Some mods and weekend detail session

[nra0707]

Originally Posted by chile1

Do I need to disconnect the PDC cable before removing the bumper Cover? If so, any comments how this is done (i.e. disc battery or not etc.)

Also, are there 4 tabs underneath where the bumper is mounted to the lower part of the vehicle, that need to be disconnect? I've seen this reference on other posts?

Yes, PDC should be disconnected. No need to disconnect battery. You can gain access to it by opening the tailgate, removing the right-hand (passenger side) side panel and reaching down toward the back wall underneath where the tail lights would be. Hopefully, you do not have a factory subwoofer, otherwise you will have to pull that out before reaching inside. There is a connector that you release. Once you slide the bumper cover off, one end of the PDC wire will be attached to a rubber grommet. Just pull that off and your bumper should come off easily. It's really easier than I describe it. I've done it so many times now that it just feels like 3 steps.

[nra0707]

Oh, forgot to describe the tabs underneath...just go underneath the car and pull them loose. Nothing much to it. Remember when re-installing the bumper, to re-seat these tabs, otherwise you will get some wacky wind vibration from underneath the car (and could potentially snap off that part of the bumper cover).

[chile1]

Originally Posted by nra0707

Yes, PDC should be disconnected. No need to disconnect battery. You can gain access to it by opening the tailgate, removing the right-hand (passenger side) side panel and reaching down toward the back wall underneath where the tail lights would be. Hopefully, you do not have a factory subwoofer, otherwise you will have to pull that out before reaching inside. There is a connector that you release. Once you slide the bumper cover off, one end of the PDC wire will be attached to a rubber grommet. Just pull that off and your bumper should come off easily. It's really easier than I describe it. I've done it so many times now that it just feels like 3 steps.

One last question. I'm having a real hard time accessing the 8mm screws that need to be removed. There's not enough clearance with the tail pipes in the way.
I've read that I would also need to drop the exhaust to get access. Is this correct and if so, what do I need to remove to drop the exhaust.

No subwoofers, BTW....

[nra0707]

Originally Posted by chile1

One last question. I'm having a real hard time accessing the 8mm screws that need to be removed. There's not enough clearance with the tail pipes in the way.
I've read that I would also need to drop the exhaust to get access. Is this correct and if so, what do I need to remove to drop the exhaust.

No subwoofers, BTW....

You mean the T-55 screws in the bumper, right? Yes, dropping the exhaust pipes a few inches gives you enough clearance. There are two nuts near each rubber exhaust hanger. Just remove them and it should lower easily. There are safety wires that prevent it from dropping to the ground, but make sure to have something propped underneath just so it doesn't hit your face while lowering.

[chile1]

Originally Posted by nra0707

You mean the T-55 screws in the bumper, right? Yes, dropping the exhaust pipes a few inches gives you enough clearance. There are two nuts near each rubber exhaust hanger. Just remove them and it should lower easily. There are safety wires that prevent it from dropping to the ground, but make sure to have something propped underneath just so it doesn't hit your face while lowering.

To drop the muffler, do I need to remove both 10 & 11 (see diagram).

[nra0707]

I only had to drop #10 on mine, but you should look underneath your car to see if #11 is also holding it up.

[chile1]

Originally Posted by nra0707

I only had to drop #10 on mine, but you should look underneath your car to see if #11 is also holding it up.

Is your X also a 4.4i? According to the realoem diagram both #10 & #11 hold up the exhaust. It be a lot less trouble to just drop #10.

[LeiZ]

Wow.

What wax do you use???!!!!!

[nra0707]

Originally Posted by LeiZ

Wow.

What wax do you use???!!!!!

Haha, the ironic thing was that I used Meguiar's Quick Wax. Since I've put on 20's, I can't use the local car wash anymore since the wheels will get damaged in the tracks, so after handwashing, I just decided to do a simple spray 'n' shine. I'm lazy, plus it's a big car to wax. I figure at the end of the summer, I'll do a full on exterior detail with a clay bar, polish, and wax using an orbital buffer.

[LeiZ]

NICE!!!

Originally Posted by nra0707

Haha, the ironic thing was that I used Meguiar's Quick Wax. Since I've put on 20's, I can't use the local car wash anymore since the wheels will get damaged in the tracks, so after handwashing, I just decided to do a simple spray 'n' shine. I'm lazy, plus it's a big car to wax. I figure at the end of the summer, I'll do a full on exterior detail with a clay bar, polish, and wax using an orbital buffer.