This procedure covers removal and installation of the front fender on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including proper alignment and torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fender assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fender liner clips (assorted) × 10 — Use OEM specification
• Trim clips × 5 — Replace if broken during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental airbag deployment or electrical shorts
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove front wheel on the side being serviced using 21mm socket
5. Place fender covers over adjacent panels to prevent scratches during work
6. Mark fender-to-hood and fender-to-door alignment gaps with tape or marking pen for reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front bumper cover
   Remove screws securing bumper cover to fender liner using Phillips screwdriver. Remove push clips along top edge of bumper using trim tool. Disconnect fog light connectors if equipped. With assistance, pull bumper cover forward and away from fender to disengage clips. Set aside safely.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove fender liner
   From wheel well, remove all fender liner screws and push clips securing inner fender liner to fender and subframe. Pull liner away carefully to access fender mounting points from inside wheel well. Liner does not need complete removal but must be pulled back for access.
   Torque spec

   Fender Liner Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove front fender emblem and side marker light
   Remove the Camry emblem from fender if present by carefully prying with trim tool or removing retaining nuts from behind. Disconnect side marker light electrical connector. Remove side marker light assembly by pressing release tab and sliding forward out of fender.
4. 4

   Disconnect windshield washer hose
   Locate windshield washer fluid hose connection near top front of fender (connects to washer nozzle on hood). Squeeze hose clamp with pliers and slide back, then pull hose off barb fitting. Allow any residual fluid to drain and plug hose end to prevent leakage.
   ℹ️Small amount of washer fluid may spill during disconnection. Have shop towels ready.
5. 5

   Remove hood hinge cover
   Open hood fully. Locate plastic cover over hood hinge on the fender side being serviced. Remove retaining clips or screws securing hinge cover and remove cover to expose hood hinge bolts.
   Torque spec

   Trim Clips3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Support hood and loosen hood hinge bolts
   Have assistant support hood weight. Mark hood hinge position on hood with marking pen for realignment during reassembly. Loosen (but do not remove) the hood hinge bolts at the hood connection point using 12mm socket. This provides clearance for fender removal without completely removing hood.
   ⚠Hood must be properly supported to prevent falling and causing injury or damage.
   Torque spec

   Hinge Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove upper fender mounting bolts
   From engine bay, locate and remove all bolts securing top edge of fender to upper fender rail and cowl area. Typically 3-4 bolts along top edge accessible from engine compartment. Use 10mm socket and retain all bolts.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rear fender mounting bolts
   Open front door fully. Remove bolt(s) securing rear edge of fender to A-pillar/door hinge pillar area. These are typically accessed from door jamb area with door open. Use 10mm socket.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower fender mounting bolts
   From wheel well area with fender liner pulled back, remove remaining lower fender bolts securing fender to inner fender structure and radiator support. Typically 2-3 bolts accessible from underneath. Use 10mm socket.
   Torque spec

   Fender Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Remove fender assembly
    With all mounting bolts removed and an assistant supporting the fender, carefully lift fender up and away from vehicle. Guide past hood hinge area and remove from vehicle. Inspect mounting surfaces on body for damage or corrosion before installing new/replacement fender.
    ⚠Fender edges can catch on adjacent panels during removal. Lift slowly and guide carefully to avoid paint damage.
11. 11

    Prepare and position new fender
    Transfer any brackets or hardware from old fender to new fender if not pre-installed. With assistant, position new fender onto vehicle, guiding carefully past hood hinge. Align fender with body lines and start all mounting bolts finger-tight before torquing any fasteners.
    Torque spec

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

    Align and torque fender bolts
    Adjust fender position to achieve proper panel gaps with hood, door, and bumper using reference marks made during disassembly. Check that fender sits flush with adjacent panels. Once properly aligned, torque all fender mounting bolts to specification in sequence: upper bolts first, then rear bolts, then lower bolts.
    ℹ️Do not fully torque bolts until fender alignment is verified. Final alignment may require loosening and repositioning.
    Torque spec

    Fender Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall hood hinge and components
    Align hood to reference marks made during disassembly and torque hood hinge bolts to specification. Reinstall hood hinge cover. Reconnect windshield washer hose to barb fitting and secure with hose clamp. Test hood operation and alignment with fender.
    Torque spec

    Hinge Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)

    Trim Clips3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall side marker light and fender liner
    Install side marker light assembly into fender and reconnect electrical connector. Reinstall fender emblem if equipped. Reposition fender liner and secure with all screws and push clips, ensuring proper coverage of wheel well.
    Torque spec

    Fender Liner Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall bumper cover and wheel
    With assistance, position front bumper cover and engage all mounting clips. Reconnect fog light connectors if equipped. Install bumper cover screws to fender and liner areas to specification. Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts to 110 Nm (80 lb-ft) in star pattern. Lower vehicle from jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all panel gaps are even between fender, hood, door, and bumper cover
2. Check that all electrical connectors are properly seated and secured
3. Ensure fender liner provides complete coverage with no gaps that could allow debris into engine bay
4. Reconnect negative battery terminal and verify all lights function correctly

Verification

• Open and close hood multiple times to verify proper clearance and alignment with fender
• Open and close front door to ensure proper gap and no interference with fender
• Verify all exterior lights on affected side function properly (side marker, fog light if equipped)
• Check that windshield washer sprays correctly on affected side
• Inspect all panel gaps under good lighting - gaps should be consistent (3-5mm typical)
• Test drive vehicle and listen for any rattles or wind noise indicating loose fasteners or misalignment

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