Left Rear Wheel Well -- how does this clip work???

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by MrPete, Jun 24, 2025 at 2:18 AM.

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  1. MrPete

    MrPete Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2011
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    Location:
    Colorado, USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    (I'm preparing to add some sound deadening to my Gen3 wheel wells.)

    As I clean the wheel wells, I noticed some things I've never seen before:
    • There's a cover on the back side, with two green clips. Having removed it, I found some pipes... using the P/N on the cover I learned the pipes are the gasoline filler pipes ;)
    • Then there's a lower cover on the outside edge, approximately behind where my mud flaps are normally mounted (see photo). I have no idea what this cover is for...
    • AND, it is held in place with two clips unlike any I've ever encountered before:
      • The clip "cap" is rubbery
      • There's a round hole in the center.
      • On the back side is a square plastic post, and at least one squeezable side bit.
    I have utterly failed to remove these clips, yet I need to (to add sound deadening to the metal behind it.)

    I have not yet found these clips nor the cover in any parts list.

    QUESTION: does anyone have any ideas or insight?
    IMG_20250624_000538.jpg
     
    #1 MrPete, Jun 24, 2025 at 2:18 AM
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    They’re very tricky to get off, likely the “official” method to remove is to just destroy the locking jaws and replace. Anyway:

    There’s two jaws, diagonally opposite in a square pattern. I used a pin in the centre hole, trying to catch the end of a jaw, press it toward the center, while prying up on the fastener’s flange at that same zone.

    If you’re successful in releasing the jaw, the flange will stay a little raised. Keep something in the gap and repeat the process on the diagonally opposite jaw.

    it helps to be myopic, and/or use good reading glasses and good light. Still you’re mostly going by feel. I believe one of the two you can see ‘round the back, get a better understanding of how the jaws are oriented, maybe even release one of the jaws.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Jun 24, 2025 at 6:13 AM
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