How to Replace a Jeep Liberty Front Bumper
by Christian Killian
Replacing a damaged bumper on the front of your Jeep Liberty sport utility vehicle (SUV) will only take a few minutes and will not require any special tools. The bumper consists of nothing more than a cover or fascia, as Jeep builds the Liberty on a uni-frame design and the true bumper makes up part of the frame. The fascia is mostly cosmetic and normally requires painting prior to installation. Check with the dealer or a local salvage yard to find available parts for your Liberty.
Step 1
Open the hood of your Liberty, and locate the six clips along the top edge of the grille. Release all six of them, and roll the top of the grille forward. Locate and release the two retaining hooks below the headlights to remove the grille from the Jeep.
Step 2
Locate the screw on the inboard edge of the front parking light assembly, and remove it with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the inboard edge toward you, then slide the assembly out of the bumper. Disconnect the locking tab on the bulb socket, turn the socket counterclockwise and slide it out of the assembly.
Step 3
Remove one of the two parking light assemblies completely from the Jeep, and set it aside. Repeat to remove the second assembly on the opposite side of the Jeep.
Step 4
Locate the bumper retaining screws next to the turn signal lamps, and remove them with a Phillips screwdriver. Locate the two screws under the bottom of the bumper, and remove them with a Phillips screwdriver. Set them aside.
Step 5
Locate and remove the three plastic rivets securing the bumper to the wheelhouse splash shield. Pry them out with a flat screwdriver. Release the three tabs along the top edge of the bumper fascia, and pull the bumper off the Jeep.
Step 6
Position the new front bumper fascia on the Jeep, and snap the upper clips in place to secure the top. Insert the three plastic rivets into the holes along the wheelhouse splash shield to secure the bumper to the shield.
Step 7
Insert the two screws along the bottom of the bumper, and tighten them with a screwdriver. Insert the two screws on either side of the turn signals lamps. Tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver until secure---but not so far that you crack the plastic bumper material.
Step 8
Position the front marker light assemblies in the front bumper. Slide the bulb socket into the assembly, and turn it clockwise to lock it into place. Insert the screw along the inboard side of the assembly, and tighten it with a Phillips screwdriver.
Step 9
Position the grille on the front of the Jeep, and lock the retaining hooks in near the headlights. Slide the top of the grille into place, and install the six retaining clips. Close the hood.
References
- "Jeep Liberty Factory Service Manual"; Daimler Chrysler Corp.; 2006
Things You'll Need
- Phillips screwdriver set
- Flat-blade screwdriver
Writer Bio
Christian Killian has been a freelance journalist/photojournalist since 2006. After many years of working in auto parts and service positions, Killian decided to move into journalism full-time. He has been published in "1st Responder News" as well as in other trade magazines and newspapers in the last few years.
