Rear Bumper removal

[Night Crawler]

If I remove my rear bumper, do I have to worry about the air bags going off, or should I just disconnect the battery to be on the safe side?
reason being, I recently purchased a trunk mount bike rack and used it with 2 bikes on it all weekend. When I removed the bike rack I noticed the flat plate on the bumper where the trunk lid sits is now rounded due to the weight, so I'm hoping to put a brace under it so it won't get disconfigured from the weight. I noticed there is nothing under that panel when I put my fingers up through the license plate light hole, except for the plastic that makes the panel.

[Night Crawler]

bump

[harofreak00]

Removal:

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.


Remove the push pin retainers (2) that secure the rear bumper fascia to the rear wheelhouse extensions.


Remove the fastener (5) securing the rear bumper fascia at the wheelhouse opening.
Disconnect the license lamp electrical connector (2).
Open the rear compartment lid.
Remove the rear compartment sill trim. Refer to Compartment Sill Plate Replacement - Rear in Body Rear End.
Fold back the rear compartment side trim panels. Refer to Compartment Trim Panel Replacement - Rear in Body Rear End.
Remove the fasteners (4) securing the rear bumper fascia (3) to the quarter panels.
Remove the fasteners (1) securing the rear bumper fascia (3) to the rear end panel.
Remove the rear bumper fascia (3) from the vehicle.
Remove the energy absorber from the fascia. Refer to Energy Absorber Replacement - Rear .

Installation:

Install the energy absorber to the fascia. Refer to Energy Absorber Replacement - Rear .



Align the fasteners (1, 4, 5) in the rear bumper fascia (3) to the body.
Connect the license lamp wire connector (2).

Important
The butyl washers on the fasteners (1,4,5) must be replaced upon reassembly. This will ensure that exhaust gases do not enter the passenger compartment.


Install new butyl washers onto the fascia studs.

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


Install the fasteners (4, 5) to secure the rear bumper fascia (1) to the quarter panels. Tighten
Tighten the fasteners to 6 N·m (53 lb in).





Install the fasteners (1) to secure the rear bumper fascia to the rear end panel. Tighten
Tighten the fasteners to 6 N·m (53 lb in).

Install the rear compartment side trim panels. Refer to Compartment Trim Panel Replacement - Rear in Body Rear End.
Install the rear compartment sill trim. Refer to Compartment Sill Plate Replacement - Rear in Body Rear End.
Close the rear compartment lid.



Install the push pin retainers (2) to secure the rear bumper fascia to the rear wheelhouse extensions.
Lower the vehicle.

[Night Crawler]

thanks, so I don't have to worry about the airbags going off then?

[harofreak00]

Nope.

[Night Crawler]

ok, well i did i minor fix to get the indentation out. I left my rear bumper facing the afternoon sun for the last week and it has formed itself almost completely out.

[00Beast]

The sun has power!!

[zuluhead]

The sun has power!!

[singing] The sun is a mass of incandescent gas, a gigantic nuclear furnace, where hydrogen is built into helium at a temperature of million of degrees.[/singing]

[Night Crawler]

[TenGHz]

x2 - lmao

[zuluhead]

x2 - lmao

it's the first line of a fun little ditty called 'Why Does The Sun Shine' by the group They Might Be Giants.

for your convenience: http://www.seeqpod.com/search/?plid=842e4ce456

[Night Crawler]

[gonzo4191]

x2 - lmao

it's the first line of a fun little ditty called 'Why Does The Sun Shine' by the group They Might Be Giants.

for your convenience: http://www.seeqpod.com/search/?plid=842e4ce456

i know "They might be giants"!!

[Ishkabod]

This is exactly what I need to do but it's kinda hard to understand without the visual cues. Is there somewhere I can find a description like this with a visual map of what is where and how to do it?