How to Remove and Install a 2014–2021 Toyota Tundra Driver Side Fender

2014–2021 Toyota Tundra Driver-Side Fender Removal & Installation

If the driver-side fender on your 2014–2021 Toyota Tundra is damaged, replacing it is a manageable DIY project once you know where the mounting points and fasteners are located.

In this step-by-step guide, we walk through the full removal and installation process including removing the grille, headlight assembly, wheel well fasteners, and the upper fender mounting bolts.

Take your time during installation and alignment so the panel gaps match the factory fit.

Tools Needed

• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Socket extension
• Flathead screwdriver
• Trim removal tool
• Painter's tape

Step-by-Step Fender Removal and Installation

Step 1 – Protect Adjacent Panels

Apply painter's tape to nearby panels to help prevent accidental scratches while removing the fender.

Step 2 – Open Hood

Open the hood to access the grille fasteners and the upper fender mounting bolts.

Step 3 – Open Grille Cover

Lift the plastic cover at the top of the grille to expose the fasteners underneath.

Step 4 – Disconnect Grille Wire

Press the tab on the connector and disconnect the wiring harness from the grille.

Step 5 – Remove Upper Grille Push Pins

Using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool, remove the push pins securing the upper grille area.

Step 6 – Remove Grille Bolts

Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the four bolts holding the grille in place.

Step 7 – Remove Grille

Pull the grille upward and outward to release it from the mounting tabs.

Step 8 – Remove Fender End Cap Push Pin

Remove the push pin securing the fender end cap.

Step 9 – Remove Fender End Cap Bolts

Using a 10mm socket, remove the bolts securing the bottom of the end cap.

Step 10 – Remove Fender End Cap

Pull the end cap outward to release it from the clips.

Step 11 – Remove Headlight Bolts

Remove the visible 10mm bolts securing the headlight assembly.

Step 12 – Remove Hidden Headlight Bolt

Remove the additional bolt securing the headlight assembly.

Step 13 – Disconnect Headlight Wiring

Disconnect the wiring connectors and remove the headlight assembly.

Step 14 – Remove Headlight Bracket

Twist and remove the headlight mounting bracket.

Step 15 – Remove Lower Bracket Bolts

Remove the bolts located below the bracket.

Step 16 – Remove Lower Push Pin

Remove the push pin located underneath the bracket.

Step 17 – Remove Fender Liner Tabs

Remove the plastic tabs securing the fender liner.

Step 18 – Push Fender Liner Back

Pull the liner back to access the rear mounting bolts.

Step 19 – Remove Wheel Well Fender Bolt

Remove the bolt located inside the wheel well.

Step 20 – Remove Lower Rear Fender Bolt

Remove the bolt securing the lower rear portion of the fender.

Step 21 – Remove Upper Rear Fender Bolt

Remove the bolt located near the A-pillar.

Step 22 – Remove Front Fender Bolts

Remove the two bolts near the headlight.

Step 23 – Remove Upper Fender Cover

Lift the upper plastic cover panel above the fender bolts.

Step 24 – Remove Upper Fender Bolts and Release Fender Clips

Remove the bolts along the top of the fender, then pull the panel outward to release the clips.

Step 25 – Remove Hidden Fender Bolt

Pull back the cover and remove the hidden mounting bolt.

Step 26 – Remove Fender

With all bolts removed, carefully lift the fender away from the vehicle.

Step 27 – Transfer Clips

Remove the clips and accessories from the original fender.

Step 28 – Install Clips on New Fender

Install the clips and accessories onto the replacement fender.

Step 29 – Position New Fender

Place the new fender onto the vehicle and align the mounting holes.

Step 30 – Install Bolts by Hand

Start reinstalling the fender by hand-threading the bolts that were removed earlier so the panel can still move slightly for alignment. Reinstall the bolts removed in Step 19 (wheel well bolt), Step 20 (lower rear fender bolt), Step 21 (upper rear bolt near the A-pillar), Step 22 (two front bolts near the headlight), Step 24 (upper fender bolts along the engine bay), and Step 25 (hidden fender bolt). Do not fully tighten them yet so the fender can still be adjusted.

Step 31 – Check Alignment

Check the gaps between the hood, door, and wheel arch before tightening.

Step 32 – Tighten Fender Bolts

Once alignment looks correct, tighten the mounting bolts.

Step 33 – Reinstall Upper Fender Cover

Slide the plastic cover back into place.

Step 34 – Reinstall Headlight and Bracket

Reconnect the wiring and reinstall the headlight assembly.

Step 35 – Reinstall Fender End Cap

Secure the end cap with the bolts and push pins.

Step 36 – Install Fender Clips

Reinstall the clips securing the fender liner.

Step 37 – Reinstall Mud Flap

Attach the mud flap and tighten the mounting bolts.

Step 38 – Reinstall Grille

Reconnect the grille wiring harness that was disconnected in Step 4. Then position the grille back onto the front of the truck and secure it using the four 10mm bolts removed in Step 6 and the push pins removed in Step 5. Once the grille is aligned, close the grille cover.