A fender is a device that protects; it comes from "defender." It first described a protective cushion for boats and later the device on the front of trains and streetcars. We commonly know it today as a guard over the wheel of a motor vehicle.
A fender doesn't guard the wheel as much as it guards everything else from splash and road debris thrown up by the wheel. As such, fenders are an outer panel and vulnerable to collision damage in any accident involving front and sometimes rear corners of the vehicle. Different than a quarter panel, a rear fender is an extra bolt-on part to specifically cover the rear wheel.
Estimating fender replacement may become routine because so many are replaced. Let's take a fresh look at fender replacement labor to make sure you are considering all the steps needed for a quality repair and proper reimbursement.
General procedures for fender replacement include the basic operations that must be performed every time to replace that part on all vehicles. For example, all three information providers include removal and installation R&I of the parking and cornering lamps, if so equipped and when relevant. Each information provider has a slightly different call on the other included items.
R&I of many fender attaching parts is not always included because each system makes its own decisions about how much automation will be involved and how it gets that information to the estimate writer. It depends on the information system's philosophy. For example, bumper R&I is needed on some models but not all. There are three ways to handle this: include bumper R&I all the time, none of the time or some of the time with notes to inform the writer.
Audatex includes bumper R&I in fender replacement labor when it is necessary according to manufacturer procedures. Loosen bumper is included if that is all that is needed. An allowance for bumper labor is not there when that particular model doesn't require it. The same holds true for other parts but only according to the procedures listed in the Audatex Reference Manual.
CCC does not include bumper R&I in fender replacement according to MOTORS procedure pages, and notes are added to help the writer make accurate decisions. For example, the 2008 Jeep Liberty fender includes the note, "Time is after bumper cover and wheel flare are removed."
Mitchell does not include bumper R&I in fender replacement according to their procedure pages, and notes are added to further explain the labor amount. For example, the 2008 Audi A4 has the labor note, "Includes R&I Front Bumper Assy, Combination Lamp, R&I/R&R Fender Liner, Outer Front Sill Panel and Side Repeater Lamp."
Check your system's procedures for other attaching parts, such as mud guard, liner and rocker moulding. For right fenders, don't forget the antenna. Each information provider lists it as not included because not all right fenders feature one. When there is one, remember to add for it.
Aiming lamps is never included, but it is automated on Mitchell and has a pop-up window to remind you on Audatex and CCC. A writer would have to make an effort to exclude aiming lamps in either case.
Another concern is the "not included" list when estimating a fender replacement. Keep in mind both specific and "universal" not included items. These would include operations such as drilling holes, corrosion protection and installing trim, decals and stripes. Add them when needed.
A fender is a device that protects. Your fender estimating is a procedure that protects your estimate accuracy and bottom line.
Bruce Burrow, AAM started writing estimates more than 30 years ago, has worked for most of the information providers, and, as an independent instructor for the last 10 years, has trained estimators all across North America. He is ASE Master certified and an instructor for the Automotive Management Institute. Send questions, ideas, and comments that you would like to see addressed here to [email protected] and stay tuned.
