Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD2012EXPLORER FWD V6-3.5LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISBODY AND FRAMEFENDERFRONT FENDERSERVICE AND REPAIRFENDER
2012 Ford Explorer FWD V6-3.5L
Fender
2012 Ford Explorer FWD V6-3.5LSECTION Fender
Fender
Material(s)
Removal
1. Remove the headlamp assembly. REFER to Headlamp Assembly .
2. Remove the cowl panel grille. REFER to Cowl Panel Grille .
3. NOTE: RH (Right Hand) shown, LH (Left Hand) similar.
Using a plastic trim removal tool, carefully remove the cowl panel grille filler panel beginning at the rear and working forward.
4. Remove the fender splash shield. REFER to Fender Splash Shield .
5. NOTE: LH (Left Hand) shown, RH (Right Hand) similar.
Remove the 2 fender-to-rocker panel bolts.
6. NOTE: LH (Left Hand) shown, RH (Right Hand) similar.
Remove the fender-to-A-pillar bolt.
7. Remove the windshield applique. REFER to Applique - Windshield .
8. NOTE: LH (Left Hand) shown, RH (Right Hand) similar.
Remove the fender-to-cowl panel bolt.
9. NOTE: LH (Left Hand) shown, RH (Right Hand) similar.
Remove the 2 front fender-to-apron bolts.
10. NOTE: LH (Left Hand) shown, RH (Right Hand) similar.
Remove the 2 top fender-to-apron bolts.
11. NOTE: LH (Left Hand) shown, RH (Right Hand) similar.
Carefully cut the foam sealer between the fender, fender baffle and the A-pillar.
12. Remove the fender.
Installation
1. Position the fender and A-pillar baffle to the vehicle.
2. NOTE: LH (Left Hand) shown, RH (Right Hand) similar.
Loosely install the 2 top fender-to-apron bolts.
3. NOTE: LH (Left Hand) shown, RH (Right Hand) similar.
Loosely install the 2 front fender-to-apron bolts.
4. NOTE: LH (Left Hand) shown, RH (Right Hand) similar.
Loosely install the fender-to-cowl bolt.
5. NOTE: LH (Left Hand) shown, RH (Right Hand) similar.
Loosely install the 2 fender-to-rocker panel bolts.
6. Adjust the fender to specification. REFER to Component Description .
7. NOTE: LH (Left Hand) shown, RH (Right Hand) similar.
Apply flexible foam repair material to the fender, fender baffle and A-pillar seam.
8. Tighten all fender fasteners.
- Tighten all to 12 Nm (106 lb-in).
9. Install the fender splash shield. REFER to Fender Splash Shield .
10. Install the windshield applique. REFER to Applique - Windshield .
11. NOTE: RH (Right Hand) shown, LH (Left Hand) similar.
Install the cowl panel grille filler panel.
12. Install the cowl panel grille. REFER to Cowl Panel Grille .
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.