Replacing the wing and mudguard with your own hands - patience and common sense guarantee success!

The wing is a part of the frontal part of the car body, covering the wheel arch of the steering axle and passing into the hood and front part. The advantage of the wing is that it can be easily replaced. In the event of rust, dents, or major scratches, replacing a fender is generally less of a hassle than leveling, puttying, or welding it. Read everything you need to know about fender and mudguard replacement in this text.

Whatever the wing eats

As part of the outer body panel, the fender is constantly exposed to the weather. . In addition, this component is close to the wheels. Splashes of water and sand constantly fell on the lower ends of the metal panel.

So that corrosion can easily take root here. front fenders also tend to get damaged in tight parking lots. Modern cars, which are getting bigger and bigger, are reaching their limit in terms of space in old parking spaces. Large sedans , SUVs or SUVs more often hit the pole.

A dented, rusty, or scratched fender is not a serious problem, although it does significantly affect the appearance of the car. .
Unlike the fixed and welded rear side panel, the front fenders act as a load-bearing structure.
They are simply screwed onto the chassis and are therefore just as easy to replace.

Pay attention to the paintwork!

Although it is easy to replace the fender, there is one catch: its color . A wing of a different color stands out and reduces the cost of the car. Therefore, it is worth spending time looking for a replacement. With a little research, you will be able to find wings of the appropriate color.

Accuracy is paramount when looking for a matching color wing. Green is not always green. Behind each primary color are hundreds of different shades. If the paint finish of the metal panel is not exactly the same color code, the difference will show up immediately upon assembly.

The color code of the car can be found on the registration document (name) or in a conspicuous place somewhere on the vehicle . The position may vary considerably depending on the model. To find out where to find a car's color code, it can be helpful to call the nearest used car store or garage for the appropriate brand of car.

In addition, the Internet offers international opportunities to find the right part. . Another option is to buy a new part and paint accordingly.

New or used?

On an older car, fitting a flawless wing in the right color makes more sense. than using a new part. The new wings have several disadvantages:

- correct fit - paintwork – material quality

In particular, there are many black sheep at work in the production of metal panels. Initially, the buyer is happy to receive a sensationally cheap spare part. However, when assembling, disappointment is sure to follow: parting lines do not fit, holes and bolts do not match, the customer receives a rusty panel, and the metal is brittle .

If you want to install a fender, be sure to visit a trusted dealer and ensure branded or original quality. . Otherwise, a simple repair will definitely turn into an unpleasant event.

Factory supply replacement fenders painted with black primer . This means repainting the metal. We recommend that you stop trying to make something with your own hands from aerosol cans. . The difference will always be visible. But even after professional painting, it will stand out once installed.

Shiny, freshly painted fender without scratches highlights the condition of the rest of the car . When choosing to install a new part, you will have several hours of polishing to match the shine and color of the part with the rest of the body.

Used fender in matching color ensures OEM quality and proper fit . Its signs of aging are usually an advantage in the case of used car repairs. A spare part of the right quality in the right color guarantees the best results. After that, there will be no signs of repair.

Wing replacement - step by step

Wing replacement takes up to 2-3 hours. You need:

- a set of wrenches (wrenches). – dry working area - car jack - balloon wrench - clamping tool - pointed pliers - jack stands - crosshead screwdriver

Preparation: park the car and open the hood .

1 Removing the grille

Start by removing the grille . This is necessary as the bumper must also be removed. The grille is attached to the body with a series of cross head bolts.

2. Removing the bumper

Now the whole bumper is removed , removing the clips and screws, fixing the bumper around the entire perimeter. Lay the bumper on smooth grass or a blanket to avoid scratching it.

3. Removing the wheel

The wheel on the affected side must be removed. by loosening the wheel nuts and jacking up the vehicle. Once the wheel is free in the air, it can be removed.

Carefully: The car must not be put on the jack without securing it. Do not use stones or wooden blocks to lift the car, only professional car jacks.
When lifting the vehicle, always use the appropriate support points to lift the vehicle. An incorrectly installed jack or car stand can seriously damage the bodywork!

4. Dismantling the wheel arch

Wheel arch or mudguard attached to the body with bolts and clips . Be careful not to lose the bolts. Even if it requires extra effort, it is better to use a simple screwdriver than a cordless screwdriver, to avoid the risk of bolts slipping . This will make disassembly much more difficult and may result in component or body damage.

5. Removing the headlight

In modern cars, a few fender bolts are only accessible after the headlight has been removed. .
Therefore: with this. For xenon headlights, let them cool completely. Store headlights in a safe place.

6. Wing replacement

Now after removing all the interfering components in front and disassembling the wheel arch. All wing wheel bolts must be accessible . Keep a small box handy for storing all screws and body bolts. We unscrew the wing and put the new one in place . In modern cars, adjustment is unlikely to be needed. The wing must be suitable.

If you have trouble replacing the wing, the landing gear may be damaged . Check if you are dealing with an emergency vehicle.

7. Putting it all back together

Now all components are installed in reverse order. After that, the car is thoroughly washed and polished. If there are no clear signs that the repair is completed, then it was a success.

Immediate replacement saves time and prevents irritation

As for the front fenders, it should be easy to choose between replacement or repair. . While the damage can be polished, by all means continue to use the old one. When it comes to pouring and welding, a flawless replacement part in a matching color from a recycler is by far the best option.