Car Bumper brackets

How to detect the bumper mounts failure

The state of the parts should be inspected every time after an accident, hitting a curb, a snow bank, etc. First, you should grasp the bumper in hand and try to move it. If during the check you feel freeplay, the mounts are probably damaged. For a more comprehensive inspection you need to remove the bumper. Cracked, torn, warped or rusted mounts require replacement.

You may identify that the bumper mounts need diagnosis by the following symptoms:

• the bumper sags;
• increased gaps in the front of the car body;
• when driving on rough roads, abnormal sounds are heard.

Causes of the bumper mounts failure

Mechanical damage resulting from a strong impact on the front of the vehicle is among the most common faults. Bent or cracked mountings are not able to hold the bumper in the required position, so they should be immediately replaced.

Due to their location, the parts are exposed to moisture and dirt. Eventually they rust. Premature corrosion can occur if the car is operated in a region with a humid climate or is stored outdoors.

The elasticity of plastic bumper brackets can decrease at low temperatures. Due to this, in cold seasons you should not install them in a poorly heated room if you want to prevent their damage.

Due to frequent driving on poor quality roads, the mounting bolts may become loose. If you do not tighten them in due time, the risk of the mounting holes wear will substantially increase.

Repair of the bumper mounts

Repair of components is best to be carried out at a service station. Specialists choose a method of restoration work depending on the material from which the brackets are produced. Usually minor cracks are eliminated by welding or by applying a special adhesive compound. The damaged spots are reinforced with a metal mesh for greater durability. If the damage degree is too large, bumper mounting brackets are replaced.

Replacement of the bumper mounts

You can easily perform the parts replacement on your own. The procedure may vary depending on the car design and the parts location.

To replace the front bumper mounts, carry out the following procedure:

1. Unscrew the upper bolts of the radiator grille.
2. Pull the grille upward, after releasing it from the clips.
3. Loosen the engine undercover nuts.
4. Unscrew the lower and upper fasteners that attach the bumper to the mudguards.
5. Disconnect the bumper from the brackets, and then from the car body front panel after unscrewing the self-tapping screws.
6. Remove the bumper by moving it forward.
7. Unscrew the bumper bracket bolts.
8. Install new components instead of the broken ones.
9. Reassemble the unit by following the steps in the reverse order.

Replacement of mounts on the rear axle may require to disassemble the lights. You can find more detailed instructions in your car technical documents.