Buy Toyota Tundra Fender

Below is a detailed, plain-language guide to the Toyota Tundra fender-also called the front wing panel, wheel-arch panel, or mudguard.

Overview

The fender is the metal skin that curves over each front tire. It blocks rocks, mud, and water so they don't fly up at the truck or other drivers. It also gives the Tundra its wide-shoulder look and holds badges, lights, and the inner splash liner. (Wikipedia)

Key Functions

• Debris shield - stops stones and road spray kicked up by the tire.
• Aerodynamics - 2014-up models gained sharper fender lines and side-cut flares that smooth air and trim drag. (Cars.com)
• Mounting surface - brackets inside the panel hold the headlamp, bumper cover, and plastic liner. Felt-backed liners on 2022+ trucks help cut road noise. (Toyota Tundra Forum)

Materials & Build

• 2000-2021 (Gen 1-2) - mild-steel fenders, E-coated for rust resistance.
• 2022-present (Gen 3) - Toyota switched the hood and front doors to aluminum but kept the front fenders in steel for strength and easier repairs. (MotorTrend, MotorTrend)
• A fix-in-primer panel weighs about 18 lb and ships with anticorrosion coating.
• Typical OE catalog part numbers: left-hand 53812-0C050, right-hand 53811-0C050 for 2014-2021 trucks. (Wholesale Direct)

Model Differences

• 2000-2006 - Smaller wheel arch; marker light sits on bumper cap.
• 2007-2013 - Taller arch, single-piece bumper; same fender fits all trims.
• 2014-2021 - Side-cut flares stamped into the fender skin for a bolder look. (Cars.com)
• 2022-present - Functional air inlets feed the engine through the tops of the fenders on some trims. (MotorTrend)

Signs of Damage

• Paint bubbles or orange-brown spots at the arch lip (early rust). (Toyota Tundra Forum)
• Gaps between hood and fender after a bump.
• Tire rub on inner splash liner during turns.
• Whistling or wind roar from a bent panel edge.

Replacement Steps

Removing a Tundra wing panel is a bolt-on job-no welding. DIY videos show 12-15 bolts plus two clips and the liner fasteners. (YouTube)

1. Disconnect battery and remove wheel.
2. Pop out plastic inner liner.
3. Unbolt bumper side cap and headlamp bracket.
4. Loosen upper rail bolts inside the hood channel.
5. Lift fender straight off the truck.

Labor & Cost

• Book labor averages 2-4 days including paint and cure time. (Miracle Body and Paint)
• Body-shop manuals list 3-4 labor hours just to swap the metal skin. (Reddit)
• Part price: about $150-$400 depending on year and grade.
• Paint & materials: $200-$400 for color-match basecoat/clear.
• Total typical bill: $550-$1,000.

Painting Tips

Using factory-code aerosol or a paint gun, the order is sand ≥600 grit → primer → base → clear. Thin coats and 20-minute flash times help avoid runs. (Hagerty)

Rust Prevention

Wash winter salt, spray wax-oil into the folded arch, and touch up stone chips quickly. A felt or plastic liner keeps grit off the backside. (Toyota Tundra Forum)

Upgrades & Flares

Third-party fender flares widen tire coverage and hide rust. State rules often say the flare must cover the full tread. (Maine State Legislature)
On 2022 TRD Pro, black plastic flares bolt to the steel fender and clear 33-inch tires. (MotorTrend)

Legal & Safety

Federal lighting rules treat the fender as a rigid mounting point for lamps; flexible extensions are not counted in vehicle width. (NHTSA)
Maine inspection law rejects any truck whose fender or extension fails to cover the tread. (Maine)

Maintenance

• Rinse out pine needles trapped in felt liners to stop mold. (Toyota Tundra Forum)
• Check bolt torque after off-road hits (7-10 N·m typical for M6 body bolts). (toyota-tech.eu)
• Keep the splash liner intact-it blocks water from wiring and the cabin fuse box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a fender actually do?
A: It blocks rocks, mud, and water from flying off the tire and damaging paint or other cars. (Wikipedia)

Q: Is a 2022 Tundra fender aluminum?
A: No. The hood and front doors are aluminum, but the front fender is steel. (MotorTrend)

Q: Will a 2021 fender fit a 2018 truck?
A: Yes-2014-2021 panels interchange because the body lines are the same. (Wholesale Direct)

Q: How can I spot rust early?
A: Look for paint bubbles along the wheel-arch lip or rough orange spots under the splash liner. (Toyota Tundra Forum)

Q: Is it safe to drive with a dented fender?
A: Small dents are mostly cosmetic, but sharp edges can fail inspection and cut tires, so fix them. (NHTSA)

Q: How long does a shop need my truck?
A: Simple fender swaps with paint usually take two to four days. (Miracle Body and Paint)

Q: Do I have to remove the bumper?
A: You'll loosen the corner of the bumper cover to reach two hidden bolts. (YouTube)

Q: What tools do I need?
A: 10 mm and 12 mm sockets, clip pliers, trim tool, and a torque wrench.

Q: How much does the part weigh?
A: Around 18 lb for a bare steel panel. (Wholesale Direct)

Q: Are fender flares required?
A: Many states require the tire tread to be fully covered when you install wider tires. (Maine State Legislature)

Q: What are common synonyms for "fender"?
A: Wing, wheel-arch panel, mudguard, wheelhouse skin. (Wikipedia)

Q: Can I paint a fender at home?
A: Yes-factory-code aerosols plus careful prep give a good finish on small jobs. (Hagerty)

Q: Do I need a liner?
A: Yes. It protects wiring and reduces road noise. (Toyota Tundra Forum)

Q: What's the typical bolt torque?
A: M6 body bolts tighten to about 9-10 N·m (7 ft-lb). (toyota-tech.eu)

Q: Where do I find the paint code?
A: It's on the driver-door jamb sticker (e.g., 1G3 for Magnetic Gray).

Frequently Asked Questions