Jackson Reid
Removing the bumper from your Volkswagen Golf Mk2 is a fairly straightforward process, but it does require some careful work. The first step is to decide whether you want to remove the entire bumper assembly or just the plastic bumpers. Most guides recommend removing the full assembly, as removing just the plastic can be difficult and may damage other components. Once you've made that decision, you'll need to gather your tools and prepare your workspace. This job will require a suitable workspace, such as a garage or driveway, and you may find it easier to lift the car and remove the wheels to give yourself more room to work.
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What You'll Learn
Removing the rear bumper
To remove the rear bumper of a Volkswagen MK2 Golf, you need to first remove the taillights/tail light assemblies. Then, disconnect the electrical harness for the license plate lights.
Next, remove the bolts holding the bumper in place. There are four 17mm bolts—two underneath the car, going vertically, and two from the front, near the headlights, going horizontally.
Once the bolts are removed, the bumper should slide out. You may need to tilt the bumper down away from the car to fully remove it.
It is not necessary to lift the car or remove the wheels, but doing so will give you more room to work.
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Removing the front bumper
Firstly, it is recommended to lift the car or remove the wheels to provide more room to work. This step is optional but can make the process easier. If you decide to proceed without lifting the car or removing the wheels, ensure that you have sufficient space and access to the necessary components.
To begin the removal process, locate the bolts and screws holding the bumper assembly in place. The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 typically has six bolts securing the front bumper. Two bolts are located below each headlight, and four additional bolts can be found underneath, also partly holding the front subframe. These bolts may be challenging to access, and you may need to approach them from the top or through the turn signal holes.
Once you have located the bolts, use the appropriate tools to undo them. The bolts are typically 17mm in size, and it is recommended to have the correct size socket or wrench for a secure grip. Undo all six bolts, taking care not to drop them or misplace them, as they will be needed during the reassembly process.
After removing the bolts, you may need to unscrew the bumper lights to access two shorter bolts on either side. Remove these bolts as well. With all the bolts removed, the bumper assembly should be loose. Carefully pull the bumper assembly away from the car, being cautious not to damage any surrounding components or wiring.
During the removal process, pay attention to any wiring or connections that may be attached to the bumper. Detach any wiring harnesses or connectors carefully and label them for easier reassembly. Additionally, don't forget to unplug the indicators to avoid damaging them during the removal process.
Once the bumper is removed, you will have access to the front frame and other components. If you are replacing the bumper, this is a good opportunity to inspect and service other parts that are typically hidden.
It is important to note that removing and reinstalling the front bumper of a Volkswagen Golf Mk2 requires mechanical knowledge and skills. If you are unsure about any steps or feel uncomfortable proceeding, it is always best to consult a professional or seek assistance from an experienced mechanic.
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Disconnecting the wiring
Firstly, you'll need to locate the wiring harness. This is the bundle of wires that connects to the bumper assembly. It powers components such as the headlights, fog lights, and turn signals. To access the wiring, you may need to remove the grill or headlight assembly for better visibility and reach.
Once you've located the wiring harness, carefully disconnect each connector one by one. Different connectors serve different functions, so it's important to label or remember where each wire was plugged in. Gently pull the connectors apart, being mindful of any retaining clips or locks that may be holding them together. In some cases, you may need to squeeze tabs or release buttons to safely disconnect the wiring.
After disconnecting all the wiring connectors, you'll want to set aside the wiring harness carefully to avoid any damage. Ensure it is placed away from the immediate work area to prevent accidental snags or tangles. It's also important to note that some wires may be attached to the vehicle body or other components with clips or fasteners. Make sure to detach these as well, following the path of the wiring to identify any attachment points.
In some cases, you may encounter wiring that is held in place with adhesive or other types of fasteners. Take care when removing these wires to avoid damage to the wiring or the surrounding components. Gently pry or loosen the adhesive with an appropriate tool, such as a plastic pry bar, to prevent scratching or damaging the nearby surfaces.
Finally, once all the wiring connections have been safely disconnected and set aside, you can proceed with the rest of the bumper removal process. Remember to keep the wiring harness and connectors organized and protected to facilitate easy reassembly when the time comes.
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Removing the grill
To remove the grill of a VW Golf Mk2, you must first remove the bumper. This is because there are bolts located under the grill that also attach the bumper to the car.
To remove the bumper, you will need to undo 6 bolts in total. Two bolts are located below each headlight, and four more are located underneath the car and also attach the front subframe. These bolts are 17mm in size.
It is possible to access the bolts from underneath the car, but it can be easier to access them from the top. Once all the bolts have been removed, pull the bumper assembly off.
If you are removing a small bumper, you will also need to remove the lower valence assembly and the front spoiler.
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Removing the bolts
For the front bumper, you need to remove a total of six 17mm bolts. Begin by locating two bolts positioned below each headlight, and then proceed to remove four more bolts underneath the bumper. These four bolts also play a role in holding the front subframe in place. Once all six bolts are removed, you can proceed to detach the rebar or front frame assembly.
On the other hand, the rear bumper is held in place by four 17mm bolts. Removing these bolts will allow the rear bumper to slide out, along with the metal crash bar. It is important to note that supporting the subframe with a suitable tool or object is recommended when removing the front bumper to ensure a safe and controlled process.
Accessing the bolts can be challenging, and some find it easier to reach the bolts from the top. However, if your grill is secured with zip ties, an alternative approach is to access the bolts through the turn signal holes.
While removing the bolts is a significant step, it is important to note that there may be additional fasteners, such as clips or screws, that also need to be addressed when removing the bumper.
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Frequently asked questions
To remove the front bumper of a Golf Mk2, you need to remove the grill and undo six bolts: two bolts right below each headlight, four underneath which also partly hold on the front subframe, and two shorter bolts on either side. Once all six bolts are off, pull the bumper assembly off.
The rear bumper is held by four 17mm bolts. Undo these bolts and the bumper will slide out.
No, you do not need to lift the car or remove the wheels to take the bumper off. However, doing so will give you more room to work.
