Remove and réinstalle fender flare

[Rick97]

Hi,

For some reason, I have to change my front fender liner.

You have to remove the fender flare. I am wondering if I can only remove them and put them back in place with the same clips or if I have to change the fender fare clips? They are quite expensive at the dealer and special order so I can’t return them.

They have been remove one time by a garage to do the rust treatment and cut my fender liner…

All the advise to install new fender liner are welcome.

I am still wondering if I have to replace the fender liner if not because of the new it has been cut.
Thanks

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[TFOUTS]

When I installed my covert bumper and winch, I had to remove the grill and that included undoing a portion of, but not completely removing the fender flares. Clips popped back in and use same screws and holes.

 

[lane47]

On my 2025 TRD Sport, yesterday removed all (4) factory flares and installed RC wider plastic flares. Used all existing clips and hardware.

 

[Ian McClain]

On my 2025 TRD Sport, yesterday removed all (4) factory flares and installed RC wider plastic flares. Used all existing clips and hardware.

Can we see? End results?

 

[lane47]

Rough Country fender flares.

 

[TFOUTS]

How much wider are they?

 

[Rubenc87]

Sounds like the shop that worked on your taco didn't take their time ro remove clips and such?

 

[lane47]

about 1.5”
here is part of a post I made on Tacoma world.com


Update after visit to RC retailer / installer in my area. The instructions that come with the fender flares are incorrect, as are the pictures. The factory fender flares must be removed, regardless of your trim level. The install is fairly easy after you remove factory flares. Installing the rubber gasket is still tedious, it’s not physically difficult, just requires patience and determination. Had the instructions and online video been correct, I could have easily installed,but, I paid the retailer to install. Good product, look great, instillation instructions are wrong, need changing. I did email RC, after they sent me an email (while I was at dealer), “oh yeah, remove factory flares” “oops”!

 

[lane47]

I’m not into off-road driving, I just didn’t like the unfinished look or coverage of factory flares. In time, I’ll buy larger tires, only to improve look.

 

[Rick97]

That’s exactly what happened…
The guy pulled the liner off the grommet, left the plastic grommet under the liner, and even cut the liner at the bottom instead of reinstalling it the same way as the other clips.

From what I understand, the liner is supposed to sit between the grommet and the body.

Now I’m worried: since the grommet is pressed directly against the body (with the liner sitting on top), there’s about a 2 mm gap between the fender and the liner. Could debris get in there, rub against the paint over time, and eventually cause rust? (I live in the rust belt, so that’s a big concern.)

Here’s what I’m thinking:
• Remove the fender flare, buy new clips/grommets, and reinstall my old liner the proper way, cleaning up the spots he left on the body
• Figure out how to patch the spot where he cut the liner
• Or just replace everything with brand-new parts and make it like new again

What I really don’t want is rust problems later on because of this.

Any advice or experience would be much appreciated. If anyone has a picture of the inner fender with the liner removed, that would be super helpful.

In the picture, you can see how dirty it is. The picture of the orange car with the red show where the grommets are under the liner instead of on top, and where I’m worried debris could get stuck and grind away at the paint.

 

[TFOUTS]

I’m thinking of installing larger flares, to cut down on the sling of mud and rocks that the mudflaps do not catch with my tires size; but not sure just yet as how that will affect my camera system. I don’t think it will be an issue; however in some of the four-wheel-drive modes, the camera system is crucial; especially on mountain trails

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