When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I’m trying to do some repairs to the front bumper, and I cannot for the life of me remove it. I removed the small side fender panels and baffles, took off the front bumper rubber strip, removed the nuts from the four main bolts, but the bumper just will not budge. Is there a possible corrosion / welding of parts that can happen in 30 years? I've pulled on it so hard the whole car moves. This doesn't seem right.... What am I missing? Every writeup I've seen online so far says that at this point the bumper should just "fall free" but there is no movement at all.
I’m really at a loss, so any insight would be helpful!
This is typical. There is a rubber grommet between the impact shock and the bumper. I don't know why, but that thing glues itself to the bumper and the shock. You need to take a small diameter/long length flat head screwdriver and get it in between there from each side where the two nuts attach. You'll see an opening where the impact strip attached on the far right and left. Pry a little and it should pop the bumper right off. Be very mindful of the paint and the turn indicator. You should get a little more clearance if you take the lenz off.
MAKE SURE to tape off your lower valance or you will risk having the bumper scratch it as it tends to swing down on the sides when you remove it. (Ask me how I know.) To be 100% safe, drop the lower valance.
Thank you very much. Those rubber seals must have just turned into industrial strength glue. I think I will remove the lower valence first - just two screws from the inside of the boot, yes?
Thank you very much. Those rubber seals must have just turned into industrial strength glue. I think I will remove the lower valence first - just two screws from the inside of the boot, yes?
There are also two tabs with bolts on the far right and left. They would have been underneath the bumper bellows (accordion looking things). See pictures below.
When you put it back together, make sure to put the bumper on first. I go in this order - Bumper, bellows, lower valance. It helps to have the front wheels off too and the car up on jack stands. Much better access to everything - especially those two tabs.
Glad to help. If you have any other questions, let me know. I just finished disassembling/reassembling my front end. All this is fresh on my mind!
Will do, thanks again. All of this is to replace the bumper smile, and also just clean out the gunk that got down in there with having a wonky bumper smile. :-)
1stgear - thank you! Got the bumper off. Indeed the rubber pads had just kind of turned to glue. I used some clamps to apply force between the back of the bumper and the front of the bolt, basically slowly pulling the bumper off by pushing against the bolts themselves. Worked perfectly.
Now I can actually start work - body repair, bumper smile replacement, and new headlamp washer nozzles.
I used some clamps to apply force between the back of the bumper and the front of the bolt, basically slowly pulling the bumper off by pushing against the bolts themselves. Worked perfectly.
SMART! Please post up some pictures of your finished work.
9 Vehicles Porsche Helped Engineer that Aren't Porsches
Slideshow: Long before engineering consulting became trendy, Porsche was quietly helping other automakers build everything from supercars to economy hatchbacks.
9 Features and Characteristics That Only Porsche People Understand
Slideshow: Some brands build cars. Porsche builds traditions, obsessions, and a few habits that stopped making sense decades ago but somehow became part of the charm.
This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation
Slideshow: A small Polish tuner has reimagined the Porsche 911 Slantnose for the modern era, blending 1980s nostalgia with widebody tuning culture and serious performance upgrades.
Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture
Slideshow: Porsche has created a Japan-only 911 GT3 Artisan Edition that blends track-ready hardware with design cues inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Slideshow: Porsche's latest electric Cayenne Coupe blends dramatic styling with supercar acceleration, turning the brand's midsize SUV into a 1,139-horsepower flagship.
1986 911 bumper removal - help!
