Making room to get under the car
This article actually got started a few weeks prior when my wife was rear ended at a red light. The damage is not too bad, but since the car is new, we would like to replace all the parts to get it back to “like new” condition.
With that said, let’s get to it!
Tools for the job:
- long flathead screwdriver
- 12mm socket
- 10mm socket
- Philips screwdriver
- Panel Popper
I started by lifting the car and once again assessing the damage.
Rear view, notice the gaps are slightly off on the left and right of the tailgate
Right gap
Left gap
Driver side view
Driver view from further
Passenger side view
Passenger side view from further
There are two philips screws on each side of the rear bumper to remove.
Starting the bumper removal process.
Get the same screw on the driver side
Attempting to show the upper screw
Another failed shot
Normally, there would be two bolts to remove below the tailgate, but the bumper skin was broke therefore these could stay until I get a replacement bumper cover. That being said the bumper just kind of pulls straight out. You can use a flathead screwdriver to help with the clips, some you will get to from laying under the car looking up.
Clips on the left and right sides that hold the bumper
Bumper basically just pushes straight on and clips into place
Pull straight off
Now we can see the damage to the ABS crash absorber and check for other damage.
Pull straight off
Rear ABS crash absorber. Under car lighting is optional
Here you can see the Element Rear Bumper ABS did its job in absorbing the impact.
Now for the unboxing of the new Bumper beam and crash absorber from www.hondapartsnow.com. I like the fancy padded wood.
Opening the parts box from Handaparts
Some neat packaging
Bumper bar and ABS Absorber
Now I remove the absorber even though it’s not necessary. I didn’t realize this otherwise I would have left it attached to the bumper itself. I also remove the bumper, though it could have been repaired by bending the tabs and welding it back together.
Unclipping the banged up absorber
Rear view, the bumper is actually in great shape except for the lower mounting tabs
Here you can see the tabs bent
Looks pretty straight other than the allignment of the tailgate
4 12mm nuts hold the bumper on
Rear bumper removed
Old on top, replacement rear element bumper from Hondapartsnow.com on the bottom
This post is getting a little long, I’m going to have to finish up in part 2. Thanks for reading.