X7 Tourer. Removig rear bumper to fit towbar (fail) - help please!

[Paul-R]

I decided today would be the day that I fitted the towbar that I bought last year to my X7 Tourer. It's a Westfalia type which I believe is the same as the Citroen OE.

I printed out the Westfalia fitting instructions and followed them. I removed the screw in each wheelarch (behind the liner); the screws and one nut along the lower rear skirt; the two screws on each side of the tailgate aperture (on either side of the buffer) and the screw accessed after removing the oddments boxes.

The next drawing instruct you to remove the bumper but, of course, it won't budge. The bumper seems to be jammed into the rear wings on either side and I can't pull it out. It may be that it's an interference fit and a bit more effort will get it to separate but it really does feel like it'll break.

So, what have I missed? Or is it a case of brute force? I've searched the forum and the only reference I've found for the rear bumper is that "it's easy". Which it patently is not!

[wurlycorner]

Parts diagram, in case it helps;

[JohnD]

When you've removed the light clusters aren't there some screws visible to take out? Also there are five clips holding the bumper onto the wing on each side.

[Stickyfinger]

viewtopic.php?t=53447

I fitted one

[Paul-R]

Parts diagram, in case it helps;

It's better definition than the one I have for the saloon but doesn't really give me an idea of what to do next. Thanks anyway.

When you've removed the light clusters aren't there some screws visible to take out? Also there are five clips holding the bumper onto the wing on each side.

I removed the rear lights but I didn't see any screws. There was a screw visible after I removed the rear oddments boxes.

It certainly feels like there are clips holding the bumper to the wing but how do I disengage them?

I fitted one

Yes, but how do I get to the stage shown in your first photograph?

[GiveMeABreak]

Do you still want the tourer bumper removal info Paul? Let me know if you do.

[Paul-R]

Yes please. Do you need my VIN again?

[GiveMeABreak]

I may do Paul, but to save time just PM it again so I have it if necessary

[Paul-R]

I've resent the email from Jan last year that had the photo of the VIN in. Hope the email address hasn't changed!

[RichardW]

[GiveMeABreak]

Richard has Posted this up earlier this morning - I would just add the refitting and tightening torques to this:

Proceed in the reverse order to removal.

• Tighten the bolts (3), (4) to 0,4 ± 0,1 m.daN.
• Tighten the bolts (7) to 0,2 ± 0,05 m.daN.

Reconnect the battery.
Check all the equipment works.

[Paul-R]

Cheers everyone. I'm going to print the instructions out and have a look at them before venturing outside.

[Stickyfinger]

I used a very thin plastic trim removal tool to release the side clips....I put some masking tape on the wing edge/fold line to prevent any scratches.

[Paul-R]

I'll try that as I'm sure I've done everything in the instructions (thanks Richard), The instructions glibly says "unclip the rear bumper" as if it's easy!

[Paul-R]

Well, it's off. What a tw@t of a job to separate the bumper from the wing at the side. It IS just brute force that does although I did find that by "helping" the first clip, at the wheelarch, to disengage with a screwdriver this then gave a bit of extra purchase for the other two. I then had an idea that squirting some oil into the small gap might help the clips to let go. It was still a bugger though.

So now the towbar is in position and tomorrow, weather permitting, the electrics go on.

Then, if there's time, I'll see about changing the rear brake pads.