Mondeo flappy bumper syndrome

[t1grm]

I have a 97 Mondeo (MKII I think) which has the usual problem of the lower middle edge of the rear bumper coming detached from the chassis and flapping up and down at high speeds. I think it’s quite a common problem because I’ve seen loads of Mondeos travelling at motorway speeds with the same problem.

The issue is now that, after two 12 hour trans-European drives cruising at 100 mph, the bumper is starting to crack from the lower left edge of the bumper and the crack is approaching the aperture for the exhaust. It looks like when the crack reaches this aperture the whole lower part of the bumper will be come detached at one side in quite a dangerous manner.

Anyone got any ideas what I can do to resolve this short of fitting a new rear bumper?

[alloypearltam]

I wonder if that is a design fault. I remember when the car was a current model seeing lots of Mondeo's with this problem. So it can't be too much to do with something working loose with age.

I wonder if you should approach your Ford dealer about the problem.

[nighthawk]

A dealer won't want to know about it, so forget looking there for anything short of them fitting a new cover.

I'd suggest having the split repaired, you'll not see it post repair. You may also find that the central retaining clip has broken, replace it and it'll be like new again.

I've seen these covers come off completly at motorway speeds

[t1grm]

Thanks for the feedback.

Looking around on the web I think the best option would be to fit a new one. I’ve found them on ebay here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4576828794#ebayphotohosting

60 quid a pop including P&P new and in primer which seems pretty good to me.

So if I get the ebay seller to ship it direct to a paint shop and give them the paint code I can go pick it up and fit it myself.

Two questions:

How much do you think it would be to spray the panel (bearing in mind it’s already off the car and primed)?

How easy is it to remove and fit a new rear bumper on a 97 Mondeo? Do I need any special tools?