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Dropping the front bumper-what size socket/wrench?
Posted by Ronald on July 17, 2018 at 9:56 amI want to drop the front bumper on my vintage to do some inspection and general cleaning. What size socket or wrench should be used?
Ron
Archived replied 8 years, 2 months ago 8 Members · 11 Replies -
11 Replies
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Ron,
I went to Fastenal for a socket. Did not find one. If I had found one I would also need a 3/4″ breaker bar. I wound up getting a really large adjustable wrench which worked for me. When a shop goes behind the bumper I tell them NOT to tighten the bolt with an air wrench because I cannot break it loose to do some house cleaning of the basement.
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The bolt size on a Liberty I know is 1 1/2″ to release the XL bumper. It might be the same for your coach. Harbor Freight makes an affordable 1″ socket set that will have the right size if it is a little smaller or bigger.
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I’m almost certain it is 1 1/2 inch. It is the same as the lug nuts, to make it easy to get to the spare tire none of us carry.
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Use a set of Channel lock pliers on mine. Don’t tighten them up real tight. Just pre load the rubber stops.
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I have a very large Craftsman brand Crescent wrench that I use. I first wrap the bolt head and protect the face of the bumper with a cloth shop towel or old hand towel. Then carefully tighten the jaws on the bolt head making sure the towel doesn’t double up between jaw and bolt flat. I think the wrench is a 15” or 18” (actually quit handy for many things). I’ve also found a couple of turns of the wrench and the thing is loose enough that if I push the bumper back with my hip I can loosen the bolt by hand. Same process reinstalling.
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If you are worried about scratching the bolt head just use a big Crescent wrench and put tape on the jaws. In today’s jargon signs of weathering and wear and tear on older vehicles is called “patina” but if you prefer to not have the bumper bolts look dinged and scratched we understand.
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Thank all of you for replying to my question. And, as usual, a couple od humor shots to keep it entertaining.
This site is the best. I looked in my Prevost Maintenance Manual and did an answer.
Ron
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When I see Dick K’s coach I am going to use my 1″ impact wrench to tighten those bumper bolts. Just for fun of course.
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