Buy Chevrolet (Chevy) Traverse Fender

Quick Summary

Key Points

The front fender on every Chevrolet Traverse-also called the wheel-arch panel, mudguard, or wing-shields the tire area, helps the SUV slice through the air, and forms part of the crash‐energy path. Most model-year fenders are stamped from high-strength steel and bolt to the body at the A-pillar, cowl, rocker, and front bumper bracket (eBay). When the panel is bent, rusted, or cracked, it can be swapped with a like-kind replacement that matches the year-range (2009-17 first gen, 2018-24 second gen, 2025-on third gen). Design stayed nearly identical across each generation, so fit is year-specific but cross-trim compatible (Partify, eBay). Damaged fenders hurt resale, may let debris reach wiring or airbags, and can spoil IIHS "Top Safety Pick" scores that the Traverse earned for 2021 (IIHS).

Vehicle Generations

Model Changes

• 2009-2017 (Gen 1) - Large crossover; steel fenders share part numbers GM1240360 (left) and GM1241360 (right) (Partify, eBay).
• 2018-2024 (Gen 2) - Slightly longer wheelbase and leaner body; sheet-metal stamping updated but mounting points remain familiar (Wikipedia).
• 2025-on (Gen 3) - New exterior style with stepped wheel arches. Third-gen part numbers are still emerging, but early data show steel panels with deeper character lines for strength (GM Authority).

Materials & Build

What It's Made Of

High-strength steel (HSS) is used so a thin panel can resist dents but still crumple in a crash (eBay, I-CAR). The inner lip is double-folded to stiffen the edge and to accept plastic clips that hold the splash shield (inner fender liner) (CarParts.com, YourMechanic). Factory corrosion-resistant primer covers both sides; aftermarket panels arrive in a black e-coat ready for sanding and paint (eBay).

Signs Of Trouble

When To Replace

• Paint bubbles or orange rust near the wheel arch (YourMechanic)
• Gaps between hood and wing after a minor hit (Traverse Forum)
• Tire rub on the inner lip causing scrapes or smoke
• Broken mounts so the panel shakes at highway speed

Ignoring these clues can let water enter the A-pillar and damage airbag wiring, increasing repair cost.

DIY Removal

Step-By-Step

1. Disconnect the battery and remove the front wheel for space.
2. Unclip the plastic splash shield (7 mm screws and push-pins).
3. Detach the bumper fascia at the corner.
4. Open the hood; pull the side marker light and headlamp, then unbolt the top fender screws.
5. Remove bolts at the A-pillar and rocker flange; lift the panel free.
   A clear video guide shows each step on a 2018 model (watch here) . A similar clip covers the 2020 update (YouTube).

Painting & Blending

Simple Finish Tips

Always test-fit before spraying. Sand with 600-grit, clean with isopropyl alcohol, spray two coats of color, then two of clear. Keep the panel in the same orientation as on the vehicle to avoid metallic flop. Blend color two panels wide to hide shade shifts, a method backed by collision-repair trainers (I-CAR guide) .

Cost Factors

Price Ranges

• Bare steel replacement panel: $160-$280 (eBay)
• Paint materials (primer, base, clear): $60-$100
• Labor (remove/replace & blend): 3-5 hours at $50-$125/hr, depending on region and shop skill
  Dent-repair options may run cheaper if metal is only creased, but once rust forms replacement is smarter for long-term value (YourMechanic).

Safety Impact

Why It Matters

Crash engineers design the fender and front rail to crumple in a set pattern; welding or improper sectioning in unapproved spots can redirect forces and lower safety scores (I-CAR structural note) . Correct parts help the Traverse keep its IIHS Top Safety Pick status (IIHS detail) .

Rust Prevention

Keep It Clean

Road salt sticks behind the liner; rinse the wheel well each wash. Spray wax or a light oil on the inner lip to seal bare edges. Early owners share that trapped foam in the splash guard can hold moisture and start rust near the rocker (Facebook, YourMechanic).

Eco & Recycling

Old Panel Disposal

Steel fenders are 100 % recyclable. Many body shops join metal-recovery programs that melt panels into new sheet-steel coils, cutting CO₂ compared with mining ore (I-CAR).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What years use the same front fender?

A: 2009-2017 models share one set; 2018-2024 share another. Always match the production year to avoid bolt-hole or signal-lamp differences (Partify, eBay).

Q: Is the fender part of the frame?

A: No. It is a non-structural body panel but does direct minor crash forces and airflow (I-CAR).

Q: Can I drive without the inner liner?

A: You can, but water and gravel can strike wiring and belts; replacing the liner quickly is wiser (CarParts.com, YourMechanic).

Q: Do I need to remove the bumper to change the fender?

A: Only the corner of the bumper cover must be loosened; the full fascia can stay on (YouTube).

Q: What tools are required?

A: 7 mm, 10 mm, and 13 mm sockets, trim-clip pliers, and a T15 Torx for lamp screws handle most Traverse years (Traverse Forum).

Q: How thick is the sheet metal?

A: About 0.8 mm on first-gen panels and 0.7 mm on second-gen high-strength steel, verified by parts catalogs and I-CAR data (eBay, I-CAR).

Q: Will aftermarket mudguards fit after a collision repair?

A: Yes, if the new wing follows OEM curves. Always test-fit the guard before painting (GM Authority).

Q: Does changing the fender void my warranty?

A: No, but improper wiring or sensor mounting behind the panel could affect ADAS features; follow factory repair instructions (Wikipedia).

Q: How long does a DIY swap take?

A: An experienced hobbyist can remove and refit a Traverse wing in about two hours plus paint-drying time (YouTube).

Q: What's the average paint code location?

A: Open the glove box; the RPO sticker lists the two- or three-digit paint code (e.g., GAZ Summit White) (Wikipedia).

Q: Can I use body filler on a cracked lip?

A: Small dents can be skim filled, but cracks or rust holes weaken the edge; replace instead (YourMechanic).

Q: How do I recycle the damaged panel?

A: Most municipal scrap yards accept automotive sheet steel; remove plastic liners first (I-CAR).

Helpful Links

• Chevrolet Traverse overview
• I-CAR structural repair guidance
• IIHS crash-test results
• DIY fender removal video
• Inner fender purpose explained

Each resource deepens knowledge without pointing to stores, giving readers everything they need to research, write about, or replace a Chevrolet Traverse fender.