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A fender takes the hit when you clip a pole, a curb or another car at low speed. Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland repairs fender dents, reattaches liners and flares, and replaces bolt-on fenders when repair does not make sense. Because the fender wraps the wheel, our ASE-certified technicians also check the tire, the steering and the suspension behind it. You get a written estimate first.
What fender damage do we see most?
- A fender pushed back so it rubs the door when opening
- A liner hanging down and scraping the tire
- A dent above the wheel opening
- A torn or missing wheel arch flare
- A tire that rubs the fender on turns after a bump
Why do we check the wheel after a fender hit?
A hit hard enough to push a fender in can also move the wheel. A bent tie rod, control arm or wheel changes how the car tracks, and it can wear a tire out fast. Rubbing on turns is a warning sign, because it means something moved.
We check the tire for cuts, the wheel for bends, and the steering parts for damage. Findings go on the estimate as separate lines, and we point to suspension and steering service or tire service when they apply. For a dent in the fender with clean paint, paintless dent repair may be enough.
Our fender repair process
Step 1: Inspect fender and wheel well
We check the fender, its mounts, the liner and the wheel behind it.
Step 2: Repair or replace decision
The estimate compares repairing the fender with replacing this bolt-on panel.
Step 3: Fix and fit
The fender is repaired or replaced, liners and flares are secured, and gaps are checked.
Step 4: Turn and road test
We turn lock to lock to check for rubbing and road-test the car.
What's included in fender repair
Included on the work order
- 01Fender, mount and liner inspection
- 02Tire and wheel damage check
- 03Steering and suspension visual check
- 04Liner and flare refit with new clips as estimated
- 05Lock-to-lock rubbing check
Is fender damage urgent?
Need now: call
- A tire rubbing the fender or liner
- A fender blocking the door from opening
- Bent steering or suspension parts
Need later: book
- A cosmetic dent above the wheel
- A scuffed flare that is still secure
What changes fender repair cost?
Dent size, whether the fender is repaired or replaced, paint needs and any wheel or suspension damage set the price. A replacement fender usually needs a paint step, and the written estimate shows every step.
After fender repair
Listen for rubbing in tight parking lot turns over the first week. Watch the tire on that corner for uneven wear.
Frequently asked questions
Can a pushed-in fender be pulled back out?
Often, if the metal is not creased sharply and the mounts are intact. If it is badly creased, replacing the bolt-on fender can make more sense.
Why does my tire rub after hitting a curb?
The liner may be hanging, the fender may be pushed in, or a suspension part may have bent. We check all three.
Do you replace plastic fender liners?
Yes. Liners and their clips are common in-house jobs, and a loose liner is worth fixing soon before it tears further.