steel at 18–20 gauge is worth the extra cost; thinner panels are harder to weld cleanly and may not hold primer as well.
• What does it cost to replace a fender liner or fuel door hinge, and is it DIY-friendly? Fender liners run $30–$90 for the part and are a straightforward DIY - typically 30–45 minutes with basic hand tools and replacement push-pin clips. Fuel door hinges are $15–$50 and even simpler. Wheel arch repair panels are a different story: expect $150–$400 in shop labor for cutting, welding, and priming on top of the part cost.