Mudflap Replacement Advice - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

tguil · #1 (**permalink**) 03-24-2009, 11:47 PM

Well after 68,000 miles the passenger side rear mudflap on my wife's 2005 4X4 Tacoma broke off. I'll be off to order a new one tomorrow. Has there been a change in the mudflaps between 2005 and now? It's a simple removal and installation, right? Three screws and three plastic rivets. Anything that I could mess up? I'm an "old guy" who doesn't like surprises any more.

Tom

droolingmess · #2 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009, 01:16 AM

Easy install. 10mm socket and flat screwdriver done in 5 min. But the surprise is the price. $80 a pop. Most folks just leave them off after they break.

tguil · #3 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009, 08:38 AM

Thanks much. I'll stop at the bank for a loan before I head to the dealer.

Any possible problems with the plastic rivets or the clips for the screws? (Like I said earlier, I don't like surprises anymore. )

The truck is driven over eight miles of gravel roads daily. It needs the mudflaps and step bars to prevent rock chips. Amazing enough after four years and 68,000 miles the truck is almost chip free.

Tom

05Moose · #4 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009, 10:50 PM

Socket? I remember that there's 3 philips screws and 2 or 3 plastic rivets (per mudflap)...but the memory isn't so good as we get older. One thing to do before heading to the dealer tomorrow is to take the old one off first. Those plastic rivets get dirt in them from behind and will possibly break when trying to pry up the center of it. Remember, you have to slide the center part out before you can pull them out of the fender. I think I broke all but 2 of them removing all 4 mudflaps! So if you break any, you can order them while you're at the dealer.

droolingmess · #5 (**permalink**) 03-26-2009, 11:42 AM

Yes socket. The screws on my truck are hex on the outside and philips slotted in the center.

tguil · #6 (**permalink**) 03-26-2009, 05:02 PM

Thanks again. Because I've messed with cars/trucks for over fifty years, I've learned to plan ahead. I bought three new plastic rivets when I picked up the mudflap.

Only a $1.24 a piece and I am quite likely to mess up at least one. For sure I would have messed up all three by just trying to pry them out. The mudguard listed for $103.06. I paid $80. Mighty pricey if you ask me, but Toyota parts are still cheaper than the parts for my Harleys but not by much.

I am ready -- I have both a 10 mm. socket wrench and phillips head screwdriver.

Tom

Update : I broke all three rivets. Suggest if you have to replace a mudflap, buy the rivets.