Expert: William Forster - 11/12/2008

Question
How do you remove the bumper off an 06 Silverado?  Looks like I need to disconnect the fog lights and some bolts.  I have to get access to the little brackets holding the plastic valance on the bottom since it partially tore off. The mounting holes seem to be okay, figured I could reattach or maybe get a new valance.

Answer
It's almost easier to remove the bumper to replace the lower valance. Remove the grille- it should literally just snap right out after removing 1 10MM head bolt from the upper center section. You might have to look under the plastic grille cover to see it. There are 4 bolts going down (into the bumper) in from above- 2 up top, 2 back in behind, straight down from the top 2. There are also 2 inside the wheel wells- 1 each side- going to outer support brackets. Once removed, place the bumper on a cushioned surface. The plastic pins in the retaining clips need pulled up about 3/4 inch, then the end needs pinched with a pair of pliers so it will release from the bumper portion. The bumper has plastic receivers, flat and round on to, with a raised square section which captures the valance clips. It will all make perfect sense once you start working on it, I know it sounds a little Greek on your computer screen. It's a pretty easy job, should take a novice about 1.5-2 hours to do. Bill