GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1998 🢒 Grand Am 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Body Front End 🢒 Front Fender Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the hood.
  2. Tape the edges of the fender in order to protect the fender from scratching.
  3. Remove the rocker molding from the fender. Refer to Rocker Panel Molding Replacement in Exterior Trim.
  4. Remove the wheel housing. Refer to Wheelhouse Panel Replacement .
  5. Remove the grille. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement .
  6. Remove the headlamp assembly. Refer to Headlamp Assembly Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  7. Remove the bumper fascia from the fender. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement in Bumpers.
  8. For Oldsmobiles and Buicks only, remove the hood hold open rod from the fender. Refer to Hood Hold-Open Rod Replacement .
  9. Mark the position of the hood on the hinge.

    10. Object Number: 384126 Size: SH
  10. Remove the hood hinge bolts.
  11. Remove the bolts (2) from the fender upper brace.

    12. Remove the fender upper brace.

  12. Remove the screws (9) from the fender center bracket.
  13. Remove the fender center bracket.
  14. Remove the fender bolts (8,3,7,5).
  15. Remove the fender (4).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 384126 Size: SH
  1. Install the fender (4).

    2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  2. Install the fender bolts.

    3. Tighten

        • Tighten bolts (8) to 12 N·m (106 lb in).
        • Tighten bolts (3) to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).
        • Tighten bolts (7) to 9 N·m (80 lb in).
        • Tighten bolts (5) to 6 N·m (54 lb in).
  3. Install the fender center bracket.
  4. Install the bolts to the fender center bracket.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 11 N·m (97 lb in).

  5. Install the fender upper brace.
  6. Install the bolts to the fender upper brace.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 4.5 N·m (39.8 lb in).

  7. For Oldsmobiles and Buicks only, install the hood hold open assist rod to the fender. Refer to Hood Hold-Open Rod Replacement .
  8. Install the hood hinge bolts.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  9. Install the bumper fascia to the fender. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement in Bumpers.
  10. Install the headlamp assembly. Refer to Headlamp Assembly Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  11. Install the grille. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement .
  12. Install the wheel housing. Refer to Wheelhouse Panel Replacement .
  13. Install the rocker molding to the fender. Refer to Rocker Panel Molding Replacement in Exterior Trim.
  14. Inspect the fender alignment. Refer to Body Panel Opening Clearances.