Change the rear arches

[A2Steve]

I’ve just swapped over the rear arches on Pine Green and thought it would be worth doing a write up for others who wants to do the same.

It took me about 45 minutes to change both sides, but allow about 90 minutes if it’s your first time.

First job crack off the wheel bolts, jack up the car, secure on axle stands and remove the rear wheel.

You next need to remove the arch liner

Remove the multiple torx screws as highlighted

And the plastic retainers. They are removed by pushing the centre part out, I use a torx screwdriver, but a hole punch etc will do the job. Don’t worry if the centre section falls inside the arch, you can collect it once the arch liner is removed.

Very gently prise back the cover as above. It’s very brittle and no longer available so on a cold day like today it’s worth warming it up with a hairdryer first. Remove the torx screw.

This will then reveal 2 larger torx screws which need to be removed

 

[A2Steve]

Next work around the inside of the arch removing the multiple torx screws. Only remove the ones that follow the line as there are other screws there but they don’t need to be removed.

Remove the 2 recessed torx screws on the rear side of the arch.
You are now ready to remove the arch. Start from the front and prise it out as you move along.

Refitting is the reverse of removal as they say, but start with lining the replacement arch up at the front with the 2 holes as arrowed.

And there you go, a much nicer looking arch fitted.

 

[audifan]

Nice write up / How To Guide there Steve.

 

[A2Steve]

Nice write up / How To Guide there Steve.

Thanks Graham. It always seems to be the rear arches that get marked on A2’s so worth showing that it’s not too difficult.

 

[audifan]

Will also make life easier for colour storm owners where the right rear arch suffers from fuel spillage. Much better to completely remove the arch to paint it on its own rather than try to mask up.

 

[Howey]

Steve your a legend!!
Just need to find a pair a good condition black rear arches now!

 

[A2Z]

Nice write up Steve, can take a bit longer with rear mudflaps fitted though, especially when the clips and screws are rusted and seized and don't want to come out

 

[A2Steve]

I’ll try and do some more write ups. There are so many jobs that I just take for granted that would probably help others.

 

[audifan]

And also Votex side skirts and rear bumper skirt also make it more complicated but that is not what Steve was emphasising on, just the arch itself.

 

[Alan_uk]

Nice write up Steve. For those with a little more time on their hands (who's that you may say ) I find it worthwhile to clean the screws holding the arch liner. I find they rust - must be steel coated. I clean with meths and old toothbrush and then soak in Kurust for some hours/overnight. Then dry and spray with paint. Of course the car can be used temporaily without the liner but that means jacking up and removing the wheel again.

 

[AndyBa]

Thanks @A2Steve just swapping the arches I got off @Ami
Note to self check the pics mid dismantle. I missed those 2x deep screws! The clue is the 2 holes in the edge of the arch.