How to Remove a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla Fender

Replacing the passenger-side fender on your 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla may look difficult, but it’s easier than it seems! Even if you’ve never worked on a car before, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step removal and installation process. If you can open a jar of pickles, you’ve got the strength to do this job!

The Toyota Corolla, the reliable sibling of the legendary Toyota Camry, is known for its longevity. To keep it looking as great as it runs, maintaining its body panels is essential. Whether your fender is damaged or you're just upgrading, this guide will help you remove and replace the fender with ease.

Tools Needed

To successfully remove your Corolla’s fender, you’ll need:

• 10mm socket wrench with an extension

• Flathead screwdriver

• Panel clip removal tool (or an additional flathead screwdriver)

• Yellow painter’s tape (optional, for protecting adjacent panels)
  

Most people don’t have a panel clip removal tool, but a flathead screwdriver works just fine. The painter’s tape is optional, but it helps prevent scratches when removing and installing the fender.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing the Fender

1. Start by applying painter’s tape to the A-pillar, hood, bumper, and door to protect adjacent panels from scratches.

2. Turn the front passenger-side wheel to the left to create more space for accessing the fender liner pins and screws.

3. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic push pin underneath the fender near the rocker panel, followed by four additional plastic push pins around the fender liner.

4. Locate the small push pin where the fender and bumper meet and remove it with a flathead screwdriver.

5. Remove the larger push pin by twisting it counterclockwise before pulling it out.

6. Use a 10mm socket wrench to remove the two bolts securing the fender liner and splash shield underneath the fender/front bumper.

7. Open the hood and remove the three 10mm bolts securing the top of the fender.

8. Remove the bolt securing the headlight to the fender and then pop the headlight off the fender.

9. Pull the corner of the bumper outward until it snaps off from the fender.

10. Slightly push the bumper away to access and remove the hidden bolt below the bracket using a 10mm socket wrench.

11. Locate and remove the three bolts securing the fender bracket with a 10mm socket wrench.

12. Remove the cover between the fender and door by pushing it upward with force.

13. Use a socket wrench to remove two bolts: one located under the removed cover and another just below it inside the door opening.

14. Remove two additional bolts underneath the fender where it meets the door.

15. Pull out the plastic piece behind the fender.

16. Use a 10mm socket wrench to remove the bolt hidden behind the plastic piece.

Additional Step: Hidden Bolt Behind the Fender Liner

Your fender still isn't moving because there is a bolt hidden behind the fender liner. Behind the fender liner, there is a hard plastic cover. Honestly, we’re not too sure what this cover does—maybe it’s for noise cancellation or perhaps Toyota engineers wanted to make our lives just a little bit harder. Most likely, it’s designed to prevent debris from getting behind your fender.

How to remove it: There is a small circular cap/pin that you need to remove to loosen the cover. Don’t worry about damaging the cover—it’s just plastic, so pull it out forcefully. Behind that cover, you’ll find one lonesome 10mm bolt. Remove that bolt, and you should be home free!

17. Pull back the fender liner to expose the hard plastic cover and remove the small circular cap/pin securing it.

18. Forcefully pull out the plastic cover to reveal a hidden 10mm bolt, then remove the bolt.

19. Pull out the plastic trim cover near the windshield cowl, remove the rubber piece to expose a hidden bolt, and use a socket wrench with an extension to remove it.

20. Finally, pull the fender toward the headlight and away from the vehicle to remove it completely.

Installing the Fender

Installing your fender is much easier now that you have removed the old one. Essentially, you just need to work in reverse order.

Be sure to fit the fender snugly. Our replacement parts are designed to fit as well as your original equipment fender. However, some accidents may cause unseen damage behind the panel, so inspect the brackets and frame to ensure they are not bent. Any misalignment can affect the fitment of your new fender.

You should also check the spacing between the fender and the hood. If the gap is too close or too wide, compare it to the other side for reference. Run your finger along the panel gaps—if it feels uneven or gets pinched, there is a spacing issue. To fix this, simply loosen the bolts, adjust the fender, and tighten it back in place.

If you encounter any issues, have questions, or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to chat online with our staff. We knew you could tackle this job on your own!

Our video tutorial for the fender removal and installation process is available below

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.