Fender Liner

Remove and replace the front fender liner (wheel well splash shield) on a 2008 Dodge Viper, requiring wheel removal and removal of push clips and fasteners securing the liner to the fender and bumper.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front fender liner (wheel well splash shield) × 1 — Use OEM specification - side-specific
• Push-type retainer clips — Mopar part, typically 6mm or 8mm head diameter

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Chock the rear wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground.
4. Raise the front corner of the vehicle corresponding to the fender liner being replaced using a floor jack at the appropriate jacking point.
5. Support the vehicle securely on a jack stand.
6. Remove the front wheel completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Identify and inspect fender liner fasteners
   With the wheel removed, inspect the fender liner to identify all attachment points. The Viper typically uses a combination of plastic push clips along the fender opening edge, screws securing the liner to the bumper fascia at the front, and screws or clips at the rear edge near the door opening. Count and note the location of all fasteners before beginning removal to ensure none are missed during reinstallation.
2. 2

   Remove push clips along fender opening
   Starting at the top edge of the liner along the fender opening, remove the push-type retainer clips. These are typically accessed from the wheel well side. Use a trim removal tool or flat-blade screwdriver to gently pry up the center pin of each clip approximately 1/4 inch, then pull the entire clip body out of its mounting hole. Remove all clips along the upper and forward edges of the liner. Retain all clips in good condition for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove forward fasteners at bumper
   Locate the screws or fasteners securing the front edge of the liner to the rear of the front bumper fascia. These are typically Phillips-head screws or 10mm hex-head screws. Remove all forward attachment fasteners and set aside.
4. 4

   Remove rear fasteners near door opening
   At the rear edge of the liner, near the front edge of the door opening, locate and remove any screws or clips securing the liner to the body structure. These may be Phillips screws or additional push clips. Remove all rear attachment points.
5. 5

   Separate liner from lower edge
   Check the lower edge of the fender liner where it meets the rocker panel or underbody area for any remaining fasteners or clips. Remove any found. Gently pull the lower edge of the liner away from the body, checking for any hidden retention points that may have been missed.
6. 6

   Remove fender liner from vehicle
   With all fasteners removed, carefully flex the fender liner and maneuver it out through the wheel well opening. The liner may be somewhat rigid and require careful angling to clear the fender lip and suspension components. Avoid forcing or bending excessively to prevent damage if the liner is being reused.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces and inspect clips
   With the liner removed, clean any dirt, debris, or mud from the fender well mounting surfaces and the back side of the fender. Inspect all push clips and fasteners removed. Discard any broken or damaged clips. Inspect the new or replacement fender liner to confirm it matches the original configuration and has all necessary mounting holes.
8. 8

   Position new fender liner
   Maneuver the new or replacement fender liner into position in the wheel well, aligning the mounting holes with their corresponding locations on the fender, bumper, and body structure. Start by positioning the rear edge near the door opening, then work the liner forward and up into place. Ensure all mounting holes are properly aligned before installing any fasteners.
9. 9

   Install rear and forward screws
   Install the screws at the rear edge and forward edge (bumper attachment) first to anchor the liner in position. Thread screws by hand initially to ensure proper alignment, then tighten securely with a screwdriver or socket. Do not overtighten as this may crack the plastic liner or strip the mounting points.
10. 10

    Install push clips along fender edge
    Install new or reused push clips along the upper and forward edges of the liner where it meets the fender opening. Insert each clip body into its mounting hole, then press the center pin down flush until the clip locks into place with an audible click. Verify each clip is fully seated and holding the liner securely against the fender.
11. 11

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel, threading all lug nuts by hand initially. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued. Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stand, and lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specification (approximately 110 lb-ft for the 2008 Viper — verify against factory service manual) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all push clips are fully seated and the liner is uniformly positioned with no gaps or misalignment along the fender opening.
2. Verify the liner does not interfere with any suspension components, brake lines, or wiring when the steering is turned lock to lock.
3. Replace any broken or missing push clips with new OEM-equivalent fasteners to ensure proper retention.

Verification

• Turn the steering wheel fully from lock to lock and verify the tire does not contact or rub against the fender liner at any point in the steering travel.
• Visually inspect the liner from outside the wheel well to confirm it sits flush along the fender opening with no gaps or protruding edges.
• Gently tug on the liner at several points to confirm all fasteners are secure and the liner is properly retained.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no rattling, rubbing, or abnormal noises are present from the wheel well area.

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