Replace damaged bumper in 2017 Sentra SR?

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jeljeljel
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Joined: Mon Apr 20, 2020 2:49 pm
Car: 2017 Nissan Sentra SR

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I have a Nisson 2017 Sentra SR and damaged it accidentally backing into a lightpole. Current body shop estimates the repair to be anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000. So I am exploring if this is something (relatively easily) fixable by myself.

Here are pictures from the damage...
Image from iOS.jpg
Image from iOS (1).jpg
Image from iOS (2).jpg
I feel like I can source the parts needed. The items in orange below are what I need to replace. Namely the bumper, energy absorber, and reinforcement bar.
2020-04-21_5-58-26.jpg
Is this something that is relatively easy to do? I did find a youtube video on how to remove/replace the rear bumper. But the rest is the great unknown right now.

Thanks for any direction!!


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AZhitman
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I think I'd tackle it.

Tail light is just over $100: https://www.carparts.com/details/Nissan ... 10008.html

If you really want to go low-budget, remove the bumper and gently work the dent out. It's urethane, so as long as it's recent, the bumper should pop back to its original shape. If you don't mind the small crack, you can use heavy zip-ties to re-fasten the bumper to the fender (via the holes in that first pic).

It won't be perfect, but a couple hours of work and $100 will get you looking fine from 10 feet away. :)

For $220, you can get a new bumper, painted to match: https://www.amazon.com/MBI-AUTO-Painted ... B077F29KN3

jeljeljel
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Joined: Mon Apr 20, 2020 2:49 pm
Car: 2017 Nissan Sentra SR

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Thanks! I am mostly concerned about the energy absorber and reinforcement bar. If I get the bumper off and see those are damaged, is that an easy repair as well?

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AZhitman
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Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 S13, 92 SE-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
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The absorber is a big chunk of styrofoam... not hard to replace, it's literally hanging out in there, maybe adhered with tape. :) Totally unnecessary to replace, as it's not destroyed.

Reinforcement bar should be fine, the impact wasn't that hard. It's in the estimate because of liability issues - it's integral to the car, and will require cutting / welding (but again, there's no way it was damaged by that minor impact).

Do the cosmetic stuff, and keep rolling!

jeljeljel
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Joined: Mon Apr 20, 2020 2:49 pm
Car: 2017 Nissan Sentra SR

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Thanks so much. I will move forward. The video I have for removing the bumper is for a 2013 Sentra. Would that be the same as the 2017 model?

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AZhitman
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Probably some slight differences, but unless you're completely inept, you'll get the jist of how it's attached.

P.S. Stop backing into stuff. Welcome aboard. :)

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Rogue One
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jeljeljel wrote:
Wed Apr 22, 2020 10:53 am
Thanks so much. I will move forward. The video I have for removing the bumper is for a 2013 Sentra. Would that be the same as the 2017 model?
2013 Nissan Sentra is a seventh generation (B17) model. Model years for the 7th gen are 2013–2019. For the 2016 model year, the Sentra received a facelift including new front and rear bumpers, lights, hood, trunk and wheels to closer resemble the Maxima and Altima.

I'd say that the rear bumper on the '17 still attaches the same way as the '13, as the car frame is still the same. :bigthumb:

jeljeljel
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Joined: Mon Apr 20, 2020 2:49 pm
Car: 2017 Nissan Sentra SR

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We successfully pulled the bumper off and have determined the damage is minimal enough we can just replace the tail light. We were able to push out the dent in the bumper. The car frame is bent about 1/2 to 1 inch, but it's workable. It's about a 3-4K repair and when we sell the car in 6-7 years, not having it repaired will knock off about 1K in value, so it's not worth fixing in my estimation.

We need to source a couple of these clips that came from the plastic liner in the trunk. Would anyone know where we would find these?

This is the clip...
Image from iOS (2).jpg
I secures this plastic liner in the trunk...
Image from iOS (1).jpg
Another view from the inside, you can see the hole it goes into...
Image from iOS.jpg
Thanks so much!

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Rogue One
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Believe it or not the big box hardware stores carry automotive clips. They may not have that exact one, but probably something close enough to work.

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AZhitman
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^ Yep. And if not, the dealership has them.

Swing by and talk to a service manager - you may even get a handful for free if you're nice!


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