Quick Tip: How to Remove Front Wheel Opening Moldings (Fender Flares) on a Generation 3 Ford Explorer (2002-2005) (w/ Ford part numbers)

[JB05Limited4x4]

Hey Explorer enthusiasts,

If you're looking to remove the Wheel Opening Moldings (fender flares) on your Generation 3 Ford Explorer (2002-2005), here's a quick guide to help you out:

Tools Needed:

• Trim removal tool Plastic pry tools
• Safety gloves

Quick Steps:

1. Prep:
   • Park on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
   • Lifting the vehicle or removing the tire will provide extra room, but is not necessary.
   • Wear work gloves to protect your hands. Not just nitrile gloves, from dirt and debris.
     • There may be rust behind these that may cut you, stay tetanus free!
2. Front Fender Flares:
   • Remove (5 long) visible plastic retainer clips along the inner edge. Stem Diameter: 7.5mm, Stem Length: 33mm
   • Remove (2 short) plastic retainer clips along the bottom edge near the front doors. Stem Diameter: 7.5mm, Stem Length: 20.5mm
   • The moldings are still held on by retainer clips within the molding.
     • Essentially, each clip needs to be removed by pulling in a direction away from the center of the tire.
   • Put on work gloves. This is the part that may cut you.
   • Start towards the front of the SUV and pull towards the front of it, you'll see a smaller square retainer clip.
     • These square retainers let you get away with pulling in the wrong direction a little
   • The rest are elongated, so be sure to pull in the correct direction (away from the center of the tire).
   • Working your way around until you get to the bottom, you'll see another square retainer clip.

For a detailed, step-by-step video guide


Replacement Fender Flares (Wheel Opening Moldings)

• Driver Front Fender Flare
  • Part # 1L2Z-16039-EA
• Driver Front Bumper Flare
  • Part # 1L2Z-16039-ACA
• Passenger Front Fender Flare
  • Part # 1L2Z-16038-EA
• Passenger Front Bumper Flare
  • Part # 1L2Z-16038-ACA

Front Bumper Flares (not detailed here, but things to know)
These require you to either remove the Bumper or Fender or at least loosen everything to the point to access the rivet. Details on that in another post.
There is a metal rivet holding this in at the top of the bumper, a Phillips head screw on the edge, and 3 retaining clips (similar but not the same as on the fender) on the face of it.

Got questions or tips? Drop them below! Good luck with your project!