2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Fender liners rattle

[BRUTUS]

Seems that the plastic fasteners holding my original fender liners are real loose (worn?) causing an annoying rattle when driving on a bumpy road. Has anyone had to deal with this? Please advise.

 

[ata]

Yep, that rattle really bugged me from day one on my 97. I pulled the plastic fasteners out and put 1/4 inch stainless bolts in there place.

 

[BRUTUS]

Good idea ! Thanx.
Bet others will be using your solution, once they become aware that that the problem is very common, but easily "tuned out"with the other rattles...

 

[wlowe]

Yep, that rattle really bugged me from day one on my 97. I pulled the plastic fasteners out and put 1/4 inch stainless bolts in there place.

I replaced the plastic fasteners with stainless bolts also. I also sandwiched the liner and body metal between nylon washers to stop the bolts from wearing through the paint and rusting. Got the nylon washers at the local hardware store.

 

[BRUTUS]

WLOWE
'nother great idea.
I'll be doin' that as well.
Should quiet things and last another ten years at least.

 

[WestTN]

My 2001 didn't have these at all.

 

[BRUTUS]

I've read that as a cost cutting measure, they made the fender liners optional on some trucks.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Interesting..... all of mine have them... . anyway, you can find large, steel fender washer pads, neoprene or nylon at Lowe's or home depot in the specialty fastener section..... the large neoprene washers can go between the fender and the liner, and keeps it from making any noise if the bolts work loose. I've always used nylon lock nuts, too. Keeps 'em from backing off. The front rivets always come loose on mine, and then the liner comes down on the tire from the wind down the highway and wears a huge triangle out of it so it looks like crud... . I've pulled a couple of 'em 'cause I'm tired of putting them back, and they are tore up so bad!! The inner fenders are usually painted to match the truck, so it doesn't look too bad.

 

[jeepit]

Just asking, but how can you hear a rattle over the engine noise?:-laf