Buy Nissan Altima Fender

Replacing or repairing the front fender on a Nissan Altima touches everything from safety ratings to paint care. The panel-also called a wheel-arch panel, wing, side guard, or mudguard-shields the tire opening, helps airflow, and gives the sedan its finished look. The Altima has been on the road since 1992, and a current model weighs just over 3,200 lb, so the fender must stay light yet strong. Crash-test data show the 2024 Altima holds "Good" ratings in most categories, so fitting the right panel keeps those results intact. Modern driver-assist sensors mounted behind the skin can turn a small "fender-bender" into a four-figure bill, making careful installation and alignment more important than ever. (Wikipedia)

Overview

Quick Facts

• Purpose: Blocks mud, rocks, and water from hitting people or the car body.
• Placement: On both front corners, bolted to the apron, bumper, and door edge.
• Main material: Stamped steel about 18-20 ga thick; some late-model panels add plastic liners for splash control.
• Common names: Fender, wing, wheel-arch panel, mudguard, side panel.
• Typical curb weight of a 2020 Altima (reference for handling panels): 3,212 lb.

What a Fender Does

Function

Fenders frame the wheel and catch road spray so rocks and water stay off the windshield of other cars.
They also smooth airflow around the tire, cutting drag; enthusiasts sometimes add full fender skirts to gain up to a 3-7 % fuel-economy boost on small cars.

Altima Generations

Fit Notes

• 1998-2001 (2nd gen): Slim, rounded nose; fender attaches with eight 10 mm bolts.
• 2002-2006 (3rd gen): Larger wheel opening; design change means older panels won't swap.
• 2007-2012 (4th gen): Coupé and sedan share most fasteners, but coupé fender has shorter top flange.
• 2013-2018 (5th gen): Body lines sharpen; integrates lamp bracket.
• 2019-2025 (6th gen): Includes cut-outs for radar modules on upper inner flange when equipped with ProPILOT Assist.
  All generations share the same basic bolt locations-top rail, A-pillar, rocker pinch-but panel profiles vary, so buy by year.

Materials & Build

Steel & Coatings

About 65 % of a car's weight is iron or steel, and roughly a quarter of that steel is recycled scrap.
Across the whole vehicle, metal averages 75 % of total mass, with plastics and fluids making up the rest.
Altima fenders arrive electrophoretically primed to slow rust before painting.

Damage Signs

When to Replace

• Sharp dents near the wheel lip
• Creases that buckle the hood line
• Rust bubbles under the paint (often start where liner meets metal)
• Misaligned door gap after a collision
• ADAS radar bracket cracked or loose

Replacement Steps

Basic DIY Flow

1. Disconnect battery (protects any sensor wiring).
2. Remove wheel and plastic liner for access (Altima manual shows clip order).
3. Unbolt head-lamp, bumper corner, and under-tray screws.
4. Support fender, then remove top and door-side bolts.
5. Test-fit new panel; shim until gaps match factory 3-5 mm.
6. Torque bolts to 7 - 9 ft-lb; reinstall liner and wheel.
7. Re-calibrate radar if equipped (scan tool required).

Paint & Finish

Color Match Tips

Factory paint codes sit on the door jamb label.
Spray test cards first and view in daylight.
A two-stage clear-coat helps block UV and slows rust under chips.

Safety & Sensors

ADAS Impact

Front radar hidden behind the plastic bumper corner can add $900-$1,300 to the bill if it sits on the fender flange and needs replacement after a crash.
AAA research shows driver-assist cameras and sensors can make up 38 % of a minor repair cost.
Always check sensor alignment after bolting in a new wing panel.

Costs & Insurance

Budget Range

• Plain steel fender: $120-$270 (part only).
• Labor to swap and color-match: 3-5 hours.
• Added ADAS calibration: $200-$400.
  Average yearly repair costs for an Altima sit at about $483, well below midsize-class averages.

Recycling & Environment

End-of-Life

Steel panels are easily shredded and re-melted, supporting the circular economy of auto steel.
EPA guides stress draining fluids and separating plastics before crushing vehicles to keep toxins out of landfills.

Care & Prevention

Keep Your Fender Healthy

• Wash road salt off the wheel arch each month.
• Touch-up stone chips fast; exposed steel rusts quickly.
• Spray wax or ceramic coating on the lower lip to repel grime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fender Questions & Answers

Q: What does a Nissan Altima fender do?
A: It frames the wheel opening and stops rocks, mud, and water from flying off the tire.

Q: Is a fender the same as a quarter panel?
A: No. "Fender" means the front wheel panel, while the rear sheet-metal skin is usually called the quarter panel.

Q: Will a 2018 fender fit a 2020 Altima?
A: No. Generation changes in 2019 altered body lines and sensor mounts.

Q: Can I drive without a fender liner?
A: You can, but water and dirt will hit wiring and the engine bay, shortening part life.

Q: How thick is the metal?
A: Most Altima wing panels use 0.9-1.0 mm stamped steel-about 19 gauge.

Q: Do I need to remove the bumper to swap the fender?
A: Only the bumper corner screws; the main bumper can stay in place on most years.

Q: What's the average labor time?
A: Around four hours for a trained technician, including paint prep.

Q: Why might replacement cost be high on newer cars?
A: Sensors for automatic braking and blind-spot alerts hide behind the panel; they need calibration after removal.

Q: How can I match the factory paint?
A: Use the paint code on the door label and spray two light base-coats followed by clear-coat.

Q: Will a dented fender fail a safety test?
A: A small dent usually won't, but sharp edges or loose metal can be a hazard and should be fixed.

Q: Are aftermarket steel fenders recyclable?
A: Yes-scrap yards melt them with other sheet steel.

Q: Does the Altima use aluminum fenders?
A: No current U.S. models use aluminum; they remain steel for cost reasons.

Q: How do I stop rust?
A: Keep the arch clean, repair chips quickly, and apply rust-inhibitor primer.

Q: What tools do I need for DIY replacement?
A: 10 mm socket set, plastic-clip remover, torque wrench, panel shims, and safety glasses.

Q: Is a fender part of crash structure?
A: It's mostly cosmetic, but proper gaps help the hood and door align, which can affect air-bag timing and aerodynamics.