Clunking noise wheel well fender liner

[Henrique14]

Been getting a clunking noise at low speeds and uneven roads/bumps lately, i took it to garage who checked suspension track rod ends etc and they said it's all ok no issues.

I was having another look today myself and noticed my driver side wheel well liner/fender is split and very loose on the part pictured.

I got my wife to sit in the driver's cabin whilst I moved it around to try and replicate the noise and she said it sounds like the noise we've been getting whilst driving.

So, I guess my question is how hard are these to replace? Or should I just try and repair it first with strong tape or something? To see if that eradicates the noise?

[Arkis]

It's quite easy. Just take the wheel off and it's a few plastic clips (can be removed by flathead screwdriver) and few star shaped torx screws (unfortunatelly I don't remember size). Just be carefull around ABS sensor cables so you don't rip them while removing the arch.

Also while you are in there, remember to clean behind the plastic. There might be quite a lot of dirt which holds moisture which leads to rusting.

[Henrique14]

It's quite easy. Just take the wheel off and it's a few plastic clips (can be removed by flathead screwdriver) and few star shaped torx screws (unfortunatelly I don't remember size). Just be carefull around ABS sensor cables so you don't rip them while removing the arch.

Also while you are in there, remember to clean behind the plastic. There might be quite a lot of dirt which holds moisture which leads to rusting.

Ok thank you.
Where exactly are the abs sensor cables located so I know to look out for them?

[Arkis]

It will be around the center of the wheel arch. It's around 4mm in diameter, black cable. Don't worry, you will see it once you remove the wheel.

[mickthemaverick]

As long as there is no plastic actually missing you can repair it with a hot staple gun like this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385087439866 ... BM7rPCmrhl

This is the same job I did and it has remained sound ever since. Not shown here is that having completed the stapling I then ran a bead of black GP200 along the crack to complete the seal.

viewtopic.php?p=796063#p796063

And another example of what you can do :

viewtopic.php?p=818296#p818296

[Henrique14]

As long as there is no plastic actually missing you can repair it with a hot staple gun like this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385087439866 ... BM7rPCmrhl

This is the same job I did and it has remained sound ever since. Not shown here is that having completed the stapling I then ran a bead of black GP200 along the crack to complete the seal.

viewtopic.php?p=796063#p796063

And another example of what you can do :

viewtopic.php?p=818296#p818296

I did think of doing that, however I don't think my initial image did it justice.



Its competed snapped so not sure it's repairable? And I've seen aftermarket ones on eBay for around £40

[mickthemaverick]

Having seen that I still think it's repairable without removing it from the car so no disturbance elsewhere. £40 for a part versus £16 for the staple gun, I'd take the chance as it means no potential issues erupting elsewhere, plus you'd have the gun for future jobs!!

[Arkis]

I would see one problem with stapling it. Stable does not create seal. The water splashing from the wheel will run down the crack. Most of it will make it out but on my 206 and my C4 Picasso there is dimple towards the doors and water would just sit there.

[Vic Evans]

As long as there is no plastic actually missing you can repair it with a hot staple gun like this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385087439866 ... BM7rPCmrhl

This is the same job I did and it has remained sound ever since. Not shown here is that having completed the stapling I then ran a bead of black GP200 along the crack to complete the seal.

viewtopic.php?p=796063#p796063

And another example of what you can do :

viewtopic.php?p=818296#p818296

Excellent thread which reminded me that I have a couple of non car related plastic things that have been kicking about for ages waiting for inspiration to repair 'em.
Hot staple gun ordered & should be with me tomorrow.

[mickthemaverick]

I would see one problem with stapling it. Stable does not create seal. The water splashing from the wheel will run down the crack. Most of it will make it out but on my 206 and my C4 Picasso there is dimple towards the doors and water would just sit there.

Yes indeed, that is why you seal the crack once held together with the staples. As I said I used GP200 which remains secure still!