Buy Ford Freestar Fender Liner Or Splash Shield

Below is a concise summary followed by detailed, clearly-labeled sections. Every section title begins with "New Section:" as requested.

Ford built the Freestar minivan from 2004-2007. Inside each front wheel arch sits a fender liner-also called a splash shield, wheel-well liner, inner fender, or debris guard-that keeps water, salt, and rocks from hammering the engine bay and wiring. When a liner cracks or falls out, rust spreads faster, headlights short, and state splash-suppression laws can be violated. Replacements are inexpensive plastic panels that bolt in with a few clips and 8 mm screws.

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## New Section: Part Basics

The Ford Freestar belongs to the third generation of Windstar vans and was sold only for model years 2004 through 2007. ([Wikipedia])

A fender liner (sometimes called a splash guard or wheel-arch shield) is a molded barrier that closes off the wheel well so mud and slush cannot blast the engine, transmission, and head-lamp wiring. ([Parts Avatar], [JCBL Automoto])

Modern liners are usually made from flexible thermoplastic olefin (TPO) or recycled polyethylene, materials that shrug off road salt and minor impacts. ([JCBL Automoto])

[Learn more about fenders on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_%28vehicle%29).

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## New Section: Why It Matters

Without a liner, spray and grit chew away paint and let corrosion attack metal seams, accelerating wheel-well rust. ([Reddit], [Testing Autos])

Exposed wiring can short, and moist debris can clog the serpentine belt or brake hoses. A damaged shield therefore threatens safety and drains wallets.

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## New Section: Legal & Safety

Most U.S. states require the tread of each tire to be covered by a fender, flare, liner, or mud flap to curb road spray. ([PartCatalog.com], [Mini Mania])

If the liner is missing, you can be cited for an "unsecured load" or "excessive spray" depending on local code.

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## New Section: Freestar Issues

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalled many Freestars because salt-soaked wheel wells corroded the third-row seat-latch mounts. ([NHTSA])

More than 82,000 vans were part of a broader rust investigation. ([Squarebirds Forum])

Owner reports also list rocker-panel rust in the same area. ([CarComplaints.com])

A detailed field repair of the wheel-well rust problem is documented by *The Truth About Cars*. ([thetruthaboutcars.com])

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## New Section: Signs of Trouble

* Wheel-well splash sounds grow louder. ([Testing Autos])

* Head-lamp or ABS wiring shows green corrosion. ([Testing Autos])

* Visible cracks or missing fasteners in the plastic shield.

* Interior carpet near the footwell feels damp after rain.

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## New Section: Fitment Details

Freestar front liners share part numbers 3F2Z-16102-BA (right) and 3F2Z-16103-BA (left) and fit all trim levels-including SE, SEL, and Limited-from 2004-2007. ([Wikipedia])

Because the Mercury Monterey is mechanically identical, the same shields interchange.

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## New Section: DIY Replacement

1. Jack and securely support the van; remove the front wheel.

2. Pop out plastic push-pins and two to three 8 mm screws holding the old liner. ([CarParts])

3. Clean hidden metal surfaces; spray rust inhibitor if needed.

4. Slip the new wheel-well liner under the fender lip and re-install fasteners.

Basic hand tools and 30 minutes per side are typical.

A video walk-through for a similar Ford install illustrates the steps clearly. [Watch the demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F1NCXT6W40). ([YouTube])

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## New Section: Cost Range

Current aftermarket listings place a single Freestar splash shield between roughly US \$30 and \$70, plus a few dollars for new clips. ([PartsGeek])

Labor at a repair shop averages one hour, so total installed cost usually stays under \$150 in most regions.

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## New Section: Care Tips

* Rinse the wheel wells after every salted-road drive.

* Inspect plastic clips at each oil change; replace broken ones immediately.

* When washing, check for rub marks that signal tire contact; adjust fasteners if needed.

* Apply spray-on rubberized undercoating to the liner's back side for extra sound damping.

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## New Section: Environment

Road salt, coastal humidity, and gravel roads all shorten liner life. Recycled-plastic shields reduce landfill waste and are widely accepted at municipal recycling centers when they finally wear out.

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## New Section: Frequently Asked Questions

**Q:** What does a fender liner do?

**A:** It blocks water, sand, and rocks from striking the engine bay and cabin firewall, cutting rust and wiring damage. ([Parts Avatar], [JCBL Automoto])

**Q:** Can I drive without it?

**A:** You can, but debris will speed up corrosion and may cause electrical issues, so replacement is strongly recommended. ([Reddit], [Testing Autos])

**Q:** How do I know mine is bad?

**A:** Look for cracks, missing clips, or wet carpets after rain; listen for louder road splash.

**Q:** Are left and right liners the same?

**A:** No. Each side is molded differently to clear brake and washer components.

**Q:** What tools are needed?

**A:** A jack stand, Phillips driver, flat trim tool, and 8 mm socket cover most jobs. ([CarParts])

**Q:** Does replacing it affect alignment?

**A:** No. It is a body panel, not a suspension part.

**Q:** What material is best?

**A:** Factory-style thermoplastic resists salt and flexes with temperature swings. ([JCBL Automoto])

**Q:** Are there recalls for the liner itself?

**A:** No, but there is a related rust recall where missing liners worsen the problem. ([NHTSA])

**Q:** Is it legal to run without splash guards?

**A:** Many states fine vehicles whose tires throw spray beyond the wheel arch. ([PartCatalog.com], [Mini Mania])

**Q:** How long does a new shield last?

**A:** In average climates, 8-10 years; salty or gravel roads shorten that span.

```

: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Windstar?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Ford Windstar"

: https://partsavatar.ca/blog/paint-body/why-do-we-need-fender-liners/?srsltid=AfmBOoonPBygpsh6dF6cXDYs3mV89ZtsrjzsXnAFxA3sgWFB1GB8g40l&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Why Do We Need Fender Liners? | PartsAvatar"

: https://www.jcblautomoto.com/blog/what-is-a-fender-liner-and-why-do-you-need-them/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "What Is A Fender Liner and Why Do You Need Them? - JCBL India"

: https://www.jcblautomoto.com/blog/why-fender-liners-are-important-for-your-vehicle/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Why Fender Liners Are Important for Your Vehicle? - JCBL India"

: https://www.reddit.com/r/Cartalk/comments/17tljoj/how_bad_is_it_to_drive_around_without_a_fender/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How bad is it to drive around without a fender liner? : r/Cartalk - Reddit"

: https://www.testingautos.com/car_care/engine-splash-shield-fender-liner.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Broken/missing engine splash shield or fender liner - Testing Autos"

: https://www.partcatalog.com/legal-requirements-for-fender-flares?srsltid=AfmBOoriA5JB36Sv3vKvGcZtgh3ia4zTVgxSIVZdmCjlg_PZOTwBCKgO&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Legal Requirements for Fender Flares - PartCatalog.com"

: https://www.minimania.com/pdfile/Mud_Flap_Laws_NETA.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com "[PDF] State Requirements for Mud Flaps - Mini Mania"

: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2013/RCRN-13V081-3577.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com "[PDF] April 2015 - nhtsa"

: https://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin/forum/general-discussion/ford-news-from-autoblog-com/13279-nhtsa-upgrades-investigation-into-ford-freestar-mercury-monterey-rust-issues?utm_source=chatgpt.com "NHTSA upgrades investigation into Ford Freestar, Mercury Monterey ..."

: https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Freestar/2005/body_paint/rusted_rocker_panels_doors.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com "2005 Ford Freestar Rusted Rocker Panels & Doors - Car Complaints"

: https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/07/total-recall-update-rustectomy-successful-but-change-is-in-the-wind/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Total Recall Update: Rustectomy Successful But Change Is In The ..."

: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_%28vehicle%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Fender (vehicle)"

: https://www.carparts.com/blog/how-to-replace-inner-fender-liner/?srsltid=AfmBOoo5ori-QPV8PkafEjMw5-Aa03v8bTlwsFvIREyHJL61su7A4KOS&utm_source=chatgpt.com "How to Replace Inner Fender Liner - In The Garage with CarParts.com"

: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F1NCXT6W40&utm_source=chatgpt.com "How to Replace Front Inner Fender Liner 2013-2019 Ford Escape"

: https://www.partsgeek.com/bhzy9zz-ford-freestar-fender-splash-shield.html?srsltid=AfmBOopCmJQyCaO39T09vU7dg9h2d8Ryf2q9GSbikAdNwZwoOp94hi2M&utm_source=chatgpt.com "2004-2007 Ford Freestar Fender Splash Shield - TRQ BDA08815 ..."