On Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:28:53 -0800 (PST), Grod <grodenhi@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
wrote:
>About 4 months ago I bought a used '03 Sentra GXE. At the time there
>was a slight sag in the rear-drivers side bumper cover (about 1/4-1/2
>inch lower than rest of bumper). I brought this up and the dealer
>said it was likely a broken/missing clip. They claimed to fix it by
>replacing the clip and all was well until now. The sag is back.
>Before completing purchase my own mechanic did top to bottom and found
>nothing wrong (really went over it). The bumper cover itself has no
>visible issues, paint is great, no dents, etc, looks perfect (minus
>the sag).
>
>So quick questions...
>
>1.) Is this common? If so what is the usual cause?
>
>2.) Now it doesn't REALLY bother me, does leaving it me pose any
>future issues (ie water getting up in there and rusting, it falling
>off, etc).
>
>Thanks!!
Bumper covers are basically pretty things that hide the hole around
the the bumper(impact bar) so it can move and not damage the vehicle
excessively at low speeds. They are part of an "assembly" that
attaches to the sheet metal on the outside edges and "energy absorbers
in the middle__under the car. Parts or the "assembly" are usually
constructed from Aluminium and various types of plastic. These
materials tend not to rust. Look under the car and you should see
weep holes to allow splash water to drain. Rust is not your
problem---The bumber cover is usually held in place over urethane
plastic impact strips or logs if you will. These strips act as
softeners and form return devices after a low speed collision. Around
the edge of the bumper cover-in the center section of the
assemby--LOOK UNDER the car again, plastic interference fit type
fasteners--they look like fat nails with fins--hold the cover to the
actual bumper. If the cover has a section that is sagging, then some
of these "finned fasteners," usually called "plastic rivets" are out
of place, or the sup****ting urethane strip is in need of attenion.
This condition could be indicative of an improper repair. Removal and
replacement of the rear bumper assembly is usually not an all day
project. With luck, you will find two or three bolts or nuts on each
end--where the plastic meets the quarter-panel. Then, underneath ,
two to four bolts per attachment to the energy absorbers. It helps to
have sockets and wrenches of 10, 11, 12 13, 14, and 17 millimetersizes
for all the possibilites
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