How to remove plastic retainer in wheel well?

How does one remove the plastic retainer screws or clips from the front wheel well on a 2018 Tacoma SR 4x4.

I want to install mud flaps and at least one mounting position lines up with a plastic retainer clips or screw.

I want to practice the flap install before the ordered parts arrive but I don't want to just rip them out.

 

Got a pic of the specific retainer you're talking about?

 

Those things are stupid, check out this thread https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fender-liner-removal-how-to.454777/


I broke most of them pulling out the liner for my high air intake… snorkel

 

As mentioned in the link hyrule shared: good luck getting those out intact. You gotta tear them out and replace them, and even destroying them is a pain.
When you say the mounting position lines up with it, you mean a hole in the mudflap lines up with the hole in the clip? If so, just screw into the square hole. With those clips gone, there’s nothing but a square hole in sheet metal.

 

Those are effectively one time use. Buy a bag of them and replace as needed:

$8 GoaMotors 30pcs 90189-06236 Fender Liner Screw Grommet, Wheelhouse Liner Splash Shield Bumper Cover Screw Grommet Nut Fit for Toyota for Lexus for Highlander Prius Tundra LC500 RC200t RC300 RC350

https://www.amazon.com/GoaMotors-90189-06236-Grommet-Wheelhouse-Highlander/dp/B0CBS4P4CZ/

 

X2, just broke them off and replaced them

 

Yes, the pre-drilled holes on the mud flaps line up with locations of those square holed retainer clips.

I like your suggestions and will just screw the mounting screw into that grommet/retainer clips. Best to choose the path of least resistance I always say...

It wouldn't hurt anything by doing so, correct?

What I mean is if I screw the mounting screw into the square center of those grommets, it won't weaken or compromise the ability of the grommet to retain the liner in its place as intended?

 

The "grommet" is actually intended as an insert for self-tapping screws. The OEM flaps and fender flares on TRD trims screw into those inserts.

 

They make a tool for those. Or you could just pry on it with a screwdriver or a fork. The trim removal kit I purchased from Amazon for <$30 had the tools and some spare clips. Get a couple extra chips because you'll probably break a few if not most of them getting them out.
I think the clips are designed to break so you don't mangle the fenders if the liners brake away from something hitting them.

 

Thinking about it, there might be short “screws” that go into those from the flap side. I don’t have my flaps on anymore so can’t check.

 

They are anchors for the mudflaps. Screws go right into them, that's why they are hollow. Nothing to practice on. I installed flaps on my truck in 30min after I brought truck home from the dealer.
Use a regular screwdriver to drive the screws in, they (plastic plugs) can strip easily.

 

What 3JOH22A and Barsoom said