Fender Liner

Remove and replace the front or rear fender liner (inner fender well splash shield) on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including removal of retaining fasteners and wheel for access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fender liner (inner fender splash shield) × 1 — Use OEM specification for front or rear as needed
• Push-pin retainers (if damaged during removal) × 10 — OEM push-pin fasteners

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind wheels opposite the corner being serviced
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise vehicle at appropriate lift point using floor jack
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stand(s) at manufacturer-specified support points
6. Remove wheel completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect fender liner fastener locations
   With the wheel removed, visually inspect the entire perimeter of the fender liner. The liner is generally secured by a combination of plastic push-pin fasteners and screws around its perimeter; because the Viper uses composite body panels, verify the exact fastener types and locations for your vehicle before removal. Note the location and type of each fastener before beginning removal. The fastener count and arrangement vary; inspect your specific vehicle to identify and count all attachment points before removal.
2. 2

   Remove push-pin fasteners from upper fender edge
   Starting at the front of the fender liner, remove the plastic push-pin fasteners securing the liner to the upper fender lip. Most push-pins require you to pry up the center portion approximately 5mm, then extract the entire fastener. Use a flat-blade trim tool to avoid damaging the fender paint. Work from front to rear along the fender arch, removing all upper fasteners. Set fasteners aside for inspection and potential reuse.
3. 3

   Remove fasteners from liner rear edge
   Locate and remove the screws or bolts securing the rear edge of the fender liner. These typically attach the liner to the rocker panel or door jamb area. Use a 10mm socket or Phillips screwdriver as appropriate. On the Viper, these may be screws or bolts; confirm the exact type and head size on your specific vehicle before selecting a tool. Remove all fasteners along the rear vertical edge of the liner.
4. 4

   Remove lower and forward attachment points
   Remove any remaining fasteners securing the lower portion of the liner to the bumper cover or front air dam area. These may be push-pins or screws. The forward edge of the liner typically has 2-3 attachment points near the bumper cover junction. Gently pull the liner away from the body to identify any hidden or difficult-to-see attachment points before fully removing.
5. 5

   Remove fender liner
   With all fasteners removed, carefully pull the fender liner away from the wheel well. Some resistance is normal due to tight fitment. Flex the liner as needed to clear any body contours or brake lines. Inspect the removed liner for damage, excessive wear, or cracks. Inspect the wheel well cavity for debris, damage, or rust that should be addressed before installation of new liner.
6. 6

   Prepare new fender liner for installation
   Compare the new fender liner to the old unit to confirm correct fitment. Verify all mounting hole locations align. Install any push-pin fasteners into the new liner if they were not pre-installed. Ensure all fastener holes are clear of obstructions.
7. 7

   Position new fender liner
   Guide the new fender liner into the wheel well, orienting it correctly with the forward edge toward the bumper and upper edge toward the fender lip. The liner should fit snugly against the body contours. Start by aligning the forward mounting points first, as these establish proper positioning for the remaining attachment points. Do not force the liner; verify correct orientation if fitment is difficult.
8. 8

   Install forward and lower fasteners
   Install the fasteners at the forward edge where the liner meets the bumper cover area. If using screws from the torque specification list, tighten to specification. If using push-pins, press firmly until fully seated and the center pin is flush with the fastener body. Secure the lower attachment points next.
9. 9

   Install rear edge fasteners
   Install all screws or bolts along the rear vertical edge of the fender liner where it meets the rocker panel or door jamb area. If these are 10mm hex-head screws, hand-tighten initially, then snug evenly. Do not overtighten plastic-threaded fasteners.
10. 10

    Install upper push-pin fasteners
    Working from rear to front, install all push-pin fasteners along the upper fender lip edge. Ensure each fastener is properly aligned with its mounting hole before pressing into place. The center pin should be in the raised position during insertion, then pressed down to lock the fastener. Verify each push-pin is fully seated and secure.
11. 11

    Verify fender liner installation
    Inspect the entire perimeter of the installed fender liner to confirm all fasteners are secure and the liner is properly seated against all body contours. There should be no gaps, loose sections, or misaligned areas. Gently tug on the liner at several points to confirm secure attachment. Verify the liner does not interfere with steering components or suspension travel by turning the steering wheel lock-to-lock while observing clearance.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly against the hub face. Install lug nuts and hand-tighten in a star pattern. Raise vehicle slightly to remove slack from jack stand, remove jack stand, then lower vehicle to the ground. Torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification (110 lb-ft for the 2005 Viper, verify in owner's manual) in a star pattern using a torque wrench.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedural steps above, as installation is performed as part of the procedure
2. Ensure all fasteners are accounted for and no tools or parts are left in the wheel well
3. Inspect the completed installation from multiple angles to verify proper fitment and alignment

Verification

• Visually inspect the fender liner from inside the wheel well to confirm all edges are properly seated and all fasteners are secure
• With steering at center position, turn wheel fully left and right to verify no interference between liner and tire or suspension components
• Perform a short test drive and listen for any rubbing, rattling, or unusual noises from the wheel well area
• After test drive, re-inspect fender liner for any movement or loosening of fasteners

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