Has anyone attempted to remove the front and rear bumper attached corner piece “black side flares “ ? There must be an easier method for removal ,prior to paint work ? Thanks

 

Are you referring to the bumper cover corners as shown L&R below? If so, "j-hook" tabs disengage/re-engage same as those on the lower spoiler trim piece as outlined in my sig topic (post # 395)...

 

Its easier to get to the back side of the flare with the wheel well fender kind off near that area and I was able to use some needle nose pliers to pop out the fender flare.

 

. Thanks for the reply; the above picture of the backside of the front bumper I was referring to was where the flare corner pieces attach to the painted bumper. I had to push real hard on the attachment points to detach these using a plastic pry tool. There’s got to be a better way ? Thanks

 

From my limited experience disengaging the (13?) j-hook tabs (shown in the closeup above) from the lower center spoiler section, the challenge is doing so while not damaging those tabs. Not so much an issue on mine since I had a new OEM replacement with the old damaged part subsequently discarded. Here's what I posted on my topic April 3 while that recollection was still fresh, noting damaged tabs are unlikely to have sufficient retention strength:

"For those not having done this previously, work essentially starts with removal of the bumper cover (1st step in front end service mode, 2nd step not needed in this case). For removal of the damaged center spoiler (or end pieces - mine not damaged), best to examine the new part to understand how the tabs with j-hooks engage in the painted upper section. Doing that showed prying slightly inward, then pushing downward enabled each tab to come free and be pushed out. For reassembly, support and align the new parts and reverse the process until hearing "click" confirming engagement. Also noting, the air diverter can be replaced without removal of the bumper cover, however also must be reinstalled since the center spoiler and end pieces attach to that along the bottom with phillips screws."

 

. Damaged tabs are unlikely to have sufficient retention strength:, that’s what I want to avoid and having the info that you provided will give me a better understanding of how to disengage these parts . Thanks

 

I used a little gun lube at all the attachment points on the bumper starting at the bottom edge of the flare working upward . Just as you pointed out about the hook part on the flares and eventually releasing from the bumper. Appreciate your assistance. Thanks