Hi all
I returned to my car yesterday to see the left hand corner of my rear bumper flapping loose. I thought it had been whacked but inspection revealed the metal around the inner bolt has rusted and finally let go allowing the bolt to spring through the resulting hole. Armed with some washers I attempted to remove the offending bolt and reattach using the said washers....but Houston we have a problem! The bolt(still attached to the bumper bracket)was on very tight,when it did give it just continued turning,looking inside the bracket there is a bolt but there is not enough room to get a spanner on it(I think the bolt may originally have been part of/fixed to the bracket). The aim is to now grind the bolt off and replace but I can't work out how we are going to tighten the nut.My thought is to put the new bolt on,have 2 nuts either side of the bracket so the bolt is fixed and then poke it through the hole and slide a small metal plate across onto the shaft of the bolt....hopefully holding it nice and firm.
Has anybody had a similar problem?If the nut was still fixed to the bracket it wouldn't be a problem...I think
Regards Rob

Hi Rob

There is a captive nut fixed (welded) into the metal bracket on the bumper. The bolt and washer screwed through the bracket on the chassis into this nut to hold the bumper firm. All these bumper bolts are subject to heavy corrosion and often shear off when attempts are made to loosen them. What you propose seems a good solution to your problem. I have seen little round cover pieces in the rear side trim of XM's which if you remove gives access for a long 13mm socket to get at the rear bumper side bolts from inside the car.

Regards

XMexc

Hi John
Thanks for the email-I was down yours and Peters way today.I went to look at a 1959 Ripple bonnet 2cv van in Lymington.The van was excellent...semi restored in 1991 so it has a nice mellow look to it now.Only trouble was it was a bit expensive...the XM might have to go....when the bumper is fixed of course!The question is can I bear to drive 2000+ miles in it in June at a 45-50 mph top speed.I haven't done the maths yet as it is a petrol,but it must do 60mpg+.On the downside it is petrol which is the same price as over here,but I will use the Route Nationales and see the real France!!!
I thought the nut must be attached to the bracket.I have had a chat with my brother who is willing to assist as it is a 2 man job without taking it off.His first job was at London Transports Aldenham Depot.....repairing Routemaster buses!There is a yard near my sons Grandparents house in the Auvergne,France that has 6 London Double Decker buses in in various states of repair.
Regards Rob

The engineer's answer is - take the bumper off and do the job properly, but in taking it off you will probably have the same problem the other side, or even worse, the bolt will shear, like usually happens. You can't win because it is the devil's own job to drill out the broken piece as the bumper is so flexible. It's a two man job; one to hold and one to drill and clear the thread. Don't ask !

Thanks for that...you took the thoughts right out of my mind.Other thoughts that have sprung to mind are bluetack in the hole or failing that body filler in the hole at 8pm with a stick jammed against the wall holding the bumper "in" whilst it sets overnight.Of course I could take the bumper off for that Sebring look!
No need for any further comments from an engineers point of view on any of the suggestions!