Lude Generation

How do I take off the front bumper? I've got most of it off but I can't get to the three plastic screws under the drivers side light. Impossible to get to them. Have I got to take the light out first? I can't seem to take that off either!

You are going the wrong way about it. I did the same when I first tried to get it off.

First take off the grille and nostrils. Then you have to take the indicators out. There are 4 big nuts behind the indicators that hold the front bumper bar on, plus two beneath the headlights in the engine bay. When the bumper bar is loose the whole lot comes off in a one-er.

If you need a diagram it is the 4th gen service manual (page 20-60) in the Wiki-Lude that shows all the bolt locations.


Also best of luck in getting the indicator screws out if you haven't had them out before.


Alternatively you can get access to the bumper bar bolts from underneath the car. But if you have never (or recently) taken the undertray off you can for get about that as IMO rusted undertray bolts are even worse than rusted indicator screws.

Yep take it off with the metal bumper bar still attached, that's easier than trying to leave the bumper bar on.

yep I've done it the way way as you the 1st time round.

As you say, you can't get the the plasic screws under the headlights
So take off the bar then remove the plasic screw that are under the headlights
then next time you don't have to remove the bar

I had to drill my indicator screws out as the were rusted through but all new screws, plastic holders, bumper clips etc were cheap from Lings so I replaced loads of the niggly bits with new.

Oh my god! What a pain in the backside that was! Started at 2 this afternoon thinking it was going to be a quick job, and its now midnight I've only just finished! All I wanted to do was put the euro lip on the front! Can't imagine what the side skirts and rear is going to be like! Well after it all its done, the very very hard way. I wish I read all the comments earlier to help me out but time wasn't on my hands. I made a right hash of it all! I've managed to put the bumper back on, all bar the 3 screws either side under the lights because I couldn't put them back on so there is just a small gap on the under side of each light, apart from that it all seems to be ok (ish).




Didnt take many pictures because I was doing it all by myself for the first time, never attempted it before, when i painted the front bumper to debadge it and relocate the number plate I did it on the car. I still need to paint the lip but took a picture of it on. Ill be painting it while its on the car definately it's not coming off again!!



Bad picture quality as it's dark but from looking at it I'm really impressed with my really hard work!
Appreciate all the comments guys.

Difficult to say from the pics and I hate to say this but...

Looks like you might have put the lip on upside down?

(Pic nicked from Toads JAE snaps)


The lip sits over/around the front of the bumper instead of going fully underneath it.

sorry kris just made me chuckle

For future reference:

Side skirts:
1 - Remove all plastic clips from underneath, stubby philips screwdriver is useful here.
2 - Remove front mudflap (if fitted), and all screws underneath it.
3 - Go to the rear wheel arch, and tap the sideskirt forward - it'll then come off.

Rear Bumper:
1 - Remove the boot floor for access, then remove the rear trim (behind lights, below level of boot).
2 - Locate the four bumper bar nuts (10mm). One under each light, two recessed in holes under the boot opening.
3 - Remove rear mudflap, (if fitted) and all screws underneath.
4 - Remove bolt running up from bumper into rear arch (right where the bumper meets the arch).
5 - Remove aforementioned bumper bar bolts, and them pull bumper off. Be aware of cabling if foglight is fitted.

Thanks guys, and @wurlycorner how could it be on upside down? I just put it on with the holes that where there! Lol. Ill take another picture and put it on shortly.