Hilux 4x4 Forum

Re my "new" Prado S95 VX: here is my biggest question:

The Prado's plastic front bumper looks fine, and is firmly in place and looks well-aligned with the rest of the bodywork.
However, "inside" the plastic bumper, along the top part, is a metal "bar" (more like a U-shaped piece of steel) that is bolted to the car on the right and left sides. This piece of metal runs "inside" the red rectangle in Pic1.
On the left side (passenger side) the "bar" is still attached to the car. (Pic 2).
However, on the right (driver's) side, the "bracket" that holds it to the body is broken, and the metal "bar" can be moved up and down, and just rests on the lip inside the plastic bumper. (Pic 3).

This worries me a little: what is this "bar" - just a stronger metal bumper inside the plastic bumper?
How do I fix this - remove the plastic bumper, then this metal bar, and have the bracket welded?
But, most importantly - how in the world could this have broken off on the one side, without the outer plastic bumper smashed to pieces?

Any ideas, please?

I think that it's more like a structural support for the front of the body as well as added protection for the radiator in the event of a bump. It certainly should not be loose and the reasons for the bracket being broken could be varied.

I would as you suggest, remove the plastic bumper and have the broken piece repaired. You might also at the same time get a better idea as to why it is broken. Hopefully it's not accident damage (front grille and bumper could have been replaced in such an event).

Let us know what you find.

Can't help you here Johan, PraDog was attired like such when he & I became best buddies.

-F_D

Hi Johan

Mine was also broken off at the one end.IIRC it was corrosion and what I could see it was only spot welded.I removed mine. Because I was going to fit a steel replacement bull bar.
This was a couple of years ago,but I still remember when I looked at it , I could not really see that it really protected anything

Thanks guys, I was at JB this morning, and he says it is a "bumper stiffener". Could have gotten broken in a fender bender, but he saw nothing of concern behind it. I will get it welded up and refit it behind the bumper.

In other news: I got sent away from RW test for a red triangle and a new rear wiper blade. All is done now, and she even had a little pre-RWC service from JB! More good news is that she does not need new brake pads yet - the wear indicator clip had been bent out of position, and triggered the worn pad warning. Bent back, they are still good for a while.

I like her more every day...

Good to hear.

Was thinking on the lines of a "bumper Support" as well.
You ill be amazed at what vibration can break, especially if only spot welded...

Haboob wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2019 8:46 am Was thinking on the lines of a "bumper Support" as well.
You ill be amazed at what vibration can break, especially if only spot welded...

Yes, JB said it was only spot welded. I see it is Toyota part 52021-60010.