Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum, so please excuse any protocol issues. I'm seeking advice on helping my son repair his 2014 Mazda CX-5 after he ditched it. The engine is in excellent condition, and we've already replaced the traction control sensor, which resolved any known issues except for the fender replacement.

We're now focusing on replacing the right front fender and some associated plastic parts. We have a new fender on hand and have already:

• Replaced the post behind the wheel where the ground wires attach.
• Removed the hood, right light assembly, damaged fender, and bumper cover, etc.

The challenge is with the three upper bolts along the top edge where the fender meets the hood. The welded attachment points for these bolts have been torn up, making it difficult to secure the fender properly.

We're planning on securing the fender at the points near the door and the attachment point on the arm behind the wheel, but we're unsure how to handle the top three bolts. Is there a safe way to improvise or repair these attachment points? We're thinking of attaching metal brackets or clips to the existing frame structure. Drilling and securing them with self-tapping screws or bolts into the frame, aligning them with the fender holes.

I have a reasonable capability in engine, brake & suspension work on many cars foreign & domestic; however, I'm new to body work of this magnitude.

Any tips or recommendations from experienced members would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Best,

Steve S.

 

Welcome

Check on-line for parts, many websites will show you the diagrams of the part area and what you need.
I'm not exactly certain what it is you need but there are some replacement brackets that are available for certain models.
You may even find what you need "used" at a junk yard/auto graveyard.
But you can most assuredly fabricate your own parts though metal welding would be best, drilling and bolting will also work.
However, as always with "fabricated repairs" the safety/quality is only as good as the materials used and the knowledge of those making the repair.
Good luck.

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Lobstah (great name!) & Callisto, Thank you. I will see what I can find for replacement brackets.
Will post what I find.
Best,
Steve

 

The good folks at Mazdaswag.com were able to solve it expediently. Dealer rep couldn't. The two brackets are: KD53-53-290 and KD-53-15X