Inner Wheel Liner

[Repstyle]

Hi all. I just had the winter tires installed on my ST and was adjusting the tires pressures when I noticed that both front inner fender liners are split and pulling away. I am not sure if this is how it’s designed or if it’s a flaw. Needless to say I don’t want snow and dirt to accumulate behind there. Anyone else notice this?

 

[Sgt1411]

That's very odd as that felt liner material isn't easy to tear.

Both sides same location?

Any chance that happened when the winter tires went on?

 

[Repstyle]

That's very odd as that felt liner material isn't easy to tear.

Both sides same location?

Any chance that happened when the winter tires went on?

It’s the exact same spot on both sides. On closer inspection it looks like there there is a seam/crease that comes from the factory where it started to split. I just wondered if it was a design flaw that would reoccur shortly after being replaced.

 

[Lenny H]

Same thing on mine and every other Explorer at my dealership. I believe it is there to allow the felt to mold to the fender.

 

[Repstyle]

Same thing on mine and every other Explorer at my dealership. I believe it is there to allow the felt to mold to the fender.

Thanks for looking into that. Appreciate it.

 

[Andyville]

Hi all. I just had the winter tires installed on my ST and was adjusting the tires pressures when I noticed that both front inner fender liners are split and pulling away. I am not sure if this is how it’s designed or if it’s a flaw. Needless to say I don’t want snow and dirt to accumulate behind there. Anyone else notice this?

Just discovered this in my 23 ST. I noticed the split sticking out/down on one side of the front wheels. When I checked the other side, I saw the exact same seam split, and without push clips in same spot (no holes exist for one anyway). I thought it was normal-ish given that this is the first winter for this car, but somehow that doesn't make sense still.
Does the cold weather have any side effect on those liners? Is it supposed to do that? What are we supposed to do about it?
I'd very much like to know if anyone has experienced this and/or had a fix for it.