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Cover above tires is coming loose or is completely gone

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Freeze Time, Dec 17, 2020.

  1. Freeze Time

    Freeze Time Member

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    I don't know the name of the part but it's above and around the tires and covers behind the headlight. About 6 months ago, I was driving and the front left tire part starting coming apart. I noticed a sound and so I pulled over and it was loose and so I snapped it back into place and didn't think anything of it. Well, last night driving on the freeway and I heard a loud noise. Thought I blew a tire. Sure enough, it was the same piece but this time, half of it was gone. The half covering behind the headlight was gone and I could see wires. The back half was loose and I noticed some bolts missing.

    Well, I was able to get it to where it was driveable to get home. After some inspection, I noticed that the front right side has nothing covering it. The back 2 tires are covered. I bought this car salvaged so I assume the previous owner crashed it and it was poorly fixed or this just came loose over time. I have never had the problem with hearing any noise on the right side so I am thinking I bought the car with the right side completely bare of any plastic or whatever covering. I did see some bolts leftover though so I used those for the left side which has half of the covering still there.

    What is this called and do I need to have it replaced? I have been driving for 2 years now without the covering on the front right side. The previous owner obviously wasn't 100% honest with me and it's also my fault for not inspecting the car enough. Do you even know what I am trying to describe? I don't know what it's called other than it's plastic like and is above all 4 tires, well, it's supposed to be anyway.
     
  2. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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  3. bettergolf

    bettergolf Active Member

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    I think you're talking about the plastic fenderwell covers. I also bough my 2015 salvaged and one of mine was damaged in the accident and poorly reattached. It came loose and rubbed the tire making a really loud noise. I drilled some holes through it and the lip of the fender and reattached it with some sheet metal screws. 3 years ago...no problem since. Yes it was held on with plastic push rivets originally.
     
  4. Freeze Time

    Freeze Time Member

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    That's exactly what I am referring to. Now I know what they are called. Is it more of a looks thing? If I have been going without one on the right front side this whole time, should I even bother with the cost to replace both front sides?
     
  5. Tande

    Tande Active Member

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    Well, it does offer some protection from "Road/Splash" to things like the washer/pump......some wiring etc. .........
     
  6. bettergolf

    bettergolf Active Member

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    Yes, I would have them installed...I am also missing the underbody "skid pan" under the engine but It's been 3 years without it now and no problems. All I can say is it's a lot easier to do my oil changes!
     
  7. Freeze Time

    Freeze Time Member

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    I am probably going to be driving cross country so I want to get these ordered and installed to protect from anything the road might throw at me. I was looking around and some reviews state that even though the covers say they will fit, they don't. Some are too short and some have to be forced into fitting. Has anyone here ordered fender liners/covers that fit with no problems?
    I am looking at these on amazon:
    Splash Shield Front Left and Right Side Fender Liner Set of 2 Plastic Sedan Compatible with Toyota Prius 10-15 for $39.01
    Just because it includes both sides but I don't have any problem ordering different brands separately as long as they fit. Some newer reviews state they fit while older ones state they don't.

    I can't tell if these liners come with the clips or whatever it is that keeps them in place. If not, what is it called that I need to purchase?
     
    #7 Freeze Time, Apr 30, 2021
    Last edited: Apr 30, 2021
  8. Paul E. Highway

    Paul E. Highway Active Member

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    I used budget fender liners and they fit fine. They do not come with any clips or screws (there are several different connectors needed) so look up the parts numbers on a Toyota site and have them on hand when the liners arrive.
     
  9. Freeze Time

    Freeze Time Member

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    Where did you buy them? The ones I was looking at on amazon shot up $15 since yesterday and the shipping now says by the 12th and yesterday it was the 6th. I need to have then installed by next week. I have a death in the family and need to get to NC. I was going to fly but it will be a lot easier if I have my own car. I can then stop at some ballparks on the way back.
     
  10. Paul E. Highway

    Paul E. Highway Active Member

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  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    There’s one fastener at the trailing end of that liner, that’s a real pain, pretty much has to be destroyed to remove, which you will need to do. There’s another tricky one that’s on the edge of the wheel well; it needs to be turned 90 degs, then it easily pries out.

    there’s also a band of metal with some weld nuts and bolts, clamping the bottom pan trailing edge to the leading edge of wheel well liner. Treat that as a permanent connection: itll quickly rust up and become “permanent”. I’ve tried backing out the bolts of that joint but the heads snap off.
     
  12. Freeze Time

    Freeze Time Member

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    Okay so that sounds like a pain. Not an easy install. I was going to have my mechanic do it. So I need to order both drivers and passengers and also the clips and screws. No idea why they don't come with them. This isn't as easy as I was hoping.
     
  13. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    I know you want to feel secure but I have been driving without mine for 4 or 5 years. Mine became loose after hitting a metal bar that was dropped by a vehicle in front of me on an interstate.

    The way I look at it, without them I don't have to worry about them becoming loose again.
     
  14. Freeze Time

    Freeze Time Member

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    Very good point but I just figure if I drive cross country, I might have something hit a wire or something else that is exposed and it might damage it. I have read posts about people telling me not to worry and others stating it's something you need to have. It's also a paranoia that you can easily see the wires and some knucklehead might be walking along and decide to cut them.
     
    royrose likes this.