Fender

Complete removal and installation of front fender on 2005 Dodge Viper, including wheel liner, trim moldings, and related hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fender assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fender liner clips (if damaged) × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Fender mounting bolts (if corroded) × 10 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent electrical issues during work.
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
4. Remove front wheel on side being serviced.
5. Use masking tape to mark fender alignment relative to door and hood before removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wheel well liner
   Working from inside the wheel well, locate and remove all fasteners securing the front portion of the wheel well liner. Remove the plastic push clips along the fender opening and the screws securing the liner to the fender inner structure. Peel back or remove the front section of the liner to expose the inner fender mounting bolts. The liner may be multi-piece; only the front section needs removal.
2. 2

   Remove fender side marker light
   Open the hood. From inside the engine bay, locate the side marker light assembly on the front corner of the fender. Disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the fasteners securing the side marker light housing and withdraw it from the fender. Set aside for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove fender to bumper cover fasteners
   Locate the fasteners connecting the fender to the front bumper cover along the forward edge. Remove these fasteners completely. The fender and bumper cover share mounting points at the front corner; partial bumper cover detachment may be necessary to access all fasteners.
4. 4

   Remove door jamb trim molding
   Open the door fully. At the front of the door opening, locate the trim molding or weatherstrip that overlaps the fender trailing edge. Carefully peel back or remove this trim to expose the fender-to-door pillar mounting bolts. Use trim tools to avoid damaging clips or fasteners.
5. 5

   Remove upper fender mounting bolts
   With the hood open, locate the fender mounting bolts along the top edge of the fender. Remove the bolts securing the fender to the inner fender structure and radiator support. There are typically 3-4 bolts along this upper edge. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Fender Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove fender to door pillar bolts
   At the rear of the fender near the door opening, remove the bolts securing the fender to the A-pillar and door hinge pillar structure. These bolts are accessible from the door jamb area once the trim is removed. There are typically 2-3 bolts in this location.
   Torque spec

   Fender Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove inner fender mounting bolts
   From inside the wheel well with the liner pulled back, locate and remove the remaining bolts securing the fender to the inner fender structure along the wheel opening. There are typically 3-4 bolts accessible from this area. Ensure all fasteners are removed before attempting to lift the fender.
   Torque spec

   Fender Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove fender assembly
   With all fasteners removed, have an assistant support the rear of the fender. Carefully lift the fender upward and forward, guiding it away from the door edge and hood. Watch for any remaining clips or fasteners. Check that no wiring harnesses are still attached. Set the fender on a padded surface to prevent damage.
   ⚠The fender is large and awkward; use care to avoid contact with door, hood, or mirror during removal.
9. 9

   Transfer components to new fender
   If installing a new fender, transfer any brackets, clips, or mounting hardware from the old fender to the new one. Inspect all mounting surfaces on the vehicle for damage or corrosion. Clean mounting surfaces thoroughly.
10. 10

    Position new fender
    With an assistant supporting the fender, align it to the vehicle body using the alignment marks made during removal. Guide the fender into position, ensuring proper fit against the door, hood, and bumper cover. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening any.
11. 11

    Install and torque fender mounting bolts
    Once the fender is properly aligned, install all mounting bolts in the following sequence: upper fender bolts first, then door pillar bolts, then inner fender bolts, and finally bumper cover fasteners. Torque all fender mounting bolts to the factory-specified value from the 2005 Viper service manual (composite panels typically require reduced torque to avoid cracking); do not apply generic steel-fender torque values. Check panel gaps and alignment after initial torquing and adjust if necessary before final tightening.
    Torque spec

    Fender Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install side marker light
    Position the side marker light assembly into the fender opening. Secure with the original fasteners and reconnect the electrical connector. Test the light function before proceeding.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel well liner and trim
    Reposition the wheel well liner and secure with all original screws and push clips. Install the door jamb trim molding or weatherstrip, ensuring proper seating along the fender edge.
    Torque spec

    Fender Liner Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final inspection and wheel installation
    Verify all panel gaps are even and consistent. Check that the fender aligns properly with the hood, door, and bumper cover. Remove alignment tape. Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Install components in reverse order of removal.
2. Verify all electrical connections are secure and functioning.
3. Check all panel gaps and alignment before final torque specifications are applied.
4. Test all lights and verify proper operation after battery reconnection.

Verification

• Open and close the hood to verify proper clearance with the fender.
• Open and close the door to check for proper gap and clearance.
• Verify all panel gaps are consistent and within factory specifications.
• Check that the side marker light illuminates correctly.
• Inspect for any rattles or loose fasteners by gently pushing on the fender.
• Road test the vehicle and listen for any wind noise or rattles from the fender area.

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