How to Remove a 1998 VW Jetta's Rear Bumper

The 1998 Volkswagen Jetta was manufactured with rear plastic bumpers, which can be removed or replaced when they become damaged. The average backyard mechanic will spend about 30 minutes removing the bumper skin.

Things You'll Need

• Socket set
• Screwdrivers

Instructions

1. Remove the small bolts in the rear wheel wells that secure the bumper by turning them in a counterclockwise direction. These four bolts (two on each side, where the bumper meets the wheel well) fasten the bumper to the inside lip of the well.

2. Pry loose the bumper plastic at the wheel well by hand or by gently using a screwdriver. The plastic is tough, but can become scratched or damaged if handled too roughly. Repeat on the opposite side until both edges are popped free of their plastic pop rivets.

3. Pull firmly on one section of the loosened bumper plastic and pop the plastic rivets that hold it to the body. The plastic will warp slightly, but should not be bent out of shape. Placing a hand at the top and bottom edges, the bumper should come off each pop rivet until the center is reached.

4. Switch to the opposite side and begin to pull the bumper plastic away from the body at the wheel well, working toward the center again. As the rivets come free, they become harder to release due to the angle, and starting from the opposite side will ease the process.

Tips & Warnings

• The plastic pop rivet clamps that hold the bumper on should be replaced if they are not reusable.

• Use eye protection when working around unpredictable flying debris.

References

• Removing Rear Bumper Skin
• Remove the Rear Plastic Bumper from a GTI