Does anyone else have problems with the front cover not going into place around the headlights?the metal tab below the headlight will not line up with the hole on the bumper cover for it to go in. I had problems when my crash bar was on, took it off and it went right on. Now it's not going on again. Does anyone else have this problem. I realize these tabs allow you're bumper to hang there, but their a p.I.t.a. Lol.

 

Getting the front bumper to align isn't difficult per se, but it does require patience.

The metal "access tabs" have a tendency to bend or break, so I'd check those first... I know I have one thats broken.

The fit should be good though, provided it was good before. If its not, something bent or broke or you're doing it wrong.

 

Why did you have the bumper off? If you were adjusting pipes or something, double check to make sure you still have proper clearance. I have had the bolt from a t-bolt clamp get in the way.

 

Like ^^^ said if you replaced piping or changed to bigger intercooler you might have to make sure that you have clearance. When i replaced my intercooler i had to cut my bumper and take the crash bar off for it to fit correctly.

 

I took the bumper cover off to remove the radiator. I have a buschur race intercooler and their piping that was installed by them, so it's right. I didnt adjust or tweak anything. It's mainly on the drivers side where the metal tab under the headlight isn't going into the slot for it on the inside of the bumper cover. Do people remove these bumper holder tabs? They are an awesome idea, but when they don't line up they are a pain in the a.. , lol. I had problems with this before, ended up taking the crash bar off, and eveything worked good. Any one else have any problems, with these stupid bumper holding tabs not going into the bumper? Ill try to post pics when I get off work tommorow.

 

Mine does the same thing. I tried everything for 2 days. It was also after replacing the FMIC which required crash beam removal. It's on the driver's side too!

I finally just forced it in and it went on. You can tell it's not lined up right when looking at the headlight though.

 

Why would you take the front bumper off to remove the radiator?

As far as getting it to go back on, its not hard at all. Just get it close and push it in place. Asa long as nothing is in the way it should pop into place

 

I recently removed ac components from my car. In order to take condensor out, you need to remove the radiator. It shouldn't be this hard to get it on that's for sure. Especially since I didn't install or adjust anything.

 

So got home from work and decided to give this another try. I ended up getting the bumper cover on, but serious gap below the driver headlight and then cover. I could pull up on the cover and it would get rid of the gap, but as soon as I let go it goes to normal. I did tighten, and fasten the cover up and it didn't take care of the gap. The passenger side fit good, maybe to tight actuall, lol. I took pictures of this, along with the bumper cover off. I still can not get the notched out part of the metal bracket on the cover to go on the bumper hook. I feel like taking the damn things off lol. To me its almost like the intercooler and piping is too low on the drivers side, and pulling the cover down, but when I look I can't see this happening. Let me know guys

 

Did you find an answer? I would like to know, also! My friend's IX is doing the same.

 

My friends evo 8 with evo 9 bumper sags on the driver side as well. It has something to do with the removal of the re-bar.

 

hope this helps!

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...umper-gap.html

 

I've taken my front bumper off about a dozen times in the last 2 years and never had a problem. One thing I notice is if you start tightening in the screws from one side before you pre-screw them all in, it will be slightly off. Pre-screw them in, lift and hold bumper center, screw in the 2 lower screws in first, then follow with the rest.