How to Install a Bumper on a 98 Civic

The 1998 Honda Civic's front bumper cover is attached by use of nine plastic clips, four hex bolts and two Phillips head screws. The removal and replacement of the front bumper cover can be done by the average do-it-yourself home mechanic; however, care should be exercised to prevent any scratching or other damage to the bumper cover during removal and replacement.

Instructions

Removal

1

Remove the two 10 mm hex bolts that secure the bottom front bumper cover to the core support of the vehicle, using the 10 mm socket and ratchet.

2

Remove the two Phillips-head screws that secure the bottom of the bumper cover to the plastic shrouding under the vehicle, using the Phillips-head screwdriver.

3

Remove the 8 mm hex bolt in each wheel well that secures the bumper cover to the front fender, using the 8 mm socket and ratchet. Remove the plastic retaining clip in each wheel well by prying up on the center push pin with the flat-head screwdriver.

4

Pop the vehicle hood latch and support the hood with the hood prop rod. Remove all seven retaining clips securing the bumper cover to the core support by prying the center pin with the flat-head screwdriver.

5

Lay out the soft padded blanket on the ground. Pull the bumper cover strait off the front of the vehicle and lay it face-down on the soft padded blanket. Remove the five plastic retainers that hold the grill to the bumper cover by prying up on the center pin.

Installation

6

Set the grill into place on the front bumper cover. Place the plastic pin retainers through the mounting holes and push the center pins into place, by hand, until they sit flush with the plastic retainers.

7

Pick up the bumper from the soft padded blanket and gently push it into place. Place the plastic retainers through the mounting holes of the bumper cover and the core support. Press the center pins into place on each plastic retainer, by hand, until they are flush with the plastic retainers.

8

Push each corner of the bumper cover under the fenders and push the plastic retainer into the mounting hole in each wheel well. Press the center pins into place, by hand, until the sit flush with the plastic retainer. Thread the 8 mm bolts through the bumper cover and into the fender, by hand, in each wheel well and tighten them with the 8 mm socket and ratchet.

9

Thread the two Phillips-head screws that secure the bottom of the bumper cover to the plastic shrouding with the Phillips-head screwdriver until tight.

10

Thread the 10 mm bolts that mount the bottom of the bumper cover to the core support into the mounting holes, by hand. Tighten the bolts with the 10 mm socket and ratchet.