I am going to replace the front skid bar on our 99. I also plan to install clear corners at the same time. What is involved in changing out this part? Does the front bumper cover need to be removed?

 

No, the bumper doesn't need to come off.

1. Support the radiator
2. Remove center air deflector
3. Remove fascia close out panels
4. Remove bolts attaching fascia to right and left skid bar brackets
5. Remove bolts from lower radiator supports
6. Move/loosen brake duct
7. Move/loosen air pump and harness
8. Remove horns, brackets, and wiring
9. Unbolt and remove skid bar.

 

Thanks Last C5!

Just a few questions. Are the #3. fascia close out panels the ones directly beneath the side marker lights? Also, the #7. Air pump and harness. What izzat? My car is a 99. Is it some kind of smog equipment? What side is it located on? I didn't even know I had one.......

 

Yes to #3, Yes to #7 Once you remove the fascia close out panels you will see the air pump. It's on the left side.

 

What he said!!

 

hmm, i just might have to do this on mine. was holding off cause it seemed like it'd be a pain.
just one question, how do you go about supporting the radiator from the top side?

 

Here is procedure from Service Manual (pictures don't copy):

Skid Bar Replacement
Removal Procedure




Raise the vehicle and suitably support. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Support the radiator.



Remove the center air deflector. Refer to Air Deflector Replacement - Front Bumper Fascia in Bumpers.



Remove the right and left fascia close out panels. Refer to Close Out Panel - Front Bumper Fascia Lower in Bumpers.



Remove the bolts attaching the fascia to the right and left skid bar brackets.



Remove the bolt attaching the lower radiator support to the right skid bar bracket and the bolt attaching the support to the left skid bar bracket.



Reposition the left brake caliper cooling duct. Refer to Brake Caliper Cooling Duct Replacement - Front in Bumpers.



Remove the tie strap attaching the AIR hose to the skid bar.
Remove the AIR pump bracket attaching bolts.
Reposition the AIR pump.
Reposition the AIR pump electrical harnesses.



Remove the wire harness from the clip on the right rear side of the skid bar.
Remove the harness connector from the right front side of the skid bar.
Remove the horn bracket with the horns from the skid bar.
Disconnect the horn electrical connection.



Support the skid bar.
Remove the four skid bar to frame attaching bolts.
Lower the skid bar removing the right radiator insulator from the skid bar.
Remove the skid bar.
Transfer parts as necessary.
Installation Procedure




Install the right insulator to the radiator.



Install the left insulator to the skid bar.
Position the skid bar.

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 skid bar to the frame with the attaching bolts. Tighten
Tighten the skid bar to frame bolts to 50 N·m (36 lb ft).





Install the right bolt and the left bolt attaching the lower radiator support to the skid bar. Tighten
Tighten the lower radiator support to skid bar bolts to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).





Install the AIR pump and bracket. Tighten
Tighten The AIR pump bracket bolts to 9 N·m (79 lb in).

Tie strap the AIR hose to the skid bar.



Install the left brake caliper cooling duct. Refer to Brake Caliper Cooling Duct Replacement - Front in Bumpers.



Connect the electrical connector to the horns.
Install the horns with bracket to the skid bar. Tighten
Tighten the horn bracket bolts to 9 N·m (79 lb in).

Install the harness connector to the front of the skid bar.
Install the harness to the clip on the rear of the skid bar.



Install the bolts attaching the fascia to the right and left skid bar brackets. Tighten
Tighten the fascia to skid bar bolts to 5 N·m (44 lb in).





Install the right and left fascia close out panels. Refer to Close Out Panel - Front Bumper Fascia Lower in Bumpers. Tighten
Tighten the fascia close out panel bolts to 7 N·m (62 lb in).





Install the center air deflector. Tighten
Tighten the center air deflector bolts to 7 N·m (62 lb in).

Remove the support from the radiator.
Lower the vehicle.

 

If the skid bar is just banged up it may be better not to change it. It is supposed to get bent and dinged in order to protect the front end of the car. Some repairs are best left undone.

When you are supporting the radiator you are also supporting the fan shroud in the back of the radiator and the A/C condensor in front of the radiator. That is a lot of weight. If you screw up you can break your A/C lines and be in for an expensive repair.

Bill

 

i agree. that's why i've held off for a long time. i always assumed this job was a radiator R&R job which i had no desire to do. so when i read this thread stating that wasn't necessary it started to sound very good. still haven't heard anyone chime in on exactly how to support the rad so you can do the R&R of the skid frame

 

I have read where they use a big rubber bungee cord(s) and attach to some solid points on the upper frame area. Should work. I need to do this at some point as well. Don

 

Another option would be to get those replacement skids that bolt right up to those bumpers. There's metal skids and there's wheels you can get. I got the metal type skids... Works great and a lot less work.

 

those are for before you get to the point where it needs replacement LOL. been using the wheels since the car was new. they only do so much...

 

The bungee cord radiator support method may work. I would also try to tie the assembly in place just in case. Who has done this recently?
Any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

Any pics of a skid bar replacement out there?

 

Thought I'd try one more time...pics anyone?

 

I've done this procedure and it's not bad at all. In my case, it was part of a larger repair, including replacing the front bumper cover. I didn't take any pictures, but the procedure is very straight-forward, once you get the car up in the air.

I have only 2 bits of advice:
1. When you get the part, it will be bare metal, you'll need to paint it.
2. You'll need all new fasteners - why didn't the guy at the parts counter tell me that?

The skid bar has hexagonal holes in a variety of places. The fasteners are essentially nuts attached to sleeves. You insert the nuts into the hole, then when you tighten the bolt, the sleeve collapses on the inside of the skid bar, creating a threaded insert. I don't recall hpw many of these special fasteners there are, but I do remember that there are 2 or three different sizes.

All that said, if you can turn a wrench or a screwdriver, you can do this repair yourself.

Craig

 

Thanks for the tip on new fasteners. I would have been upset to have it all apart and find out then that I needed more parts!

 

ttt

 

I just changed my oil on my beautiful '98 & noticed the skid bar is not only bent, but broken. Another one is on the way. Any advice on hanging the radiator is apreciated. Also any pictures?? This site has been a great help to me already & I want to say thaks everyone.

 

This is only one of 18 pictures, if you want them all, I need an Email address!
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