Recently when I had a look at my front brakes and suspension, I noticed a loose retainer pin in the passenger side front wheel housing. The pin is about 7 cm / 3 inches in length and its position is pretty much at the top of the wheel housing.

When poking around in the hole with the pin, I couldn't feel anything beyond the hole. I have no idea how this pin should be able to perform its retaining function without having anything to plug into on the other side of the plastic wheel housing.

Anyone else has noticed this pin? Does it also feel loose in your cars?

 

That appears to be the wrong pin. I remember that the "fins" go all the way to the head.

The one at the apex of the wheel well should be a screw, IIRC.

Like this:

Here is the other kind: 30pcs for Chrysler GM Push Type Hood Coolant Recovery Retainer Fastener Pin | eBay

 

And here is the tool that makes it easier:

 

It's a retainer pin for the styrofoam block to position the inner fender plastic

 

And here comes Oldblue droppin some knowledge! BOOM

 

I just had mine apart last spring to change out the headlights and also when I changed the timing chain last fall.

 

My retainer pin being loose could mean that the styrofoam block isn't (anymore) where it is supposed to be?

 

Could be, you could pull the inner fender liner and check it out.

 

Ok, have had a look at it. The foam piece indeed had fallen to the back. Put it back in place. The long retainer pin now sits tight again.

 

Awesome!