Turbo Rear Bumper And Diffusers

robwright · Jun 10, 2016

I am having some eyesores removed from the rear of the car in about a month's time. Rather than pay for the bodyshop labour for removing the rear bumper and diffusers I am opting to do this myself. Even if I then refit them with new fasteners in the meantime the time they spend on the job will be minimal. Now this is one of the only parts of the car that I haven't ever had in bits so my question is any surprises here? I mean apart from the 28 year old fasteners holding them on? Any hidden bits or good tips or techniques for removing them? As always any help appreciated.

robdimond · Jun 11, 2016

Rob,
Rear bumper is extremely easy, 2 bolts from underneath and it pulls off. Big 17mm hex headed bolts as I remember so I really can't see any issues with fasteners breaking, stripping etc.
The diffuser is two 10mm nuts (one each side) in the boot wells where the battery sits. The diffuser has studs that poke through holes in the rear quarter panel. Then there are four or five allen bolts into captive nuts under the car. I had to drill one of these out as the captive nut was spinning. I replaced all the captive nuts (they sit in little metal clips, which will be rusty) and bolts with parts from OPC. I can't see a body shop taking more than 20 minutes, but the benefit of doing it yourself is you can use the right fasteners as they will undoubtably bodge any broken fasteners using whatever standard bolts are lying around.
Rob

jackois · Jun 12, 2016

Rob,
If you do this, could you perhaps post some pictures as I intend to remove and refit mine at some point as it doesn't look properly lined up.
many thanks, Peter.

robwright · Jun 12, 2016

I removed it yesterday not overly complicated just rusty old fasteners and incorrect from the last time someone obviously had it off and bodged it back on. I will clean up the recesses and refit with proper captive nuts. The bumper as Rob said just bolts on with two bolts and pulls straight off. Anyway I have taken some pics so you get an idea where all the fasteners are.

Showing the side fasteners for the diffuser into the rear wells. The near side is almost identical but harder to undo from the inside because of the battery tray.

Four fasteners above the rear box. I have dropped the rear box slightly for access.

The centre fastener through to the spare wheel well.

Right hand bumper attachment. Bolts through this to the captive nut on top.

Left hand bumper attachment.

Attachment points on the rear bumper and diffusers.

Does anyone know how the black strip in the bumper fastens? Are the fasteners part of the strip i.e. moulded or attached to it? Mine look pretty nasty and will not survive the removal process. Don't really want to have the bumper painted with them attached but I may need to.