I am in to the next mechanical adventure. I should get the air bag "tool kit" in a day or so, but I decided to do a couple. Maybe I was anxious, or in need of a humility lesson. The air fitting on the driver front air bag was tough to get to. I loosened the fender and Kelly held it up while I wrenched.
I am removing the wheels to do the work. While I replace the bags, I am inspecting the brake pins and checking the calipers for movement. Looking at the brake pads and cleaning off some old grease from the suspension. I am removing the bottom bolt for the shocks and checking them. I'm polishing the wheels. I am also doing a patch to a wheel well liner that has worn through - maybe a PO drove it uninflated or hit a BIG bump.
Note that the worst part of the bag was not visible from the wheel well - I assumed the worst part would be where the sun hits it.
I had to make a special socket to remove the fitting.
Pulling fender took all of 10 minutes, probably 1/2 hr to put back because of cleanup and reseal.
Way easier then fighting it. Everything is right there, and one can clean up and paint stuff.
No dirt in your eyes!
They are NOT glued on.
Chris
I shoved a 1" or 1-1/16" socket over it and undid it, one wrench click at a time. I will be glad to have the proper tool.
I was trying to avoid removing the fender, due to the body paint on the screws. I don't know what it was, but the fender was glued or caulked in place. It took a while to gently pry the fender up so I could get behind it. I didn't pry the top edge off - I was worried about deforming and chipping the trim band.
Have 3 old bags from our 96,in better shape then yours,anyone who needs a couple pay shipping.
There are a second set of small screws behind the trim, just a few. Touch up paint would take care of the screw heads. But I understand what you are saying.
Chris