2004 SE Sport V6 - Bumper

by **GregJK** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 4:42 pm

Yes, I was unlucky enough to be rear ended by a Saturn ION, who was then pushed against me 8 more times by the cars following as closely as she was.
In any event, part of the damage required the replacement of my rear bumper. This all started in May and after multiple visits to get the fit correct, including the replacement of the mounting strips/brackets on both the vehicle and the inside of the bumper, I still have gaps between the body and the bumper. The curve of the bumper where it meets the body just below the tail lights protrudes about an 1/8 inch on both sides.
I asked the Toyota repair shop if they possibly missed some damage that was causing the gap and protrusion. They said no, although they also commented they hadn't seen this problem before. I asked that they contact Toyota for suggestions and am awaiting a response.
The bumber is OEM and I feel should fit as before. I've looked at other 2004's still on the dealship lot and none have this problem.
Has anyone else been as unlucky as me and needed a bumper replacement and experienced this issue; or, has anyone just seen fitment issues like this?
Feedback would be appreciated.

by **xodessitx** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 5:25 pm

i have the same problem with my bumper. i was hit in the back by a ford taurus, and as a result had to have the bumper replaced. after replacement there is a gap on the left side and it is a lil bigger than on the right side. to me it seems that the bumper is not fit properly, and has to be tightened. i will be getting this problem fixed. if you get anything let me know, plz.
good luck!

by **GregJK** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 6:02 pm

Thanks for the input. I feel the same way and asked that the shop question Toyota on the proper way to mount the bumper. My feeling is that there must be a method of putting the bumper on and tightening from one spot to another. I mean if it can come out of the factory properly, original equipment should go back on the same way.

Thanks again.

by **xodessitx** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 7:23 pm

thats exact way that i feel. what kind of solara do u own, i mean wat model?

by **GregJK** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 7:31 pm

SE Sport V6, 2004
Black

by **mattyboyl** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 5:26 am

That really sucks. I have had this problem with my interior. They take things apart and when put back together it is loose. I think you guys are in need of a mounting bracket. You may be able to pop that back in your self. Give it enough pressure around the area and listen for a snap. DON'T PUSH TOO HARD because you will more likely produce a small dent and make the situation worse. It shouldn't take too much pressure if it just needs to be snapped into place.

by **GregJK** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 6:51 am

Thanks for the thoughts. The funny thing is, when the bumper popped loose during the accident, I "was" able to push and have it pop back in place. When I try that now...no such luck.
I'm supposed to be hearing back from the Toyota body shop today...fingers crossed.

by **GregJK** » Mon Aug 23, 2004 3:19 pm

Last week the dealership asked me to come in for an inspection by the regional parts manager and a Toyota Warranty Specialist. To make a long story short, they decided there was a defect in the bumper itself. The bumper and all mounting strips etc. have been ordered and I should be able to get the issue resolved by late this week. All as it should be...no cost and a loaner car.
If anyone is interested, I'll keep you posted.

by **Shoe** » Mon Aug 23, 2004 4:47 pm

of course we are intrested dont leave us hanging there is a start and an end to every story

hoping it will all will work out for ya

shoe

by **GregJK** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 7:31 pm

Sorry I haven't posted this sooner. My dealer has been awesome. As it turns out, the first replacement bumper was defective from the factory. The replacement fit great. Since I was so happy to have things back to normal, I decided to update. I had the TRD springs, muffler and air filter installed. The springs made a massive difference in the cornering without sacrificing any ride comfort. Exhaust tone is awesome.

by **slingshot** » Sat Sep 25, 2004 7:59 am

GregJK wrote: The springs made a massive difference in the cornering without sacrificing any ride comfort.

That's interesting. This is the first time I've heard that the springs don't make the normal ride less comfortable. I thought I read that others had said you feel a harsher ride with the springs. Has anyone in this forum put lowering springs on an '04 SLE yet or has it only been SE Sports?

by **GregJK** » Sat Sep 25, 2004 6:22 pm

Can't address the ride for an SLE. I'm one of the SE Sport owners.

by **mattyboyl** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 5:54 am

Could you describe the exhaust tone the best you can? Is it throaty or ricey? What can the tone compare to? Do you have a 6 cyl.? Thanks in advance.

by **GregJK** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 5:33 pm

I have the 6 cylinder. The sound is definitely not "ricey" like those four cylinder pocket rockets that I hear buzzing down the street or interstate. When I placed the order, I was very specific about looking for a more "throaty" sound, and I wasn't disappointed. I actually was pretty happy with the tone from the stock muffler; however, I was also looking for an improvement in air flow. You will notice a slight exhaust hum at speed that wasn't there before; however, I can't address whether that is the muffler or a combination of the muffler and the TRD filter as I've read can be the case. In any event, I'm very pleased with the results.[/quote]