Hi, I'm trying to remove the rear bumper to treat some surface corrosion around the bumper struts.

The LHS 19mm vertical bolt came undone OK but the RHS just goes round and around.
I thought the thread had sheared but pulling downward on the bolt barely makes it budge. Can't see much from underneath so was trying to feel for any part of the bumper strut that had corroded, cracked, and come loose. There was some crud but couldn't see anything obvious.

It's a PIA as you can't get the bumper off without this bolt and it looks like you have to get the bumper off to free the bolt!

Any suggestions very welcome.

 

1. Get large glass of red wine.
2. Read this.

GRANTLEYDESIGN Jaguar XK8 and XKR body styling kit fitting instructions Jaguar xk side skirts lights and vents

Obviously, it's only the first couple of paragraphs that are relevant, but the photographs are good.

3. Be grateful that UK cars have a much simpler design than the "impact absorbing" legal requirement for US models.
4. Refill glass !

 

I had the same problem, it was not too tricky to fix.


Reversing aid harness off.



Next I used this to cut through most of the bumper pillar.



Access was limited so I was only able to cut about 3/4 of the way around.



A hack saw blade did the rest.



I could then tap the bumper off leaving this.



I was worried these would shear off but the came out easily.



Next, how to get the bolt out.



Drilled a couple of holes.



And put in a couple of self tappers.



The bolt then came out easily, the bracket was in a mess.

 

Thanks both for the info. and excellent pictures - now I can see the way out
I bet those three strut bolts are well and truly stuck fast though!

Cheers
Andrew