Wheel arch covers: common faults and their symptoms

1. Cracks and chips
   • If a hole is in the middle of the wheel arch cover, water from the wheel can get at the fog lights.
   • Knocks are heard from the front or rear wheel arch covers.
   • Mechanical damage is visible.
2. Loosened fasteners
   • Rust is formed on the fender and the wheel arch in places where the wheel arch cover does not fit tightly.
   • Extraneous noise is heard from the wheel.
   • Sometimes the wheel arch cover may fall out completely from the wheel arch while driving.

How to replace wheel arch covers?

Faulty wheel arch covers cannot be repaired. This component should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid corrosion of the adjacent components of the vehicle and subsequent costly repair. Mudguards and dust boots of the wheel arches are to be replaced together with the wheel arch covers. If you have certain skills, you can do it yourself. To replace wheel arch covers, do the following:

1. Remove wheel bolts or nuts, lift the vehicle with a jack, and remove the wheel.
2. Wrap the brake disc into protective poly film to avoid damaging it during installation of the wheel arch cover.
3. Unscrew the attaching screws of the side step protective shield and remove it.
4. Remove the screws that attach the wheel arch cover to the bumper and to the body of the vehicle.
5. Remove the faulty wheel arch cover, clean its seat from dirt.
6. Install a new wheel arch cover, and perform assembly in reverse order.

Keep in mind that the process of dismantling may be different for various vehicle models, so please check it in the technical documentation of your vehicle. If you have insufficient experience, to have the components replaced, please contact a service station.