Rear bumper woes- can this be fixed without replacing the bumper?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by southtxprius, Jul 22, 2015.

  1. southtxprius

    southtxprius Junior Member

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    The rear bumper on my 2010 CPO Gen III was already experiencing the "gap problem" when I purchased the car 3 years ago. The problem has gotten worse over time and now the bumper juts out on the side. Inspection revealed that the previous owner (or maybe the Toyota dealer???) tried to fix things with a heat gun, melting the retainer clip.

    If I replace the retainer clip, is it possible that the bumper will clip back in?

    Also, there are white plastic clips between the base of the tail lights and the bumper. One is broken. Does anyone know the part number and how to go about replacing the clip?

    Thanks!

    DSCF4406.jpg DSCF4402.jpg DSCF4403.jpg
     

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    #1 southtxprius, Jul 22, 2015
  2. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    parts on ebay and video on you tube how to replace bumper
     
    #2 Beachbummm, Jul 22, 2015
  3. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    I just kick the bumper of the Prius every month or so. My front left side starts to wobble free after a few hundred highway miles of high winds I suppose. Eventually it pops out. Then I just knee-kick it straight in and voila, problem solved for a month.
     
    #3 2k1Toaster, Jul 22, 2015
  4. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    It looks like he melted more than the clip. OMG.
     
    #4 usnavystgc, Jul 22, 2015
  5. southtxprius

    southtxprius Junior Member

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    Yeah, I think the clip melted onto the bumper edge. I can hold the bumper in place, but it pops out again immediately. That's why I'm wondering if a new retainer clip would help.
     
    #5 southtxprius, Jul 22, 2015
  6. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    you can try double sided tape they use for body molding ...might have o get it from a body shop
     
    #6 Beachbummm, Jul 23, 2015
  7. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    This has been discussed on this forum before. Search "rear bumper sag". It's actually a "bumper cover" but whatever. There are "new clips" that are supposed to solve this problem. Ask at your dealer. To solve properly, the entire cover must be removed and all the clips replaced. You might be able to do this yourself, or you could go to a bodyshop. Should cost about two hours labour, plus perhaps $20 for clips.
     
    #7 David Beale, Jul 23, 2015
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I'd call it a "fairing". "Bumper cover" infers there IS a bumper, lol.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Jul 23, 2015
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  9. southtxprius

    southtxprius Junior Member

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    Ha, Mendel- I've seen your comments re: bumpers before.;)

    I did see the older discussions re: bumper sag and know that a bit of a gap may be unavoidable. My original post was to see if anyone thinks that the existing bumper will fasten back into a NEW retainer clip.

    I found the part number for the clips under the taillights. I will try removing the fairing/cover and replacing the side retainers and other clips.

    Thanks all!
     
    #9 southtxprius, Jul 23, 2015
  10. southtxprius

    southtxprius Junior Member

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    I confirmed the correct part numbers with the dealer. The dealer told me that I can keep the lower spoiler parts attached to the underside of the bumper.
     
    #10 southtxprius, Jul 23, 2015
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  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If the bumper side of the interface looks unaltered, new clip is best bet. Maybe then it'll only be slightly sagging.

    I'm quick to take the bait, lol: hate these. Ultimately for the best I guess, the whole front or rear of the car is a crumple zone. But for low speed bumps, they're a gold mine for body shops.
     
    #11 Mendel Leisk, Jul 23, 2015
  12. southtxprius

    southtxprius Junior Member

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    I just received the new clips in the mail. The part number on the bag is the new one, but the part number molded on the side of the part is the old one. I contacted the eBay sellers and am waiting for their response. Called the dealer and they have the side retainer in stock. Same deal with the part numbers. Bag stick doesn't match what is inside. Can anyone double check their bumper clip that has the newer clip?
     
    #12 southtxprius, Jul 31, 2015
  13. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If your car is CPO with a warranty, why are you not bringing it to the dealer?
     
    #13 JC91006, Jul 31, 2015
  14. southtxprius

    southtxprius Junior Member

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    Purchased in 2012. CPO warranty was only good for 12 months.
     
    #14 southtxprius, Jul 31, 2015
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