Page 1 of 1
Front bumper troubles 2004 9n
Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 3:36 pm
by Andrew S
I have undone the 4 screws in each arch, the grill is out and the 3 torx screws are removed and the lower valance grills out and so are the torx screws
Looking on YouTube, they all seem to imply that you simply unclip the tops parts of the bumper around headlights and the bumper almost falls off!!
Fat chance. I have undo all screws and clips and the ends simply wont pull away as if they are screwed to the bumper fix plate
Are there any hidden screws etc that I need to undo or is it a question of giving it a really hard pull? Is the bumper in like a guide where it slides on and off?
This is just one of the videos I have watched and have done exactly the same and it wont budge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-k-ZNpsvpk&t=744s
Any help appreciated
Re: Front bumper troubles 2004 9n
Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 8:46 pm
by Andrew S
Took this photo looking up inside the offside wing from low down. For some reason the photo is 90 degrees anti-clockwise.
I was hoping that I had another option of undoing the bolts on the bracket but can't get to them and on the near side the washer bottle covers everything up

Re: Front bumper troubles 2004 9n
Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 10:30 pm
by RUM4MO
From memory it was a 2 person activity, one to support the front centre and the other to release each side one at a time - ie, if memory serves me well enough, each side needs eased outwards, in as much as pulling each side out side ways a bit before the bumper released from the body.
Re: Front bumper troubles 2004 9n
Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 11:37 am
by Andrew S
Found the problem
They have added 4 household screws two next headlight going through the outer wing and two going the plastic bumper bracket. How the hell the could fit them is amazing as so inaccessible.
Guessing there is a reason and may need new brackets to solve

Re: Front bumper troubles 2004 9n
Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 4:41 pm
by Andrew S
Have done quite well today fitting the new AC radiator etc
I am trying to get another one of these new or secondhand that clips into the bumper but for the life of me cant find anything as yet. Anyone have a nearside one (passenger side) for sale?
download/file.php?mode=view&id=4403
Also whilst removing the headlight unit to whats missing from the bulb holder, this rubber cup fell to ground and no idea where it goes but looks although something was pressing against it. Would be good to fit it if its necessary before bumper and headlight goes back.
download/file.php?mode=view&id=4402
Talking of headlights, is there any difference between Valeo and Depo headlight units and the lenses? I need to replace one of them and although i can see the backs are different, I am more concerned about having odd lenses
Any help really appreciated
Cheers
Andrew
Re: Front bumper troubles 2004 9n
Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 5:26 pm
by Bepis
With regards to the headlights, Valeo seems to have been the OEM for them. As for the difference in quality between Valeo and Depo, I'm not sure but I'd go with a Valeo unit as they were the OEM.
Re: Front bumper troubles 2004 9n
Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 9:45 pm
by Andrew S
Thanks Bepis
