Replacing a fender on your Nissan Altima might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, a bit of patience, and this comprehensive guide, you can save yourself a significant amount of money by doing it yourself. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of how to get your Altima looking its best again.

Assessing the Damage and Gathering Supplies

Before you even think about wrenching, take a good, hard look at the damaged fender. Evaluate the extent of the damage – is it a minor dent, or is the fender mangled beyond repair? This assessment will help you determine if replacement is truly necessary. Sometimes, a skilled body shop can work wonders with dent removal, but if the damage is too severe, replacement is the way to go. Also, check for any underlying damage to the surrounding areas, such as the hood, bumper, or headlight assembly. Addressing these issues early will prevent headaches later on.

Once you've decided on replacement, it's time to gather your supplies. Here's a list of what you'll likely need:

• New Fender: Make sure it's the correct one for your Altima's year and model. Ordering online can save money, but double-check compatibility before hitting that "buy" button.
• Socket Set: Metric sockets are a must for Japanese cars like the Altima. A variety of sizes will be needed to remove bolts and fasteners.
• Wrench Set: A complementary set of wrenches will help you tackle those hard-to-reach bolts.
• Screwdrivers: Both Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers will come in handy for removing various clips and screws.
• Pliers: For disconnecting electrical connectors and manipulating clips.
• Trim Removal Tools: These plastic tools are essential for removing interior panels and trim pieces without causing damage. Trust me, you don't want to scratch up your interior.
• Jack and Jack Stands: Safely lifting and supporting your Altima is crucial. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
• Wheel Chocks: For added safety, chock the wheels opposite the one you're working on.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt, grease, and sharp edges.
• Safety Glasses: Keep debris out of your eyes.
• Painter's Tape: To protect surrounding panels from scratches during removal and installation.
• Rags or Shop Towels: For wiping away dirt and grease.
• Penetrating Oil: To loosen stubborn bolts.
• Touch-Up Paint (Optional): To address any minor scratches on the new fender.

Having all these tools readily available will make the job smoother and less frustrating. Trust me, nothing is worse than getting halfway through the job and realizing you're missing a crucial tool.

Step-by-Step Fender Removal

Okay, guys, let's get down to business. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to remove the old fender from your Nissan Altima:

1. Safety First: Before you even touch a wrench, disconnect the negative battery terminal. This will prevent any accidental electrical shorts. Engage the parking brake and chock the rear wheels for added safety.
2. Raise and Secure the Vehicle: Use a jack to lift the side of the Altima where you're replacing the fender. Place jack stands securely under the frame rails. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
3. Remove the Wheel: Use your socket set to remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel. This will give you much better access to the fender.
4. Remove Interior Trim: Locate and remove any interior trim pieces that are attached to the fender. This might include the splash shield or any plastic panels in the wheel well. Use your trim removal tools to gently pry these pieces away. Be careful not to break any clips.
5. Detach the Bumper (If Necessary): Depending on the year and model of your Altima, you might need to partially detach the bumper to access the fender bolts. Consult your car's repair manual for specific instructions. Usually, this involves removing screws or clips that hold the bumper to the fender.
6. Locate and Remove Fender Bolts: Now comes the fun part. Locate all the bolts that secure the fender to the car's body. These are typically found along the top edge of the fender (near the hood), along the front edge (near the headlight), and along the bottom edge (near the rocker panel). Use your socket and wrench set to remove these bolts. Some bolts might be hidden behind the door, so open the door to get a better view.
7. Disconnect Any Electrical Connectors: Before you can completely remove the fender, check for any electrical connectors that might be attached to it. This could include side marker lights or turn signal indicators. Disconnect these connectors carefully.
8. Gently Remove the Fender: With all the bolts and connectors removed, you should now be able to gently pull the fender away from the car. Be careful not to scratch the surrounding panels. If the fender is stuck, double-check that you haven't missed any bolts or connectors.

Preparing the New Fender

Before slapping on the new fender, there are a few things you should do to ensure a proper fit and finish:

• Inspect the New Fender: Check for any damage that might have occurred during shipping. Also, make sure it's the correct fender for your Altima's year and model. Compare it to the old fender to ensure they are identical.
• Transfer Any Necessary Parts: Some fenders come bare, meaning you'll need to transfer over parts from the old fender, such as the side marker light or any mounting brackets. Use your tools to carefully remove these parts from the old fender and attach them to the new fender.
• Clean the Mounting Surfaces: Use a clean rag and some degreaser to clean the mounting surfaces on the car's body where the fender will attach. This will ensure a good connection and prevent rust.
• Apply Touch-Up Paint (Optional): If the new fender has any minor scratches, now is the time to apply touch-up paint. Follow the instructions on the paint can for best results.

Installing the New Fender

Alright, time to put that shiny new fender on your Altima. Here’s how to do it:

1. Position the Fender: Carefully align the new fender with the mounting holes on the car's body. Take your time and make sure it's sitting flush against the surrounding panels.
2. Attach the Fender Bolts: Start by loosely attaching a few of the fender bolts. This will hold the fender in place while you attach the remaining bolts. Don't tighten the bolts all the way yet.
3. Align the Fender: Once all the bolts are in place, take a step back and visually inspect the fender's alignment. Make sure it's properly aligned with the hood, bumper, and door. Adjust the fender as needed until it's perfectly aligned.
4. Tighten the Fender Bolts: Now that the fender is properly aligned, tighten all the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Use a torque wrench to ensure you don't overtighten the bolts.
5. Reconnect Any Electrical Connectors: Reconnect any electrical connectors that you disconnected during the removal process. Make sure the connectors are securely attached.
6. Reattach the Bumper (If Necessary): If you had to detach the bumper to remove the old fender, reattach it now. Make sure all the screws and clips are properly secured.
7. Reinstall Interior Trim: Reinstall any interior trim pieces that you removed earlier. Use your trim removal tools to gently snap them back into place.
8. Reinstall the Wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
9. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground using the jack. Remove the jack stands and wheel chocks.
10. Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

Final Touches and Inspection

Congratulations, you've successfully replaced the fender on your Nissan Altima! But before you pat yourself on the back, there are a few final touches to take care of:

• Inspect the Alignment: Take one last look at the fender's alignment to make sure everything is sitting properly. Pay close attention to the gaps between the fender, hood, bumper, and door.
• Test the Lights: Turn on the headlights, turn signals, and side marker lights to make sure they are all working properly.
• Take a Test Drive: Take your Altima for a short test drive to make sure there are no unusual noises or vibrations.
• Clean Up: Clean up your work area and put away your tools.

Conclusion

Replacing a fender on your Nissan Altima is a manageable task with the right preparation and guidance. By following these steps, you can save money and gain a sense of accomplishment. Remember to prioritize safety and take your time. If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to consult a professional mechanic. Good luck, and happy wrenching!