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Can I drive without this plastic wheel guard piece?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by goshdonit, Jul 4, 2022.

  1. goshdonit

    goshdonit New Member

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    As the title says, this plastic wheel guard thing fell off today from my 2010 (Gen 3) Prius. Im including a photo of the area missing the guard, as well as a view of the mirrored part on the other front tire) or can I drive with out plastic wheel guard in front of my tires? It had been zip tied on for years so this was probably bound to happen.

    Three questions:
    1. What is the name of this part? Is it the fender liner? I have tried doing some research but I cannot quite figure it out.
    2. Is this safe to drive on? I was anticipating about 150 miles of driving in the next couple days for the holiday. I am in a dry climate and mostly freeway driving.
    3. Is this a repair I can DIY or should I take it into a shop? I am not really a car guy, but I am quite good at following YouTube instructions and can manage fine with basics (checking and changing oil and other fluids, tire change, etc)


    Thanks for any advice offered!

    [​IMG]
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  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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  3. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    The links to all your pictures are broken, so no one can see them.

    Based on the description, though, I'd guess you mean the fender liner. If so, yes, you can drive without it, but you'll get a boatload of debris flung into places that you might not want debris flung.

    We often get cars from auction that are missing the liner. We always put one in before it is ready for sale. It's easy to do, but you'll need the right fasteners. Best to raise that corner of the car and remove the wheel for better access.
     
  4. burebista

    burebista Active Member

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    I've "translated" bad url for images. :)

     
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  5. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Looks like the right side is about to fall off, too.
     
  6. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Yep, you're missing the entire fender liner, small triangular corner undercover, and air diverter thing that attaches at the triangular corner undercover/fender liner connection that sits in front of the wheel. You'll need fender screws, push rivets with square bodies, and a special clip for the liner to bumper cover attachment.

    So, three pieces of black plastic.

    My 2016 Corolla purchased from a dealer "as is, no warranty" was missing the right front fender liner. It was fairly easy to install/replace, if you have the correct fasteners.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #6 xliderider, Jul 4, 2022
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2022
  7. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    You can buy also in more flexible plastic. That won't crack . Get brittle etc.
     
  8. goshdonit

    goshdonit New Member

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    Thank you. I guess I’m limited on posting links since my account is new
     
  9. ToyXW

    ToyXW Active Member

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    Fender liner, splash guard, etc.

    Toyota part # 53876-47071 (~$85)

    2010 Toyota Prius Hatchback Liner, front fender, left. Interior, hood, body - 5387647071 - Genuine Toyota Part


    One of the many aftermarket examples (~$35)
    K-Metal® - Toyota Prius 2010 Front Fender Liner

    The Sacramento pick-n-pull lists one 2011 prius in its inventory, but the fender liner probably isn't any good. It would be about $20. Stockton lists a couple 3rd gen prii in inventory. You'll also need some little clips & retainers which you could probably attach to the fender liner at pick-n-pull.

    Yes, but obviously not ideal. Water and road debris will be thrown into that wiring and the lightly primered metal you see in the picture and eventually it'll cause problems.

    It is a good DIY job.
    [​IMG]
     
  10. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    Without it your bumper cover flaps in the wind and will rip off. You're also trashing your elec connections
     
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  11. goshdonit

    goshdonit New Member

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    I’ve looked all over but can’t find what the names of those other two parts you’re describing here might be (the corner undercover and the air diverter thing). What should I be asking for or searching for online to find those parts?

    Sorry if I’m missing somewhere obvious for looking up these things; I’m very new to this.
     
  12. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Sorry, apparently the small corner piece comes attached to the fender liner, so you just need the fender liner and the diverter.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  13. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    #13 xliderider, Jul 6, 2022
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2022
  14. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    I got the entire liner on amazon and had to buy the front wheel spoiler thingy from someplace else - because it wasn't on amazon.

    I ran over some road debris and it ripped that front liner out. Lots of buzzing; because all that plastic up there is missing part of it's support structure and allowing wind behind areas that should be shielded. If you keep driving the car like that, you'll risk ripping some more plastic out and lower mpg, due to wind resistance.
     
  15. goshdonit

    goshdonit New Member

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    Thanks for this info. You’re talking about this part, right?
     
  16. goshdonit

    goshdonit New Member

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    Ooh, I did see this during my research yesterday. Thank you very much for confirming. Hopefully will find it at a decent price.
     
  17. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Nope, the parts catalog from xliderider is one of the parts, the other is #9 in that parts diagram.

    Hope this helps.

    FYI: watch out for shipping cost!! they tried to charge me more for shipping the part than the cost of the part itself... Both items were less than $100 total, including shipping. Amazon cost was a little higher, but without the shipping charge - made it worth it.
     
  18. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Check dealership parts departments too. Even if they’re somewhat higher price, they’ll double check compatibility (or they should), and if there’s a screw up they’ll make it right.
     
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  19. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Part numbers are 53851D (RH side), or 53852B (LH side) for the fender extension, diverter things.

    The part numbers for the fender liners are the top two in this diagram.

    These two pieces are the only ones you need, other than the assorted screws and push pin fasteners.

    You'll also need special clip/fastener, part number 53879A, if it's not still attached to your bumper cover. Screenshot_20220708-070630_Chrome.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  20. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I think those are the catalog numbers, which will lead you to the part no, when you click on them.

    Here's one site:

    Hood & front fender for Toyota Prius XW30, 3 generation 01.2009 - 11.2011 - Toyota Car and Auto Spare Parts - Genuine Online Car Parts Catalogue - Amayama
     
    #20 Mendel Leisk, Jul 8, 2022
    Last edited: Jul 8, 2022
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