How to get behind front bumper to push out dent

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by TryingToLearn, Aug 4, 2017.

  1. TryingToLearn

    TryingToLearn Junior Member

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    Hello, I have a dent on the right hand side of my 2010's front bumper.

    I've watched countless videos of people heating up their bumpers and then pushing the dent out from the inside. I can't for the life of me, however, find instructions on how to remove the black flaps under the car to get access into the bumper. Any tips would be very appreciated!

    Pics below of the area I'm talking about, plus the dent. I'm a broke student, so taking it to a repair shop for $400-$1000 repair isnt an option for me. :(
     

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    #1 TryingToLearn, Aug 4, 2017
  2. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    The bottom plastic piece is held on by a bunch of clips and screws. You can use a flat head screw driver to unclip the clips. If you watch my transmission fluid drain and refill on the Prius, I think we showed how to remove the bottom panel... or one of the video on there. Good luck!
     
    #2 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 4, 2017
  3. TryingToLearn

    TryingToLearn Junior Member

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    Thanks! I just looked it up, and the bottom panel is the panel on the belly of the prius right? I'm looking more whatever you call the panel directly behind the front bumper that surrounds the wheel well. I tried locating as many screws and pins as I could and taking them out, but still not able to remove the flaps to get behind the bumper.
     
    #3 TryingToLearn, Aug 4, 2017
  4. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    I think you'll have to pull the front bumper off of the car to get behind there, or you can try removing the wheel and the fender lining. The bumper is mounted on the bumper support.
     
    #4 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 4, 2017
  5. NavyLCDR

    NavyLCDR Active Member

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    The piece you are showing in your photos is called the fender liner. There are a series of clips and screws starting all the way from in front of the front door behind the wheel/tire, and going all the way to the front bumper edge. Look up fender liner replacement.

    It might be easier to just remove the front bumper. I've replaced both fender liners and my 2011 and have also removed and replaced the front bumper. I think the bumper itself is the easier.
     
    #5 NavyLCDR, Aug 5, 2017
  6. Buderim

    Buderim Junior Member

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    #6 Buderim, Aug 5, 2017
    heiwa and Raytheeagle like this.
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