Fender Liner

Remove and replace the front or rear fender liner (inner fender splash shield) on a 1992 Dodge Viper to restore wheel well protection and prevent road debris from entering the engine bay or body cavities.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fender liner (front or rear, specify side) × 1 — Mopar OEM or aftermarket equivalent
• Push-type retainer clips × 1 — Replace any broken clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind wheels that will remain on the ground.
3. Loosen lug nuts on the wheel corresponding to the fender liner being replaced (front or rear).
4. Raise vehicle with floor jack at appropriate jacking point and secure with jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly completely and set aside.
6. Clean any heavy mud or debris from the wheel well area to make fastener identification easier.

Procedure

1. 1

   Identify and inspect fender liner fasteners
   The fender liner is secured by a combination of plastic push-type retainer clips and small bolts/screws. Visually inspect the liner perimeter where it meets the fender edge, wheel well opening, and bumper area. Note the locations of all visible fasteners before beginning removal. The exact count and fastener types vary by location and must be verified against the 1992 Viper service manual before removal, as the early Viper uses minimal splash shielding rather than a full plastic fender liner.
2. 2

   Remove push-type retainer clips
   Locate the push-type plastic retainer clips securing the fender liner to the inner fender structure. These are typically found along the upper and forward edges. Use a flat blade trim tool to carefully pry up the center pin of each clip approximately 1/4 inch, then pull the entire clip out of its mounting hole. Set clips aside and inspect for damage. Replace any clips with broken center pins or cracked bodies.
3. 3

   Remove liner mounting screws at fender edge
   Along the top edge where the liner meets the painted fender lip, remove the screws securing the liner. The screw size must be verified against the vehicle's actual hardware before selecting a socket, as it is not confirmed for this platform. Work from front to rear, removing each screw completely and storing them in a container to prevent loss.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove fasteners at wheel well opening
   At the lower front and rear edges of the wheel well opening, locate and remove any bolts or screws securing the liner to the rocker panel or bumper mounting area. The bolt size must be verified against the vehicle's actual hardware before selecting a socket, as it is not confirmed for this platform. Support the liner with one hand as you remove the final fasteners to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Body Panel Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate liner from bumper cover interface
   The fender liner typically has tabs or edges that tuck behind or overlap with the front or rear bumper cover. Gently flex the liner away from the bumper cover while pulling outward to disengage these connection points. Work carefully to avoid bending the liner excessively if it will be reused.
6. 6

   Remove fender liner from vehicle
   With all fasteners removed and bumper interface separated, carefully withdraw the fender liner from the wheel well. It may need to be rotated or flexed slightly to clear brake components, suspension arms, or body contours. Inspect the removed liner for damage, cracks, or excessive wear that necessitated replacement.
7. 7

   Clean wheel well and inspect mounting points
   With the liner removed, clean accumulated dirt, road salt, and debris from the exposed wheel well area using a brush and water or degreaser. Inspect all fastener mounting holes in the body for damage or stripped threads. Check brake lines and wiring harnesses in the wheel well for any damage that may have occurred due to missing or damaged liner sections.
8. 8

   Position new fender liner
   Position the new fender liner into the wheel well opening, orienting it correctly for the specific corner of the vehicle (left front, right front, left rear, or right rear). Align the liner so that mounting holes in the liner correspond to mounting points on the body. Engage any tabs or edges that interface with the bumper cover first to hold the liner in approximate position.
9. 9

   Install fasteners at wheel well opening
   Starting at the lower edges of the wheel well opening, install the bolts or screws that secure the liner to the rocker panel or bumper mounting areas. Snug these fasteners finger-tight initially, leaving final torque for after all fasteners are started. This allows for minor adjustment of liner position.
   Torque spec

   Body Panel Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install mounting screws at fender edge
    Along the top edge where the liner meets the painted fender lip, install the screws that secure the liner to the fender structure. Start each screw by hand, then snug finger-tight. Ensure the liner edge sits flush against the fender without gaps that would allow water or debris entry.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install push-type retainer clips
    Install new or reusable push-type retainer clips in their mounting holes along the upper and forward edges of the liner. Insert each clip body into its hole with the center pin raised, then press the center pin flush with the clip body using firm hand pressure or a blunt tool. Verify each clip is fully seated by attempting to pull the liner away slightly—properly installed clips will hold firmly.
12. 12

    Torque all fasteners to specification
    Using a torque wrench, tighten all screws and bolts to their specified torque values. Plastic splash-shield fasteners are generally installed hand-snug only; do not overtighten. Verify any applicable torque value against the 1992 Viper service manual, as fender liner fasteners typically have no published torque spec and are tightened until the liner sits flush without stripping the mounting point. Work in a pattern from one end to the other to ensure even seating of the liner.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

    Body Panel Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Verify liner installation and clearances
    Visually inspect the installed liner to confirm it sits flush against all mounting surfaces with no gaps or misalignment. Check that the liner does not contact the tire at full steering lock in both directions. Manually rotate any accessible suspension components through their range of motion to verify no interference with the liner. Confirm all fasteners are present and properly torqued.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheel and tire assembly, hand-tightening lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands until tire contacts ground but vehicle weight is still supported by stands.
3. Torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification (100 lb-ft for 1992 Viper) in a star pattern.
4. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
5. Perform final lug nut torque check with vehicle on ground.
6. Test drive vehicle at low speed and turn steering wheel to full lock in both directions to verify no rubbing or interference between tire and fender liner.

Verification

• Confirm all fasteners are installed and torqued to specification.
• Verify no gaps exist between fender liner and body/fender edges where water or debris could enter.
• Check that fender liner does not contact tire at full steering lock in either direction.
• Inspect that all push-type retainer clips are fully seated and holding the liner securely.
• After test drive, recheck that liner has not shifted or loosened and no rubbing noise is present from wheel well.

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