How to remove plastic rear bumper protector.

[Deadman]

I'm trying to remove the black plastic rear bumper protector on my 2018 Expedition Max. I'm trying to remove it, so I can tuck in some clear protective film behind it and then wrap that film down over the whole flat area of the rear bumper to avoid scratches from loading items. I'm hoping some one has a service manual or something that shows how to remove this plastic piece??? I hate to pull hard and break all the crappy plastic clips....
Otherwise I can run to the dealers body shop and ask, but they always act like its such an inconvenience helping with anything.....

Thanks in advance!

 

[marlinpruett]

My 2007 had a few ( I think 4 )thru bolts that you reached from under the bumper then just pry it off.

 

[Uturn]

Here, try this.

 

[Deadman]

Here, try this.

THANK YOU!

 

[MPSoC]

Been a while since the post, but Thank Uturn - exactly what I needed to replace a rear inner parking sensor

 

[6904znews]

The one difference in what I experienced from the above pdf is that my cover did not have the 8 screws shown on the top, it was held on with factory clips in the black plastic support structure. Once the fender pop rivets and the screws under the taillights were removed I was able to pop the cover off.

The trick is to pop both corners of the cover out and up. Then the only attachment that remains is along the top edge. It is a bit scary as there is a risk for breaking the retaining clips on the back plastic, however these clips are quite strong and I did not break any. Just take it slow and be careful. I started at one side of the top section and pulled up and out working my way to the middle. Then I start on the other side doing the same. Lastly a few retaining clips remained in the center. With one final tug the whole cover was in my hands. Good luck.

I definitely recommend taking it off rather than paint in place, it really is not difficult. Once off, I then further disassembled the cover by removing the parking sensors, step pad protector and lower silver trim before dropping off at my local body shop for repainting.