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If I thump the rear PU on my car above the inset section for the license plate, then there is a clanking metal to metal noise. I've been chasing a noise audible from the rear of the car when driving on poor roads, and I think this could be the source. PET isn't much help as to how the PU is fixed to the bumper bar (or isn't it ?) Any pictures and info would be appreciated before I try to fix it.
As I recall the bumper cover is not attached to the bumper bar. On mine the bar was mounted on two shock absorbers but I seem to recall not all examples had such feature.
Thanks Fred, useful information. The rear PU is no distorted in any way that I can see. But definitely something isn't as it should be.
John,
As I recall the bumper cover is mounted by about 10 or so small bolts some of which have to be accessed from within the rear wheel well and they can be a real sod to get undone if corrosion has got to them. If there is a mechanical rattle coming from under the cover then if you have the shock absorbers fitted maybe something has come loose in one of them- that is all I can think of in that area short of the exhaust bouncing around some and hitting the bar but as I think about it, I suspect your model has a different exhaust setup to my model so probably not relevant.
I swapped out my US bumper cover for the correct Euro one last winter. (85 S2).
No brackets like that anywhere.
The US spec 'rubber baby buggy bumpers' attach both to the PU and the bumper.
But that's it.
The PU atttaches with 3572 little bitty nuts that go on studs attached to the outer perimeter of the PU. (not really that many, but it sure seemed like it).
There is also a rail sort of thing along the inside edge of the hatch. 4(?) screws.
I honestly don't recall any pieces or parts back there that could come loose and rattle.
My first suggestion would be to take a good look up there with a strong light and an inspection mirror.
Many thanks for all the replies, especially Rob and Kevin for the pictures - very useful. I am hopeful that I can identify the source of the noise without having to take the cover off. My car is an 86.5 so won't have those bottom supports, no 'bumpets' either, being a UK market code car. I will have to find a will person to get under the car and investigate as I find that sort of acrobatics difficult.
Last edited by John Speake; 09-04-2020 at 06:55 AM.
Just took a look at my spare [GTS] rear bumper cover in the back yard and I reckon there are more like 20 fixing points around the side and top part of the periphery. Could not see any signs that it was fixed directly to the bumper bar but it has the apertures for those two rubberised over riders or whatever the correct terminology is.
Not sure how it compares to your model year but I can post some inboard photos of it if of any use to you- I am sure the primary fixtures will be similar if not identical to your MY.
Hi Fred
Many thanks for taking the trouble. At present I am trying to avoid taking the whole PU off the car and all the information supplied so far indicates there are no fixings on my my car between bumper bar and the PU. I will get a friend to have a look under there and see what he finds.
When I tap that area, my license plate rattles, but otherwise (when I dampen the plate) its just a thud.
Looks like there is a rusting clip (red arrow) in that area holding wires or cables that run along the top of the bumper.
Nice "tray" that top of the bumper makes to hold any stray bits (or mechanics leftover tools?).
Also interesting, in the top right corner (2nd pic), my aftermarket, red anodized, high performance grounding bolt is protruding what is probably supposed to be an intact rubber boot.
09-03-2020, 05:00 PM
Rear PU pictures wanted
