I own a lancer 2008 DE and I was trying to install the GTS front air dam but in order to do so i need to remove the front bumper. When I lift the hood there is a plastic cover covering two bolts. It is held by these plastic holders or screws, I don't really know what they are. Does anybody know of a tool to remove these?

 

A flat head screwdriver will do. they are just plastic clips that pop up. But you will also have to remove the Five Metal bolts on the bottom of the bumper and the three plastic caps on each side on the bottom and the two caps under each wheel well, plus the screw at the top of each wheel well. The bumper will then have to snap out of the internal metal/plastic clips on the top side near the signal marker where the top bumper meets the wheel well.

Be careful not to scratch the paint.

 

Your owners manual clearly shows you how to remove those plactis clips.

 

Thanks a lot for your help. I was able to get all the screws out but I just don't see how the bumper comes off. Should I pull outwards or downwards when removing the bumper out of the internal metal/plastic clips? I've tried both however it seems like I need to pull a lot harder, just want to make sure I'm pulling in the right direction.

 

straight out with a good yank.....but like I said...Careful with the paint cause theres like metal teeth holding onto the bumper. I actually fell back as I wasn't too sure how much force to use and kinda scared to rip it off. But caution is in place as there is a possibility of paint scratching like mine but luckily it isn't noticeable on inspection as the part that was scratches is hidden by the fender


The car looks pretty scary when the bumper is off.

 

Actually I just realized that theres more to it then just a yank. Theres also a rather large plastic clip/hook attached on the inside of the bumper under the headlight cluster and two more bolts behind where the license plate hangs.

Tell you what I'll draft up a How to and post with Pic's The step by step. Visuals are always handy. It'll be up tomorrow. Time for some zzzzzz's.

Cheers,

 

I completed the instalation of the front air dam and replaced the bumper however there is a gap in between my headlights and the bumper. It's a very small gap but I'm not sure if that's how it normally is or if I installed it incorrectly. Could anyone tell me if it's normal. Thanks

 

Did you make sure that the Large white clip under the headlight went into the housing properly

 

Yea that's what my problem was actually. I couldn't really see the large white clips on both sides of the car go in. I didn't even hear a cliking noise. However once I thought they went in, the bumper just stood still in it's place. I was able to tighten all the screws perfectly so I told myself f... the white clips. I also checked out another 2008 lancer and it also appeared to have a litttle gap. Maybe even bigger than mine.