Sagging bumper

[fallingspeaker]

I have a sagging rear bumper which is dipped maybe 1/2", it'd widest point in the middle. Is it possible to straighten/fix it back by removing the bumper fascia itself or do I need to take off the bumper reinforcement and reposition that? I haven't had the chance to get at it since I have just bought my tools and am at work right now, but would appreciate any knowledge on it. Also I have the FSM if that helps to add a reference point of an explanation.

thanks a lot!

[94_240sx]

Yes, if you remove the bumper, you can realign it. There are 2 big bolts in the trunk, one big bolt right above tail pipes and small bolts on each side(4 each IIRC). Bumper cover is attached to the reinforcement with several small bolts, so you can just loosen them and line up the bumper cover easily. You might have to make holes bigger, so you can move the bumper cover further up. You don't need FSM. It's pretty straight forward process.

Things to be careful... You don't have much space for the bottom bolt on both side inside of trunk, so it'll be little tough if your hand is big, but just turn the wrench little by little and evetually it'll come out. Bumper itself is pretty heavy, so make sure to put some cardboard and blanket right below the bumper when you work on it. If you drop it, it'll be messed up big time. I mean paint. Wire is attached to license plate bulbs, so don't forget to disconnect it before you put the bumper on the ground. It's little short. To make it line up perfectly, you might have to attach and remove the bumper several times. Just be patient and you will be happy at the end. I hope this helps...

[fallingspeaker]

Thanks, that helps a lot. I do have a few further questions. When you talk about the 4 small bolts, do these pertain to the bolts up and over the re-enforcement piece? What about the 6 small screws/plastic fasteners on the bottom at an up-angle? Also, where are the bolts on the sides? I remembered seeing round plug things (fastener looking). I'm really only going off of memory here at work so i'm probably mistaken on what I believe to be bumper connecting points.

Before I go home i'll print out this thread, I have a better understanding already but I guess I won't truely know till I take that sucker off.

Your help is very much appreciated.

[94_240sx]

#3 is upper retainer. That's what you want to remove to adjust the upper line. #2 is lower retainer whaich you don't need to touch. #4 is the retainer for the small nuts on each side. Sorry, my mistake. They are nuts, not bolts. These nuts can be accessed from corners(toward you) inside of the trunk. Just remove the carpet, you will know. Those rubber plugs are for 2 big bolts. You don't have to remove bumper cover from reinforcement. Just remove #3 and adjust the line.

[fallingspeaker]

Well, I took the bumper off, loosened the supports and tried to fix it.. I think theres something worse wrong with it. Sort of seems like those 2 brackets that go into the trunk are a little crooked.. like someone jumped on the bumper. Or maybe just the plastic piece is broken.

Should I have a body shop look at it?

[fallingspeaker]

Oh and a Pic from the rear.

[Danrc30]

I can't say for sure, but looks like the bolts holding the steel support in are loose. See if you can wiggle the bumper up and down by lifting it. If it feels like it's moving, check the bolts that hold the bumper to the chassis.

[fallingspeaker]

bumper is on pretty solid. I put it back on and all 11 bolts are on tight. I loosened the upper retainer piece and tried manipulating the bumper fascia up but that wouldn't fix the problem from the side view picture. The black stripe is definately pointing down... awww.