Dropping Rear Bumper Fix

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

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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..........