Difference between revisions of "Dropping Rear Bumper Fix"

Revision as of 11:45, 29 June 2009

Credit goes to DaveST220 who detailed how to fix this common problem on Pistonheads, and also thanks for allowing this to be reproduced here.

This has to be one of the most common concerns on here, the dropping rear bumper issue. We all know early ST220's don't suffer from this issue, Ford issued a TSB but people still say they have problems. After much digging i found out that Ford used to fit two foam supports. This is how my car came straight out of Genk :-

The gap had remained constant and no cracking was evident. However after reading about later cars well outside of the TSB window having the same issues i decided enough was enough and duly ordered FINIS 1300790 & 1300788(£36.89 + VAT each). It's worth noting that according to Ford's part system these are "Zetec S" parts and not ST220 parts-but early 220's had them fitted!!

First stage is to remove the bumper :-

(1) Remove 2 x TORX bolts in boot shut panel.

(2) Remove 1 x Philips screw & 1 x bolt head screw from arch liner, also remove bottom Philips screw and silver push on washer from arch liner.

(3) Slide arch liner out of the way to reveal 1 x Philps screw securing bumper to side bracket :-

(4) Remove 5 x screws at bottom of bumper.

(5) Unclip bumper at sides and slide bumper back, it hangs on this central support :-

Next it's time to fit the foams, you will need strong PU adhesive(same stuff rear spoiler is bonded on with) :-

Secure the foams in place :-

Bead the glue around the top edge and back of the foam block, push into place then bead a seam around it, here's some fitted from the factory :-

Job done :-

Let the PU go off(couple of hours) then refit the bumper, finished job has closed the gap right up and made the bumper more solid.

For the sake of a few quid i think it is worth it, i never had an issue with gap as all cars had one, however these blocks make the gap MUCH smaller!(about 4-5mm).Hope this helps some people out..........