removing front bumper cover on 09 corolla

[onefutui2e]

hey everyone, first time user/poster here. i wish it was under better circumstances.

i got into my first accident today as a driver. fortunately, no one was hurt and the damage to my corolla was rather light. basically, there was cosmetic paint damage, a small dent that you could barely feel much less see, and my bumper got pushed in a little bit. internally everything looks fine (no leaks) and driving it back i couldn't feel any difference.

i had a friend examine the damages and he said a touch-up on the paint and refitting the bumper cover back in should take care of it aesthetically, and if i was a little anal, i could shell out the few hundred to remove the dent.

unfortunately, i haven't been able find anything on how to remove the bumper. if anyone can help point me in the right direction i'd greatly appreciate it. thanks.

also, if anyone can give me advice on how to proceed in taking care of my car i would gladly take it. should i bring it to a service center so that i can be 100% that there are no problems?

thanks again.

[LeanBurn]

Without removing the bumper cover you can't be accurate on the damage sustained to the impact absorbing foam and plastic that supports the bumper cover. If the impact was small enough, only these elements will have sustained damage. There is a possibility of front end damage behind these elements under it all, but it all depends on how back-to-pre-accidient condition you'd like to go. Either way, I would go visit a collision center to tap them for advice on how to remove it as bumper cover removal shouldn't be that different than other similar cars.

[Zembonez]

^^ I agree 100%.


Those "bumpers" are nothing more than cosmetic plastic on the front of the car. If yours is displaced, something behind it is bent (or crushed as designed) and most likely need replacing. Other than some impact absorbing Styrofoam, there isn't much "adjustment" that can be made.

You should most definitely take it to a shop to have it checked out.

[onefutui2e]

thanks for the reply guys.

i'll try to have pictures of my car up as soon as i can. i just figured for now i'd describe it the best i can.

but if the dent is small enough (again, i could barely feel or see it, only by the scuff marks can you see where the point of impact was) do you think it would necessitate replacing the whole cover?

[Zembonez]

It may be nothing. Keep in mind we are flying blind here without that modern marvel we like to call pictures.