Front camera replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 255
Likes: 192
Front camera replacement
One of my front-facing cameras in the grill looks to have taken a rock hit and the lens is damaged. The image is still "ok", but it has an area that's just a blur. Anyone ever replaced one of these cameras? How big of a job is it, and what do the cameras cost?
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 46
Likes: 66
To replace the camera the entire front bumper must come off. No way around it to gain access to the clips holding them in. If you take it to a dealer I HIGHLY recommend that the best guy in the body shop do the removal and reinstall and NOT the general mechanic for they will mess up your bumper (ask me how I know). I would assume you could do it yourself if your are comfortable for there are videos on how to remove it and the cost of a single camera is around $100.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 255
Likes: 192
To replace the camera the entire front bumper must come off. No way around it to gain access to the clips holding them in. If you take it to a dealer I HIGHLY recommend that the best guy in the body shop do the removal and reinstall and NOT the general mechanic for they will mess up your bumper (ask me how I know). I would assume you could do it yourself if your are comfortable for there are videos on how to remove it and the cost of a single camera is around $100.
Thank you much. The $100 is better than I was expecting, but the concern over damage to the car is real (I have my own horror stories there).
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Great info by rjla67. Got to love it when the members help each other out with questions or problems.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 119
Likes: 119
From: DFW Texas
Removing the front bumper protector is actually fairly easy. There are plenty of videos on YouTube that walk you through the process. I removed mine and the cameras when swapping out my grille. Get the right tools (plastic body pry tools) and take your time. Not difficult at all.
Be aware, though... My cameras were secured with 5-lobe Torq security screws. Normal Torq security screws are 6-lobe. I was late in the evening and had to wait until the next day to get a set of the 5-lobe ones at Northern Tool to finish. Had I known on advance, you can get them on Amazon. However not all cameras are secured with these screws. I've seen a many not as those that are. You won't know for sure until you get in there.
Best of luck!
Be aware, though... My cameras were secured with 5-lobe Torq security screws. Normal Torq security screws are 6-lobe. I was late in the evening and had to wait until the next day to get a set of the 5-lobe ones at Northern Tool to finish. Had I known on advance, you can get them on Amazon. However not all cameras are secured with these screws. I've seen a many not as those that are. You won't know for sure until you get in there.
Best of luck!
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 55
Likes: 9
From: Ontario NY
Replaced both cameras on our 18 Stingray. Dealer quoted around $1000 to replace both cameras. Around $300 per camera + labor. Found a GM dealer though GMParts online that had the cameras in stock for $130 each. Since I had to take off the front facia I replaced the stock grill with a Z06 grill and installed the poverty splitter. Wife helped remove and reinstall the facia. A second person is helpful but not needed. I wasn't in a rush, took my time so it was about 1-2 hours total. Take your time and you'll be fine.
