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2014 - Front bumper detached - repair options?

8484 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  2realist4u
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The clip/hole attachment that holds the front bumper of my 2014 forester to the driver side wheel well has snapped off. Meaning that after driving I have to push the bumper back into place.

It’s not very noticeable and certainly doesn’t run the risk of falling off. But it’s annoying having to constantly push it back into place because there is no longer a clip to hold it in place.

Besides having to get a band new bumper for such a small thing, does anyone have suggestions on an adhesive that will hold it in place

I’ve provided a photo of it attached and what happens after driving a bit.
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There should be a push clip that holds it from the wheel well area. Check the other side to see which clip is needed. This may help hold it in place.
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The problem is - The piece that the push clip attaches to has broken off. I believe you can see the broken piece in the photo I uploaded. ( “c” shaped piece, should be full circle?)
I see now. Since this tab is held by a removable push clip you may be able to "glue" a piece in to fix the tab. There is some really good adhesive tape out there as well. No matter which way you go it won't be permanent. I would go the 2 sided tape route and apply it just under the broken tab.

Another thought is to drill a tiny hole either side of the tab and use some wire to fix the tab and be held by the clip. This would give a mechanical attachment rather than adhesive.
That plastic is difficult to weld but possible. You need the right adhesive.

A body shop may be able to plastic weld a new tab. A new bumper cover is $329 plus paint work. Very expensive option just for a tab.

There’s a Subaru info sheet on proper bumper repair. It talks about repairing holes. It may work for a tab.
3m has some repair info for bumpers, plastic, tabs etc...

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/collision-repair-us/applications/bumper-and-plastic-repair/#


I have a lot of trust in 3m products. So far, every 3m product I've used has been excellent.
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3m has some repair info for bumpers, plastic, tabs etc...

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/collision-repair-us/applications/bumper-and-plastic-repair/#


I have a lot of trust in 3m products. So far, every 3m product I've used has been excellent.
This is an awesome link. Good info here.
Wow, thanks for this. I am having same problem on front passenger side bumper. Two of the outer clips broke (lowest and highest ones). Push it in... a couple days later it's back out. Did the 3M work for you?
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