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Bumper System Buick LeSabre VIII

Exterior Body Panels 11 illustrations ~2460 words

FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Front Bumper Fascia to the Body9 N.m80 lb in
Front Bumper Impact Bar Bracket to the Body50 N.m37 lb ft
Front Bumper Impact Bar to the Body25 rim18 lb ft
Front Bumper Impact Bar to the Bracket25 N.m18 lb ft
Rear Bumper Fascia to the Body4 N.m35 lb in
Rear Bumper Impact Bar to the Body25 N.m18 lb ft

Fastener Tightening Specifications

INSPECTION AFTER COLLISION

If a severe collision dislodges the bumper from the original position, you may need to replace the following components

  1. The bumper fascia.
  2. The bumper energy absorber.
  3. The bumper impact bar.

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the push-in retainers (2) from the fascia extension (3).
  2. Remove the fascia extension (3) from the vehicle.

Scheme 34

Scheme 34
Scheme 34

Installation Procedure

  1. Position the front fascia extension (3) to the vehicle.
  2. Install the push-in retainers (2) to the fascia extension (3).

FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER

Note. Tools Required: Fascia Retainer Remover (J 36346).

Scheme 35

Scheme 35: Removal Procedure
Scheme 35: Removal Procedure

Scheme 36

Scheme 36
Scheme 36

Scheme 37

Scheme 37
Scheme 37
  1. Open the hood.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle.
  3. Use the J 36346 in order to remove the push pin retainers (2) that retain the front bumper fascia (1) to the front wheelhouse extensions (3). (Scheme 34)
  4. Disconnect the electrical connectors at the parking lamps.
  5. Loosen the captive stud and nut (1).
  6. Tap up the captive stud and nut (1) in order to clear the keyhole slots in the fenders.
  7. Loosen the bolt (2) enough in order to clear the weld nut on the fenders.
  8. Use the J 36346 in order to remove the push pin retainers (5) securing the front bumper fascia to the upper fascia support.
  9. Use the J 36346 in order to remove the push pin retainers (2) securing the front bumper fascia to the air deflector.
  10. Remove the front bumper fascia and the front energy absorber from the front impact bar.
  11. Remove the energy absorber from the fascia. Refer to «ENERGY ABSORBER REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system).
  1. Install the energy absorber to the front bumper fascia. Refer to «ENERGY ABSORBER REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system).
  2. Hand start the fasteners (1,2) into the front bumper fascia. (Scheme 36)
  3. Align the front bumper fascia (3) and the front energy absorber to the front impact bar. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
  4. Insert the fasteners (1) into the keyhole slots in the front fenders. Tighten the fasteners, bolt (2) first, to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
  5. Install the push pin retainers (5) in order to secure the front bumper fascia (3) to the upper fascia support.
  6. Connect the parking lamp electrical connectors. (Scheme 35)
  7. Install the push pin retainers (2) in order to secure the front bumper fascia (1) to the front wheelhouse extensions (3). (Scheme 34)
  8. Install the push pin retainers (2) in order to secure the front bumper fascia. (Scheme 37)
  1. Remove the front bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-front-bumper) .
  2. Remove the front impact bar. Refer to «IMPACT BAR REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
  3. Remove the fastener retaining the rear of the front bumper impact bar bracket.
  4. Remove the fasteners retaining the front of the front bumper impact bar bracket.
  5. Remove the front bumper impact bar bracket from the vehicle.

Scheme 38

Scheme 38
Scheme 38
  1. Install the front bumper impact bar bracket to the vehicle. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
  2. Install the fasteners in order to secure the front of the front bumper impact bar bracket. Tighten the fasteners to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
  3. Install the fastener in order to secure the rear of the front bumper impact bar bracket. Tighten the fastener to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
  4. Install the front impact bar. Refer to «IMPACT BAR REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
  5. Install the front bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-front-bumper) .
  1. Open the hood.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle.
  3. Remove the front bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-front-bumper).
  4. Remove the fasteners retaining the front bumper impact bar to the front bumper impact bar bracket. (Scheme 38)
  5. Remove the front bumper impact bar.
  1. Install the front bumper impact bar. (Scheme 38) CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
  2. Install the fasteners in order to secure the front bumper impact bar to the bracket. Tighten the fasteners to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
  3. Install the front bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-front-bumper).
  4. Lower the vehicle.
  5. Close the hood.
  1. Remove the front bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-front-bumper) .
  2. Using a square drive bit, remove the fasteners (2).
  3. Remove the energy absorber from the fascia.

Scheme 39

Scheme 39
Scheme 39
  1. Align the energy absorber to the front bumper fascia.
  2. Install the fasteners (2).
  3. Install the front bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-front-bumper) .
  1. Remove the 2 screws (2) retaining the rear fascia extension to the vehicle.
  2. Remove the 3 push-in retainers (1) retaining the rear fascia extension to the vehicle.
  3. Remove the rear fascia extension from the vehicle.

Scheme 40

Scheme 40
Scheme 40
  1. Position the rear wheelhouse extension to the vehicle.
  2. Install the 3 push-in retainers (1) in order to retain the rear fascia extension to the vehicle. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
  3. Install the 2 screws (1) in order to retain the rear fascia extension to the vehicle. Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (18 lb in).

FASCIA REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER

Note. Tools Required: Fascia Retainer Remover (J 36346).

Scheme 41

Scheme 41: Removal Procedure
Scheme 41: Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle.
  2. Use the J 36346 in order to remove the push pin retainers (1) that retain the rear bumper fascia to the rear wheelhouse extensions. (Scheme 40)
  3. Remove the fastener (4) retaining the rear bumper fascia at the wheelhouse opening.
  4. Open the rear compartment lid.
  5. Remove the rear compartment sill trim. Refer to «COMPARTMENT SILL PLATE REPLACEMENT-REAR»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-rear-end) in Body Rear End.
  6. Fold back the rear compartment side trim panels.
  7. Remove the fasteners (3) retaining the rear bumper fascia (2) to the quarter panels.
  8. Remove the fasteners (1) retaining the fascia (2) to the rear end panel.
  9. Remove the rear bumper fascia (2) and the energy absorber from the vehicle.
  1. Align the fasteners (1,3,4) in the rear bumper fascia (2) to the body. (Scheme 41) CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
  2. Install the fasteners (1) in order to secure the rear bumper fascia to the rear end panel. Tighten the fasteners to 4 N.m (35 lb in).
  3. Install the fasteners (3,4) in order to secure the rear bumper fascia (2) to the quarter panels. Tighten the fasteners to 4 N.m (35 lb in).
  4. Reinstall the rear compartment side trim panels.
  5. Install the rear compartment sill trim. Refer to «COMPARTMENT SILL PLATE REPLACEMENT-REAR»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-rear-end) in Body Rear End.
  6. Close the rear compartment lid.
  7. Install the push pin retainers (1) in order to secure the rear bumper fascia to the rear wheelhouse extensions. (Scheme 40)
  8. Lower the vehicle.
  1. Remove the rear bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-rear-bumper) .
  2. Using a square drive bit, remove the fasteners (2).
  3. Remove the energy absorber from the fascia (1).

Scheme 42

Scheme 42
Scheme 42
  1. Align the energy absorber to the fascia (1).
  2. Install the fasteners (2).
  3. Install the rear bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-rear-bumper) .
  1. Raise and support the vehicle.
  2. Remove the rear bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-rear-bumper) .
  3. Remove the fasteners retaining the rear bumper impact bar to the body.
  4. Remove the rear bumper impact bar from the body.
  5. Remove the stud plate from the rear bumper impact bar bracket.

Scheme 43

Scheme 43
Scheme 43
  1. Install the stud plate into the rear bumper impact bar bracket.
  2. Install the rear bumper impact bar to the body. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
  3. Install the fasteners in order to secure the rear bumper impact bar to the body. Tighten the fasteners to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
  4. Install the rear bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-rear-bumper) .
  5. Lower the vehicle.

BUMPER & FASCIA DESCRIPTION

General Motors passenger vehicle bumpers are designed to withstand a collision into a fixed barrier at 8 km/h (5 mph). After absorbing the energy of the collision, the bumper energy absorbers rebound to 80-90 percent of their original position. The bumper energy absorbing capability of the front and the rear bumper systems are achieved through one of the following components in each bumper

  1. A honeycomb type energy absorbing structure.
  2. A foam type energy absorbing structure.
  3. An impact bar bracket energy absorbing structure.

The front and the rear bumper fascias are made of urethane. Urethane withstands minor impact and returns to the original shape.

Refer to GENERAL PLASTIC REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS for repair or refinishing information on the bumper fascia.

GENERAL PLASTIC REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

The following procedures should be followed when repairing all types of thermoset plastic

  1. Use the supplies and the repair materials from the same manufacturer. Do not intermix systems. Mixing materials from different manufacturers can produce unsatisfactory results.
  2. Clean the inner and outer surfaces of the repair area with a soap impregnated scouring pad in order to remove any dirt or mold release agent. A mold release agent is used during manufacturing in order to prevent the part from sticking to the mold. This release agent may be present in large enough concentrations to affect adhesion.
  3. After washing, clean the area a second time with naptha solvent. Use only enough of the remover to dampen a cloth. Too much of the solvent will saturate the panel and may migrate out later, affecting the finish. Use a tack rag and air for finish cleanup. Allow the panel to dry thoroughly.
  4. Apply force around the damaged area in order to look for hidden damage such as hairline cracks. Small cracks and faults in the bonds and the panels will eventually grow larger if left unattended. Drill a 3 mm (1/8 in) hole at each end of a crack in order to prevent any further cracking.
  5. Remove the surface finish from the area to be repaired. Adhesives are designed to adhere to the plastic substrate, not the finish. NOTE: Some adhesives require the use of a primer when bonding to metal. Use only the primers that are approved by the manufacturer's. If you are bonding a composite panel to a metal surface, follow the adhesive manufacturers recommendations on how the metal should be prepared.
  6. Repair the inner surface of the panel first.
  7. When using a mat reinforcement to repair the inner or outer surface of a panel, inspect that there are no strands of the mat left uncovered or unsaturated with the repair material. If exposed, the mat may act as a wick and draw moisture into the repair area, affecting the integrity and the finish.
  8. Inspect the rear of the damaged panel for tool clearance. If accessing the repair with a saturation roller, a grinder, or a sander is impossible, do the repairs by hand.
  9. Align the damaged or spliced area with a brace and clamps if the damage is severe. For a smaller repair, use a heavy tape on the outer surface in order to maintain the alignment until the inner repair material has cured.
  10. If welding is necessary, do not allow the flame or the welding heat to come into direct contact with the plastic body panels. Protect the surrounding area with a fire retardant fabric. Several layers of aluminum foil make an excellent heat shield if not in direct contact with the flame.
  11. Inspect the rear side of the work area before making repairs in order to avoid possible damage to wires, motors, etc.
  12. Composite parts will not yield or take a set as with steel parts, thus they cannot be straightened. If poor alignments are suspected, due to a collision or other damage inspect the steel reinforcements for damage and replace or repair them before repairing the plastic parts.
  13. Save any useful size pieces of repair material when cleaning up the work area. These pieces can be used for reinforcing smaller repair areas.
  14. Force dry structural bonding epoxy with heat. Heat speeds the cure time and increases the bond strength. Follow the manufacturers curing recommendations.

Scheme 44

Scheme 44: SPECIAL TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
Scheme 44: SPECIAL TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

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