Possible To remove sidemount IC without taking off front bumper?

[Gleason]

.

----UPDATE on progress so far, at bottom of the post in bold --------

I spent like an hour today trying to get my sidemount IC off, so I could clean it. I was using a guide from vfaq, and it says there are 3 12mm screws that attach IC to the car that i need to unscrew.

It also says 2 of these 3 12mm screws are accessible from the splashshield side. I get the obvious first screw taken off [ pic below i took of screw that has now been removed]

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

But can't find the 2nd screw that is 'accessible' from the splashshield side.

I also took off the screw thats under the bumper that you need to go under the car to get too. [ picture below]

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

I took off the little screws[ airbox screw] and then I took off the 2 pipes going to the IC. But it is still being held up by a 3rd 12mm screw that i can't find anywhere. The way the IC moves, it is definatly above the IC, but I can't see it, nor confirm what i am touching is the right screw or not. The bumper feels like it is in my way, and I've no idea where too look to get this third screw off. I asked a local ex-DSMer and he said i don't need to remove the front bumper, but he doesn't know where the 3rd screw is. The vfaq guide didn't mention anything about removing the bumper, but the hayne manual says otherwise.

anyone have a picture or something to point me in the direction of finding this 3rd screw.?!!?!?

-----UPDATE----

I tried just taking off the bumper screws. I started unscrewing the first bumper screw, and it snapped in half, so i stopped there.

I then tried removing the plastic 'airbox' type thing that funnels air to the IC. It is wedged between the IC and front bumper and will not come out..even after countless amounts of tugging, squeezing, pulling etc. So i can't really get the screw, and i don't have a ratchet typed wrench, so....LAME.

this 'little job' has cost me 2+ hours, and bolts breaking in half like crazy.

 

[chaye]

um....have you looked below the headlight.... if you were to remove the ..uh..plastic shroud thats infront of the intercooler...look there under the headlight...see if you find the one you are looking for

 

[my95tsi]

just remove the bumper, it takes less than 10 inutes and it makes life much easier.

 

[Denji]

I wouldnt remove the bumper, when we removed my friends for a fmic, two of the bolts that hold his bumper seized and broke off on the way out, i took mine out with the bumper on with no problems.. just my opinion though.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

all you have to do is remove the 2 bolts that hold the bumper up on the passenger side above the corner marker. it will let the bumper fall enough on that side so you can get a socket with extension under the headlight to get the front bolt on the ic. you do not have to remove the whole bumper.

jim

 

[gamingguru]

It really isn't all that hard to take off, you just have to be patient with the bolt that is up by the front bumper.

 

[andymoraitis]

The bumper DOES NOT need to be removed or left hanging off on one side. From the inside of the bumper, push out the side marker light and get your sockets up and in through that gap to get to the top bolt.

It take a bit of tweaking, but you'll be able to get it out. If you can't do it from that angle, use a ratchet with a small head and you'll be able to get to the bolt from underneath the car.

Cheers,

Andy

 

[gamingguru]

It really isn't all that hard to take off, you just have to be patient with the bolt that is up by the front bumper.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

The bumper DOES NOT need to be removed or left hanging off on one side. From the inside of the bumper, push out the side marker light and get your sockets up and in through that gap to get to the top bolt.

It take a bit of tweaking, but you'll be able to get it out. If you can't do it from that angle, use a ratchet with a small head and you'll be able to get to the bolt from underneath the car.

Cheers,

Andy

your correct...the bumper does not need to come of or hang to get to the bolt. however it sure makes life easier to drop 2 extra bolts (that are easy to get at) and have a straight shot at the front ic bolt.
my .02

jim

 

[Gleason]

posted a small update in first post. I'm currently lose. Damn bumper screw broke, so I am worried about removing the bumper, and stupid plastic airbox crap is in my way...wedged between bumper and IC.