How to Replace a 2007 to 2013 Chevrolet Silverado Fender

Replacing a 2007-2013 Chevy Silverado fender? Unlike standard automotive fenders that bolt directly to the frame, GMC and Chevrolet truck fenders (including Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade) feature a complex design with an integrated shelf. The passenger-side fender replacement is particularly challenging because three major components mount directly to it: the battery system, coolant reservoir, and air intake assembly.

Ready to learn how to replace your Chevrolet Silverado fender? This DIY guide covers everything from removing the stock fender to installing a painted replacement fender. Here are the essential tools for your Silverado fender replacement:

Tools Needed:

• 7mm, 10mm, and 13mm sockets

• Ratchet wrench

• Socket wrench extension

• Flathead screwdriver

• Phillips screwdriver

• Trim removal tool

• Automotive painter’s tape

• Painted Silverado Fender from ReveMoto
  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Apply painter’s tape along the door edge to prevent scratches while removing and installing the fender.

2. Using a 7mm socket and ratchet, remove the bolts securing the fender liner from the bottom to the top edge of the fender.

3. Use a trim removal tool or flathead screwdriver to remove the push pins securing the fender liner. Continue removing them from the bottom to the top until the fender liner can be completely removed.

4. Using a 10mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts on top of the headlight.

5. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the push pins securing the engine cover, then lift it off.

6. Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the four bolts securing the grille. Check for any missing fasteners before proceeding.

7. From the inside, press down on the clip securing the grille. This will release the bracket. Pull up to remove the grille.

8. Remove the three black trim pieces and bolts on the side of the bumper. Ensure all clips and bolts securing the pieces are completely removed before pulling them off.

9. On the bumper end cap, remove the bolts at the top and front.

10. Lift the headlight assembly out of place. Carefully tilt and pull the headlight forward to release it from its mounting points.

11. Disconnect the headlight wiring harness.

12. Using a 10mm socket with an extension and a medium-sized ratchet, remove the bolts securing the battery. There is another bolt holding down the battery that may require additional effort to access. Lift the battery out and set it aside.

13. Remove the screw securing the intake duct using a Phillips screwdriver, then detach the intake manifold.

14. Use a 10mm socket to remove the bolts securing the coolant reservoir, then lift it out of place.

15. Remove the bolts on top of the battery tray.

16. Remove the bolts securing the sides of the battery tray.

17. Remove the bolt located at the top of the battery tray.

18. Slide the battery tray sideways to clear space. Be mindful of any attached wiring or components that may obstruct movement.

19. Remove the bolt securing the intake support bracket.

20. Use a 13mm socket to remove the bolts securing the hood support bracket. Have a second person hold the hood to prevent accidental drops. Ask someone to hold the hood to prevent it from falling.

21. Use a 10mm socket to remove the bottom fender bolt.

22. Use a socket extension to remove the bolts securing the fender near the door hinge.

23. Remove the front bolts securing the fender underneath the headlight area.

24. Remove the bolts securing the fender along the hood, then carefully lift the fender off.

25. Transfer any necessary components from the old fender to the new one.

26. Position the new fender onto the truck, starting with the front.

27. Insert a temporary bolt to hold the fender in place, but do not fully tighten it. Make sure the fender is properly aligned with the hood hinge before securing.

28. Begin reassembling by reinstalling and securing the bolts underneath the headlight.

29. Ensure everything is properly aligned. Insert the top bolts but do not fully tighten them yet. Double-check the spacing and gaps between the fender and the door before proceeding.

30. Reinstall the hood support bracket and secure it with bolts.

31. Reinstall the battery tray and secure it with bolts.

32. Place the battery back onto the tray.

33. Reconnect and secure the battery terminals by tightening the bolts.

34. Reinstall the fender support bracket.

35. Reinstall the intake support bracket.

36. Place the coolant reservoir back into position and secure it with bolts.

37. Tighten the bolts securing the intake support bracket.

38. Underneath the hood support bracket, reinstall the two bolts. Ensure these bolts are tightened securely, as they help stabilize the hood alignment.

39. Reinstall the intake manifold and secure it in place.

40. Tighten all bolts that were previously left loose, including those securing the fender and hood support bracket.

41. Snap the antenna trim edging back into place.

42. Check the alignment of all components before proceeding.

43. Reinstall the headlight and reconnect the wiring harness.

44. Secure the headlight with the bolts.

45. Test the headlights to ensure they function properly. If the headlights do not turn on, check the wiring harness connection and fuses.

46. Reinstall the grille and align it properly.

47. Use a 10mm socket to secure the bolts on top of the grille.

48. Insert all push pins back into the engine cover.

49. Reinstall the fender liner and secure it with all bolts and plastic clips.

50. Remove the painter’s tape from the door edge.
    

There you have it! Replacing the fender on a Chevrolet Silverado may involve a lot of steps and bolts, but it sure can be done! You can also check out the installation video:

DISCLAIMER: While ReveMoto tries to make the information in this blog as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. No information contained in this blog shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself (DIY) projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. ReveMoto is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this blog.