I backed into my wifes Tahoe and now I need to replace my rear bumper. I have located a used bumper from a car with the same color, so I just need instructions on replacing it. The foam bumper inside is also broken so I will be replacing it as well. Hopefully I can get away with out any paint work. That will be decided when I get the bumper in hand. Anyone have step by step on this job or any pointers that will make it easier?

 

From the service manual without illustrations:

Fascia Replacement - Rear Bumper
Removal Procedure

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the fascia to impact bar push-in retainers.
Remove the rear wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

Remove the right and left rear wheelhouse liner. Refer to Wheelhouse Panel Replacement in Body Rear End.

Remove the bolts attaching the fascia and the quarter panel to the right and left rear compartment brace.
Remove the quarter panel to fascia nuts.

Remove the side marker light sockets.
Disconnect the rear harness connector.
Disconnect the rear fascia harness from the side of the right rear side frame rail.
Lower the vehicle.

Remove the backup lamp/license bracket (Domestic) or rear license bracket (Export). Refer to Backup Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems, or License Bracket Replacement - Rear .

Notice
Use the exact size square headed tool to remove the screws from the energy absorber to avoid stripping the plastic screw heads.

Remove the fascia opening to energy absorber plastic screws .
Remove the outer taillamps.
Remove the right inner taillamp for access and unclip the fascia harness from the right side of the impact bar.

Remove the fascia to quarter panel (access through the taillamp opening) bolts.

Remove the antenna ground, the shield (Convertible), and the braided wire to the antenna ground stud nut.
Remove the antenna ground stud.

Open the rear lift window (Coupe), or open the rear compartment lid.

Remove the fascia to upper flange screws.
Remove the fascia.
Remove the high mounted stop lamp from the fascia. Refer to High Mounted Stop Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.
Remove the license plate lamps from the fascia. Refer to License Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.
Installation Procedure

Install the right and left retainer brackets to the fascia.
Install the license plate lamps to the fascia. Refer to License Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.
Install the high mounted stop lamp to the fascia. Refer to High Mounted Stop Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.

Position the fascia to the vehicle inserting the studs on the fascia retainer brackets into the holes in the quarter panel.

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


Install the fascia to upper flange screws. Start at the center of the flange and work outward. Tighten
Rear fascia upper flange screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

Using the taillamp openings for access, finger start the screws through the fascia retainer brackets to the right and left quarter panel reinforcement.
Align the fascia flush along the vertical and upper contour of the quarter panel. Tighten
Tighten the rear fascia to quarter panel reinforcement screws to 5 N·m (44 lb in).

Install the antenna ground stud. Tighten
Tighten the antenna ground stud to 5 N·m (44 lb in).

Install the antenna braided wire, the shield (Convertible), the antenna ground, and the nut to the antenna ground stud. Tighten
Tighten the antenna ground stud nut to 6 N·m (53 lb in).

Install the nuts to the fascia right and left retainer bracket studs. Tighten
Tighten the rear fascia retainer bracket stud nuts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

Close the rear lift window panel (Coupe), or close the rear compartment lid.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Install the bolts to the lower edge of the fascia and the quarter panel to the right and left rear compartment brace. Tighten
Tighten the rear fascia to rear compartment brace bolts to 5 N·m (44 lb in).

Install the side marker sockets.
Route the rear fascia harness.
Connect the harness connector and attach the connector to the right side rail.
Clip the rear fascia harness to the impact bar.

Install the wheelhouse liner panels. Refer to Wheelhouse Panel Replacement in Body Rear End.
Install the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

Install the fascia to impact bar push-in retainers.
Lower the vehicle.
Install the sockets to the taillamps.
Install the taillamps. Refer To Tail Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.

Notice
Use the exact size square headed tool to install the screws to the absorber to avoid stripping the plastic screw heads.

Install the rear license plate opening to the energy absorber screws. Tighten
Tighten the rear license plate opening to the energy absorber screws to 1 N·m (9 lb in).

Install the backup lamp/rear license bracket (Domestic) or rear license bracket (Export). Refer to Backup Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems or License Bracket Replacement - Rear . Tighten
Tighten the backup lamp/license bracket screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

Install the rear license and license frame.

 

If you want the instructions with the illustrations PM me with your email and I can send it to you.

 

Hey! Here is something to look at since I am doing mine as of now.

Rear fender liners 7mm
once off 2 10mm nuts (down into bottom of cover) all is both sides



I have a little primer on mine. but it is the 2 bottom holes.
Then above that is 2 more 10mm nuts remove them also.

then pull rear taillights and 2 10mm bolts bolts go forward.



Then remove the License cover..



The bottom plastic (screws) that go up from the bottom (above the exhaust) are a square head 1/8"?? Not sure as I am replying. Need any more help just ask.....Jay

 

it isn't too hard. i unbolted my rear just by removing the tail lights and license plate area.