1997 Limited front fender removal

[tim702]

I'm trying to get access to the power antenna motor and was wondering if anyone knows how to remove the front fender? I know you can go up through the wheel well for motor access. I have done that on two separate occasions to pull the motor out in order to remove a piece of broken antenna mast inside the motor prior to installing a new mast. This is different though. The bracket which the motor bolts to has detached itself from the inner fender panel. I think it was tack welded and the weld simply failed. Nevertheless, I can't figure out how to re-secure it without removing the fender. There simply isn't enough room to go up through the wheel well or through the gap at the door post. Perhaps removing the fender flare alone might work, rather than the entire fender? I'd like to do that anyway to repaint.

 

[cj80cruiser]

Fender removal is fairly simple. Remove your front bumper and grill for easiest access.

You'll have to remove the painted metal piece under the the headlight to access one bolt that is hidden behind it. Careful with the plastic clip located on one end of that piece I'm talking about because it is more than likely brittle.

Next find all the plastic plugs in the wheel well that hold the fender to the support and remove. Then its just a matter of removing about 8 remaining 10mm headed bolts.

Might be a good time to install the Tacoma whip antenna instead.

 

[Singtoe]

I wouldn't remove the fender. Remove your antenna and if the bracket is broke, drill a hole through the cabin and bolt on another bracket.

Removing the fender is a lot of work.

 

[jc1kz]

Why don't you just access it through the wheel well? remove the splash guard and access the antenna motor and wiring...much simpler

 

[cj80cruiser]

I like the addition of the [OP] for the original poster. Has this been there and I just didn't notice? Anyway good idea to whomever added that feature.

I guess I've taken my fender off so many times it doesn't seem like that much work.

 

[tim702]

Why don't you just access it through the wheel well? remove the splash guard and access the antenna motor and wiring...much simpler

The only way to go through the wheel well is by taking off the fender flare and the wheel well splash guard. I can ACCESS the motor to remove/install it by removing 2 plastic clips and flexing the splash guard, but that simply will not allow me enough space or visibility to re-secure the broken L bracket. I now believe that it is not necessary to remove the entire fender, but the fender flare at a minimum has to come off. It is screwed on in the wheel well and I think Toyota used double sided tape to secure it to the metal fender. I pulled and pulled but it won't budge and I don't want to break it. The local body shop quoted about $160 to remove the flare, tack weld the bracket and re-install the flare. I think I'm going to let the experts do it.

 

[tim702]

I wouldn't remove the fender. Remove your antenna and if the bracket is broke, drill a hole through the cabin and bolt on another bracket.

Removing the fender is a lot of work.

I like the simplicity of this idea but how would you know if the motor is in the proper position? I need to be able to see into this space to confirm proper placement. If I can't, I'd be afraid that I would end up bolting it in the wrong location which would cause it to extend in a non-vertical position. I'd hate to be driving down the highway looking at an extended antenna which was leaning 30 degrees forward. It would drive me crazy!

 

[Singtoe]

You don't need to remove the flare to access the antenna. Just remove the inner fender. If you want more room, remove the wheel and you should have plenty of space to make the repair.