Rear Bumper removal instructions?

[Irish Phaeton]

Hi
Does anyone have rear bumper removal instructions. I need these as a preamble to towbar installation. I was sure I saw these previously but can't find in the FAQ.
Many thanks in advance

Hugh
Dublin

[PanEuropean]

Hello Hugh:

Documents are attached. See the remarks I made recently in the post Headlight Washer does not retract - Includes TB 92-05-01 about front bumper cover removal. The same comments apply to rear bumper cover removal.

I don't think you need any specialized tools such as a 18 inch long screwdriver to get the rear bumper cover off, but I do recall that it is finicky work to get at the bolts that are near the two outboard rear lamp assemblies. I believe that you can get the rear bumper cover off without having to remove either of the two batteries if you have a very complete selection of socket wrench tools (extension shafts, universal joints, thumb turns, etc.), but if you are working with just basic tools, you might have to remove one or both batteries to get access to the fasteners that hold the rear bumper cover in place.

Regards,

Michael

[jkuisma]

I believe that you can get the rear bumper cover off without having to remove either of the two batteries if you have a very complete selection of socket wrench tools

I have not taken off my bumper yet but will do so soon in order to replace the crome trim. Since I'm not a big fan of disconnecting the batteries, I've been poking the area behind both batteries wondering if I will be able to loosen the bolts for the bumper without removing the batteries. And yes, as Michael says, you definitely can remove the bolts holding the bumper with some patience and proper wrenches, without taking out batteries. The disclaimer that is appropriate here: be VERY careful with wrenches anywhere near a connected battery! It's best to protect the + pole with whatever means possible to prevent the possibility of getting anything metallic connecting the + pole and the car's body. I suppose this is the primary reason/risk why VW recommends taking out both batteries for the bumper job.

Jouko

[PanEuropean]

Ah-ha... Jouko's remarks make a lot of sense.

In light of the very severe consequences and high risk of personal injury associated with shorting out a positive battery terminal to the chassis of the car, I think it would make sense to remove the right-hand battery from the vehicle before starting work. The positive terminal of the right hand (starter) battery is the aft terminal.

If I recall correctly, the aft terminal of the left hand battery is the negative terminal, so no great risk there. But, for sure, I would physically remove that right hand battery. Doing so will have no effect at all on car memory functions provided that the left battery remains in place and connected.

Michael

[Irish Phaeton]

Many thanks for the excellent advice
I forseesee several layers of insulation & duck-tape covering the terminal!

I will have a poke around and see what's there. It might be an excuse for MORE tools...

Hugh
Dublin

[jkuisma]

Hugh! Sorry to spoil your plans for purchasing new, neat tools - you probably won't need any.

I just had the bumper skin off in order to replace the crome trim. It was quite simple. There is really no need to disconnect the batteries. Not even the positive poles pose a risk: the starter battery's plus-pole is completely covered in plastic and the accessory battery's plus pole is on the other end. The nastiest task is to get out the left fuse box (on top of the left battery) but that's been already discussed here several times...

Removal and reinstall of the bumper took no more than two hours. VW manual instructs that two mechanics are needed for pulling out the skin and putting in back on but I found out that there is a special tool which is perfect for the purpose: you need two 10 liter plastic buckets, placed upside down. They sit just perfectly under the bumper and help holding it in place. No problem getting it out and back in by yourself.

The two bolts - supposedly necessitating removal of the battery - can be worked on with a small, ordinary torx socket wrench. Not difficult at all. Good luck!

Jouko

[Irish Phaeton]

Jouko
thanks for that tip; I am ordering the towbar tomorrow and this job is getting close....
Hugh

[PanEuropean]

...I need these as a preamble to towbar installation.

More information about towbar installation, including photos of the car with the bumper cover removed, can be found here: Phaeton Trailer Hitch Installation.

Michael

[PanEuropean]

Please also read this discussion before you remove a bumper cover: Crack on front bumper under headlights. There is a sequence for tightening fasteners that MUST be followed, otherwise, the bumper cover cracks.

Michael