help required, rear bumper strip removal

RG5 · 08-11-2007, 02:00 AM

Hi,

I am in the process of removing the rear bumper strips and cleaning up the rear bumper in preparation for the new strips. I have removed the left-hand side strip and started cleaning up the bumper as you can see here:

While this side was OK, I am having a lot of trouble accessing the inner nut that holds the strip to the side of the car, this is the end of the strip near the light lens.

Here is the best picture I have of what I'm dealing with:

Although you can't see the nut, it is to the right of the bellow in this pic. The problem I have is unlike the other side, I have a huge oil sump in the way so I can't get my hand in there to access the bolt.

Its this going to be a jack up the car job and remove the bellow, or can someone please advise on the best approach to tackle this.

I reply would be really appreciated as I would like to tackle this tomorrow morning!

Many thanks in advance,

RG5

RG5 · 08-11-2007, 11:44 AM

please can someone offer advice here..? I rely on this forum to help solve my issues!

pleeeeaseee???

jester911 · jester911's Garage

You may need to remove the bumper bellows. Maybe you can detach one end of it and pull back enough to access the nut behind the rubber strip. With the look of the bolts holding the bumper on you may need to address those as well.

RG5 · 08-11-2007, 03:24 PM

thanks, I am going to consider a long ratchet extension to see if that allows me to access the nut. As for the bolts, yes they are rusted up, I am cleaning them up as much as possible but at the end of the day, the strips are going back over the top of them and I am not planning on taking the bumper off any time soon.

felix_browne · 08-11-2007, 03:45 PM

the easiest is to remove the bellows on that side and reach in through that opening. otherwise a flex joint>extention>flex joint>13mm (iirc) will get it out without too much trouble.

Zeke · 08-11-2007, 05:33 PM

It's 8mm. Soak any intended for removal tonite with PB or something. If one spins inside the strip or bellows and won't break, you're gonna be in for a very frustrating day.

RG5 · 08-11-2007, 05:58 PM

DONE. I purchased a 1/4" ratchet extension with a universal multi-directional joint, this allowed me to access the nut by going in over the top of that heater pipe. The strip is now off the car, and further detailing/clean up of the bumper bar can now be done.

Thanks for the advice guys.

The question however now will be, can I use this same procedure to attempt to re-attach the nut to the new strip that arrives this week. I guess I could place the nut inside the 8mm socket, then try and screw it onto the strip bolt, however this is going to be tricker than removing the original bolt.

thanks again,

RG5