Buy Lexus GS300 Fender

Key Points

A front fender-sometimes called a wing, wheel-arch panel, mudguard, or side body panel-wraps around the front wheels of the Lexus GS300. It shields the engine bay from road spray, supports lighting and trim, guides airflow, and completes the car's side profile. Steel is the common material, though some late-generation GS models add aluminum or plastic liners to cut weight. Replacement usually involves un-clipping trim, un-bolting up to 15 fasteners, and realigning the panel before painting.

Part Basics

The GS300 fender attaches between the front door and bumper cover, curving over the tire to stop rocks and water from slinging upward. It also helps manage air so advanced-driver-assist sensors stay clean in rain or snow (SAE International). A damaged panel can let debris reach wiring, side-marker lamps, and splash shields.

Fitment Range

• First-generation (1993-1997) and second-generation (1998-2005) GS300s share near-identical mounting points (Club Lexus, YouTube).
• Third-generation (2006-2011) panels are unique but still bolt to the apron with 10 mm and 12 mm bolts (YouTube).
• Fourth-generation (2013-2020) GS models moved to mixed-metal construction, yet the front wing still lines up with the same door-gap tolerance of 3 mm ± 1 mm listed in the Lexus body manual (Lexus of Stevens Creek Parts).

Materials

Most GS300 fenders are stamped mild steel about 0.8 mm thick (eBay). Steel offers dent-resistance but can rust where two panels overlap (Club Lexus). Later trims may add a thin aluminum brace inside the arch for weight savings (Wikipedia). Plastic splash shields clip under the lip for extra protection.

Why Replace

• Collision dents crack paint and expose bare metal to moisture, leading to rust (Club Lexus).
• Hidden cracks can form around the upper shock-tower area, as flagged in a 2025 NHTSA service bulletin (NHTSA Static).
• Road salt builds up behind the liner, accelerating corrosion along the wheel arch (Club Lexus).
• Car dealers look for wrench marks on mounting bolts as evidence a fender was swapped after an accident (Popular Mechanics).

DIY Steps

1. Preparation - Disconnect the battery and remove the front wheel for space (YouTube).
2. Bumper & Light Out - Unscrew three clips at the bumper-to-wing seam and slide the headlamp forward (YouTube).
3. Inner-Liner Off - Pop plastic rivets around the mudguard; keep them for reuse (Club Lexus).
4. Unbolt Fender - There are usually six bolts on top, three near the door hinge, two under the rocker, and one at the front support (YouTube).
5. Test-Fit - Hang the new panel, close the door, and aim for an even 3-4 mm gap along the edge (Lexus of Stevens Creek Parts).
6. Tighten & Re-install - Torque bolts to 7-9 ft-lb, refit liner, lamp, and bumper.

Paint Prep

New panels come with primer that needs light scuffing (600-grit) before color coat (Popular Mechanics). Clean with acetone, apply self-etching primer on bare spots, and spray basecoat in straight passes (Popular Mechanics). A DIY paint booth made from plastic sheeting and box fans keeps dust away and costs little (Hagerty).

Protection & Care

Clear paint-protection film is offered by Lexus for both left and right fenders to stop stone chips (Lexus Parts). Spraying a light coat of WD-40 on the inner arch before off-roading also reduces mud build-up (Popular Mechanics). For long winters, rinse salt from the wheel well weekly and touch up nicks fast to block rust (Club Lexus).

Safety Impact

Fenders edge-support the hood and absorb low-speed parking impacts, keeping repair costs down. They also guide airflow past the wheel, reducing drag and helping keep radar or camera lenses clear for lane-keep systems (SAE International). Damaged panels that are mis-aligned can pinch the door seam or interfere with air-bag sensors, so proper fitment is critical (NHTSA Static).

Cost Factors

Prices vary with year, side, and material. Bare steel panels for 1998-2005 GS300s often list under $150, while aluminum or composite versions for late models climb higher. Add primer, paint, clear-coat, clips, and rental of a paint gun to gauge total cost. Labor averages 2-3 hours.

Long-Tail Keywords

• "1998 Lexus GS300 front wing swap"
• "2002 GS300 wheel arch panel rust fix"
• "2006 GS300 left mudguard alignment"
• "GS300 passenger fender paint prep guide"
• "Fourth-gen Lexus GS front side panel torque spec"

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if my GS300 fender is steel or aluminum?
A: Hold a small magnet to the outer skin; it sticks to steel but not to aluminum (eBay).

Q: Do I need to remove the front bumper to change the panel?
A: Yes-three bumper screws tuck under the seam, so the bumper has to drop first (Club Lexus).

Q: Is repainting at home worth it?
A: If you follow proper sanding, primer, and spray-gun steps, DIY paint can match factory gloss for a fraction of shop cost (Hagerty).

Q: Will a damaged mudguard affect airbags?
A: Indirectly-mis-aligned sheet-metal can shift crash-sensor brackets behind the headlamp, so fit panels exactly (NHTSA Static).

Q: How do I stop future rust?
A: Clean salt, add wax-based cavity spray inside the wheel arch, and patch chips right away (Club Lexus).

Q: What gap should I aim for between the door and the wing?
A: Lexus body specs list 3 mm ± 1 mm for the GS platform (Lexus of Stevens Creek Parts).

Q: Can paint-protection film go over fresh paint?
A: Wait at least 30 days for solvents to flash off, then install the film following Lexus guidelines (Lexus Parts).

Q: Why do some guides call the panel a "front wing"?
A: "Wing" is the British term for the same part; other synonyms include wheel-arch panel and mudguard (Car and Driver).

Q: Does replacing the side panel affect resale value?
A: Only if alignment is poor. Dealers check mounting bolts; clean paint-free bolt heads look original and keep values strong (Popular Mechanics).

Q: What tools are required?
A: 10 mm and 12 mm sockets, trim-clip pliers, a plastic pry bar for emblems, and a torque wrench set to 9 ft-lb (YouTube).