Rear fenders on Nissan Navara - this is not just a tuning element, but an important detail that protects the body from dirt, sand and mechanical damage. Their installation is especially relevant for owners Navara D40 And NP300/D23who operate a pickup truck in off-road conditions or frequent trips on dirt roads. Without high-quality fender liners, the rear of the wheel arches quickly becomes covered with chips, rust and loses its presentable appearance.

In this article we will look at what types of rear fender liners exist for Nissan Navara, how to choose them correctly, taking into account the year of manufacture and modification of the pickup truck, and we will also give step-by-step installation instructions. We will pay special attention to materials (plastic, rubber, aluminum), brands (Mudflaps, Husky Liners, WeatherTech) and nuances that will help avoid installation errors. If you are planning to improve the protection of your Navara or just want to give it a more aggressive look - this guide is for you.

Why are rear fender liners needed on a Nissan Navara?

Many owners Nissan Navara They underestimate the role of rear fender liners, considering them to be purely a decorative element. In fact, their functions are much broader:

  • 🛡️ Protection of paintwork from chipping: Sand, gravel and small stones thrown from the rear wheels cause microscopic damage to the paint. Over time, this leads to corrosion, especially in chipped areas.
  • 🚿 Reduced body contamination: Fender liners reduce splashing of dirt onto the tailgate, bumper and lights, making cleaning easier and maintaining appearance.
  • 🔧 Preventing water from entering the interior: On open body models (eg Navara King Cab) fender liners reduce the risk of moisture penetrating through the seals.
  • 💨 Improved aerodynamics: Some fender liners optimize air flow around the rear wheels, which can slightly reduce fuel consumption.

The installation of fender liners is especially important for owners Navara, which:

  • 🏕️ They often drive on off-road or gravel roads.
  • 🌧️ Operate the pickup truck in rainy climates or in winter (salt and reagents accelerate corrosion).
  • 🚗 They transport goods that can damage paintwork due to friction (for example, construction materials).
⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Navara D40 With factory wheel arch liners (if any) there is often a problem with the fasteners peeling off due to vibration. When choosing new fender liners, pay attention to reinforced metal brackets or models with rubber shock absorbers.
📊 What type of roads dominate your journeys in the Navara?
  • Urban (asphalt)
  • Country (dirt/gravel)
  • Off-road (mud, snow)
  • Mixed type

Types of rear fender liners for Nissan Navara: comparison of materials

The choice of fender liner material directly affects their durability, weight and cost. Let's look at the main options available for Navara:

Material Pros Cons Average service life Price (per set)
Rubber (EPDM) Flexibility, frost resistance, low price Over time, it becomes tanned and may crack due to strong temperature changes. 3–5 years 1 500–3 000 ₽
Plastic (polypropylene, ABS) Lightweight, UV resistant, wide range of designs May break under strong impacts, some models squeak 4–7 years 2 500–6 000 ₽
Aluminum Maximum strength, stylish look, does not rust Expensive, heavier than other options, may rattle on uneven surfaces 7–10 years 8 000–15 000 ₽
Composite (rubber + plastic) Combines the flexibility of rubber and the strength of plastic, silent High price, limited selection of models 5–8 years 5 000–10 000 ₽

For most owners Nissan Navara the optimal choice would be plastic fender liners — they offer a balance of price, durability and appearance. If the pickup is used in extreme conditions (for example, for hunting or fishing), it is worth considering aluminum or composite options.

Important: On Navara NP300/D23 (2015–present) factory fender liner mounts differ from D40. When purchasing, check compatibility with your modification!

Top 5 fender liner brands for Nissan Navara: what to choose?

The market offers dozens of fender liner options for Navara, but not all of them are of equal quality. We analyzed the reviews of the owners and highlighted 5 proven brands:

  • 🏆 Husky Liners (USA) - premium fender liners made of thermoplastic elastomer. Suitable for extreme conditions, 5 year warranty. Minus: high price (from 12,000 ₽).
  • 🔝 WeatherTech (USA) - plastic fender liners with laser adjustment Navara D40/D23. Easy to clean, no squeaks. Minus: limited color range.
  • 💰 Mudflaps (Taiwan) - a budget option with a good price/quality ratio. Models made of rubber and composite are popular. Minus: fastenings sometimes require modification.
  • 🛡️ Rally Armor (USA) - aluminum fender liners for off-road use. Weight 1.2 kg (versus 0.5 kg for plastic), but maximum protection. Minus: complex installation.
  • 🇷🇺 AutoStyle (Russia) - inexpensive plastic fender liners adapted for Russian roads. Minus: shorter resource (2–3 years).

If you are looking the best combination of price and quality, pay attention to Mudflaps or AutoStyle. For long-term protection without compromise Husky Liners or WeatherTech.

⚠️ Attention: On Navara With a lift kit or larger wheels (for example, 33" or more), standard fender liners may not fit. In this case, order models marked Extended or Off-Road.
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Before purchasing, check whether fasteners are included in the kit. Often bolts and nuts have to be purchased separately (we recommend stainless steel M6 or M8).

Step-by-step instructions for installing rear fender liners on a Nissan Navara

Installing fender liners on Navara does not require special skills, but there are nuances depending on the model and material. Let's look at the process using an example Navara D40 with plastic fender liners:

Raise the car on a lift or use a jack with jack stands|

Clean the wheel arches from dirt (especially the mounting areas)|

Check the completeness of the fender liners (screws, washers, instructions) |

Prepare the tools: 10mm socket wrench, screwdriver, WD-40-->

Step 1. Removing old fender liners (if any)

On Navara D40 Factory fender liners are attached with 3-4 self-tapping screws to the arch and 2 bolts to the bumper. Unscrew them with a socket wrench. If the fasteners are rusty, treat them WD-40 10–15 minutes before dismantling.

Step 2. Trying on new fender liners

Attach the fender liner to the arch and check the alignment of the holes. On Navara NP300 You may need to trim the plastic around the rear shock absorber (use a hacksaw).

Step 3. Attaching the fender liners

Start with the top fastenings (to the arch), then fix the lower ones (to the bumper). Tighten the bolts not all the way - The plastic may burst. For rubber fender liners, use sealant at the joints to avoid vibrations.

Step 4. Check

After installation, check:

  • ✅ Is there any friction between the fender liner and the wheel when turning the steering wheel?
  • ✅ Reliability of all fastenings (shake the fender liner with your hand).
  • ✅ The gaps between the fender liner and the body (must be the same).
⚠️ Attention: On Navara with rear differential lock (Rear Diff Lock) the fender liners can cling to the mechanism when the wheels are turned completely. In this case, modification is required (trimming or installing spacers).
What should I do if the fender liners rattle after installation?

If, after installation, the fender liners make extraneous sounds, the reasons may be as follows:

1. **Weak tightening of fasteners** - tighten the bolts with a torque wrench (torque 8–10 Nm).

2. **No spacers** - add rubber washers between the metal bracket and the plastic of the fender liner.

3. **Deformation of the fender liner** - heat it with a hair dryer (temperature 60–70°C) and give it the desired shape.

4. **Vibration from the wheel** - check the balancing of the rear wheels.

Errors during selection and installation: how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when working with fender liners. Here the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

  • 🔧 Incompatibility with modification: Lockers for Navara D40 will not fit NP300 due to different arch shapes. Always check the year of manufacture and body type (Double Cab, King Cab).
  • 🛠️ Ignoring instructions: For example, at Husky Liners there is a requirement to use only original fasteners. Replacing them with self-tapping screws can lead to cracks.
  • 🌡️ Cold Weather Installation: Plastic and rubber become brittle at temperatures below +5°C. Installation in this case is fraught with chips.
  • 🚗 Failure to take into account the suspension lift: When rising Navara 2-3 inches standard fender liners can grip the tires. The solution is models with adjustable mounts.

Another typical mistake is buying fender liners without taking into account wheel width. For example, if on Navara offset wheels installed ET0 or wider, the fender liners must be narrower than standard, otherwise they will touch the rubber.

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Before purchasing, measure the distance from the center of the wheel to the edge of the arch. For wheels with a width of 265/75 R16, the minimum width of the fender liner should be 220–240 mm.

Caring for fender liners: how to extend their service life

Even the best quality fender liners require maintenance, especially if Navara operated in aggressive conditions. Here 5 rulesthat will help keep them in perfect condition:

  • 🧼 Regular washing: Dirt and salt corrode the material. Wash your fender liners once every 2 weeks (weekly in winter) using car shampoo.
  • 🛡️ Protective coatings: For plastic fender liners, use silicone based polish, for rubber - special conditioner (For example, Black Wow).
  • 🔧 Checking fasteners: Every 5,000 km, inspect the bolts and nuts. Vibration can spin them around.
  • 🌞 UV protection: If the fender liners are constantly exposed to the sun, apply UV protection spray (especially true for black models).
  • 🛠️ Repair of minor damage: Cracks in plastic can be repaired epoxy glue, torn tires - vulcanizing composition.

Aluminum fender liners are easier to care for: just wash them with water and treat them occasionally anti-corrosion composition (For example, Molykote). Avoid abrasive detergents - they will scratch the surface.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rear fender liners on Nissan Navara

Can Nissan Pathfinder fender liners be installed on a Navara D40?

No, despite the platform relationship, the shapes of the rear arches of these models are different. Lockers from Pathfinder They will either hang loose or require serious modifications. The exception is universal rubber models without a rigid shape (for example, from Mudflaps).

Which color of fender liners should I choose: black or body color?

It depends on your priorities:

  • ⚫ Black - more practical (dirt is less noticeable), but can visually “weight” the rear part.
  • 🎨 To match the body color — look more harmonious, but require more frequent maintenance (dirt and scratches are visible).

For off-road versions Navara Black or gray fender liners are more often chosen - they mask off-road marks.

Do I need to remove the bumper to install fender liners?

On most modifications Navara (except NP300 with rear parking sensors) the bumper does not need to be removed. It is enough to unscrew 2-3 bolts from the bottom and bend its plastic skirt. The exception is aluminum fender liners with integrated frame mounts.

Which fender liners are better for winter: rubber or plastic?

For winter use rubber fender liners preferable for three reasons:

  1. They do not tan in the cold (plastic may burst at −20°C).
  2. They better dampen vibrations from snow “porridge” on the road.
  3. Less prone to icing (plastic accumulates ice, which makes the fender liner heavier).

If you do choose plastic, make sure it is from frost-resistant polypropylene (labeling PP-T20).

Is it possible to drive without rear fenders?

Technically, yes, but it is fraught:

  • 🔴 Rapid wear of the paintwork on the rear arches (chips will appear within a year).
  • 🔴 Dirt getting into the brake mechanisms and rear gearbox.
  • 🔴 Deterioration of aerodynamics (fuel consumption may increase by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km).

If the fender liners are broken, you can temporarily drive without them, but it is better to install at least budget rubber options.