How to Remove the Rear Bumper on a Nissan Xterra

This video demonstrates removing and painting of the rear bumper of a 2005 (second generation) Nissan Xterra. In the video I also remove the Left and right bumper fascia's, step pad, and license plate lights.
I used Ace Rust Stop paint in gray.
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#howto #diy #auto

[@thepragmatic6383]

I know this video is about 7 years old, but today it's just as relevant to me. I own a 2009 Xterra, which looks a lot like the one in the video, so your series on the Xterra becomes very practical for me. Thank you for taking the time to video these repairs on the Xterra, at the risk of your life and the cost of sweat and blood.

[@Rythecarguy]

I'm glad to hear. Thanks for watching.

[@aquaqt853]

My feelings exactly! My X is an "05".

[@winstonsmith1284]

Thanks for going over all the fasteners that have to come out and the order of disassembly. Saves me a lot of time rather than braining it out myself. Two suggestions: 1.) Buy yourself a cheap set of body panel tools to pop those plastic clips. $10 and you’ll have a much easier job and less broken clips/plastic panels. 2.) As you say, your truck is ten years old: lube is your friend when comes to getting old fasteners loose. Use penetrating oil on stuff like the bumper bolts and a solution of Dawn and water to make the plastic clips give up easier. Again, quicker job and less cracked parts.

[@jackpestaner6925]

Thanks again for the video. I just finished my 2005 bumper restoration, and also the tow bar. I do have a couple of suggestions.... 1. Dont try to remove the license plate lights until you drop the bumper. Much easier when off the car. Of course disconnect the harness so it is free of the car. 2. I was able to easily remove the bumper without removing the fascia pieces, saving alot of time and frustration. 3. If you have a tow bar and bumper, you need to remove and reinstall the tow bar first, as the exhaust system blocks the tow bar reinstall once the bumper is in the way. Just put the one bolt in each side of the tow bar that doesnt intersect the bumper, and then slide the bumper bracket between the tow bar flange and the frame. Actually easier that it sounds. My bumper was rusty and bent and the tow bar was a mess. I used my angle grinder with a 40 grit sanding pad to remove the rust, and first coated it with cold galvanizing spray, then top coated it with something that kind of matches the original color. It looks pretty good, and I can live with it versus shelling out $450 for a new bumper.

[@Rythecarguy]

Good tips!

[@longclaw99]

I've got an 04 xterra, so slightly different, but pretty close to the same, replacing a rusty bumper with a new one at the moment, but I can't imagine how you would remove the bumper without taking off the fascia first, don't you have to have a wrench or something to hold the bolts on the outside from spinning while you're using the breaker bar to unscrew the inside bolts? Btw, picked up the replacement bumper on ebay for $90 bucks, which is not small I admit but at least it's not the $400 plus you're imagining :) Mine is seriously deeply rusted, not the kind of thing I can just sand smooth (it's got craters) or else I'd try the thriftier method of sanding and repainting. Great video.

[@GeorgeToft]

The corner fascia tuck in under the bumper. Why do they have to be removed? Update: I removed my bumper and trailer hitch receiver. 8 bolts. No need to remove the corner pieces.

[@randomron67]

I was wondering the same. thanks for updating!

[@UnpaidInternn]

I was thinking the same thing. Appreciate you updating as well.

[@michaelogrady2867]

Hi - very helpful. I have a Gen 1 Xterra, but the basic Nissan logic is the same. Given that you cut your hand on the licence plate lights, I waited until I had the bumper off before trying to unclip the bulb holder. No blood thanks to you. The bumper was pretty straightforward compared to getting the trailer hitch off. I used the hitch a lot and the six bolts that attach it to the bottom of the frame had seized badly. Nissan seemed to have tried to weld the nuts inside the end of the frame to help you not have to feed a wrench inside the frame to get the bolts off, but they were seized so badly that the welds broke quickly. The result was hours of breaker bar action in very tight spaces. Thanks to your help the bumper probably took an hour. The trailer hitch probably took four hours.

[@bradenmercer3989]

Awesome vid! I was noticing rust spots on my rear bumper (2012 X- Terra). the quote was 700 to have a body shop remove it, sand it and professionally paint it... I was able to remove it, sand it myself and had the Nissan body shop professionally repaint it back to OEM colour for 150. Your videos have really opened my eyes to all of the maintenance I can do myself on the X. Keep up the good work!

[@Rythecarguy]

That's great, thank you! This is exactly why I make these videos. We can all save money and feel proud of our rides by working on them ourselves. Have a great weekend.

[@thelzmovement6480]

Bedline mine for 15$ lol

[@CgSolja2]

Even easier - find a salvage yard with a similar model year X. Inspect the rear bumper visually (if not a U Pull It, just ask. Usually will let you view it before purchase). Sometimes you luck out and find a flawless one. Grab, repaint if necessary, install. Found mine for around $125 with minimal visual damage other than a nick.

[@bmxguy08]

They make a paint specifically for these types of bumpers you can paint them yourself! the pain is SEM 39103 Black Original Flexible Bumper Coater Aerosol - 12 oz. on amazon is $16 a can you will need 3 cans total. for the front and rear. The can itself even has a pictures of an xterra on the front of it lol. just remember the key to a good paint job is all in the prep work take your time and anyone can do it themselves.

[@UnpaidInternn]

@@bmxguy08 Does it work on both the plastic and metal?

[@davidstanley9726]

Thanks Ryan. Your videos have saved me so much time and money. But this one misses the mark a little. I found no reason to remove the bumper. I just taped everything off, removed the lights, sanded and painted. Took about 1.5 hours. Turned out great! I also replaced the license plate lights with an led version that has additional red lights on the outside. Looks fantastic!

[@Mike-In-Florida]

I completely lost it at "2000 years later" LMAO!!! Great video! Instead of the regular paint, I'm using truck bedliner rugged spray for my 06 Xterra and it looks better than it did when I bought it! Thanks for the videos!

[@Rythecarguy]

That’s awesome. Bed liner is a good idea. If I end up redoing the bumper and the plastics I will definitely consider using that instead.

[@Mike-In-Florida]

@@Rythecarguy Also, your video helped save my bumper because I would have completely removed it the wrong way destroying it so THANK YOU!!!

[@armandoaltamirano4159]

Hi there I just want to say thank you for all those Nissan X-Terra videos, Me and my wife own two 2006 Nissan X-Terra and I'm really appreciate it your tips with this videos, Thanks Man

[@Xterra64]

Great video! I've been studying all your Xterra videos so this spring I can clean up and make my 2007 Xterra look presentable.

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@festusportnoy5768]

Thanks for posting this! I have a N50 Xterra, and I'm getting ready to install a Shrockworks rear bumper. Your vid eliminates any guess work, and allows me to plan for the unexpected. Thanks again!

[@Rythecarguy]

Glad I could help!

[@Tustinman]

I damage my left and rear bumper on my 2004 xterra, your video made things more easy for me, easy steps by steps, thank you very much, I saved a lot of money.

[@xc_4x4]

I didn’t remove the rear bumper cuz of some factory wiring I didn’t wanna deal with so I kept it on and taped everything around it. In fact it was so easy I’d say removing the bumper isn’t necessary 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@donknicker8110]

Did the same to much work to take it off just removed the bumper pad on top removed the lights and masked plastic bumper corners done in under 1 hour

[@foxriverat]

@@donknicker8110 I am thinking of doing the same thing. 2014 that is rusting underneath bumber pad and leaving streaks of rust down bumper.

[@tomo9126]

I'm going to do this next weekend. I figure if it doesn't work I can always take off the bumper and do it again.

[@anthonye.2553]

I have a 00 Xterra and your vids have helped out tremendously!! Thanks man!

[@Agent.K.]

Great uploads man. I'm a new X owner and your videos are very helpful!

[@NorCalExplorer-JS]

Thank you for making this video. Even thou I have a 2001 Xterra I am sure removal is basically the same.

[@dogood8623]

Very useful thank you. I also just watched a very popular KZbinr mechanic do a video on "why you need to buy an xterra"

[@realonethreesevens3640]

Scotty Kilmer?

[@dinoocampo4232]

That's what I'm about to work on. 2001 Xterra.I was thinking black spray. But I change my mind when I saw your video. I need to do dark gray also. Thanks a lot.

[@txdrew44]

exactly the dress up job im doing on my 2005. now i can get it done without having to go through trial and error! thanks!

[@Rythecarguy]

+drew williams no problem!! Let me know how it goes.

[@txdrew44]

i have a silver 05. i removed all plastic parts, license plate lamps, then i sanded and taped off the bumper in place. painted it a satin black, along with the plastic bumper step cover also. it came out great. i also removed the front grill after watching another of your videos, and painted it to match the rear bumper. Nice!

[@Rythecarguy]

That sounds nice! I would like to do something like that since my grill is in pretty bad shape.

[@XB223]

Great video bro! My X is an '08 and running like a champ! I do 90% of my repairs and upgrades also! Liked and subbed

[@davidmcgaughey3515]

Brilliant Ry, followed your video on brake pad replacement and now this one, save me a bundle and actually learning how to do this yourself is fantastic. Cheers,

[@Rythecarguy]

+David McGaughey so glad to hear! Have a great weekend!

[@iraqiiraqi6767]

thank u soooooooo much for your nice informative video i follow u from iraq about 7000km away from u with all my respect

[@indewire]

Note to myself, remove the light clip after removing the bumper. Great vid, thanks.

[@Rythecarguy]

👍🏻

[@Tony-uo4ml]

Honestly I just left mine on and painted the entire bumper after masking. It looks great and wasnt hard. The inside of my metal rear bumper is so riddled with rust a replacement it probably necessary. No way Im getting it all off.

[@eduardolopez7312]

I just bought my 2001xterra. thanks for the video. I'm going do the repaint project. your video us very helpful

[@musasalh9893]

Just paint my rear bumper. Had to remove spare and hitch. I recommend this piece getting sandblasted if your in a region like Cleveland ohio. Now I got off as much rust buildup as I can then did some metal work on a ding and then primed the entire bumper in and out any bare metal or bodywork I did. I first was thinking of going rubberized coating black for my final color, even used name brand 3m. Quality of this stuff wasn’t good. So I removed all that and repainted it the close to factory flat silver.

[@kenhotard5875]

EVCELLENT VID!! Thank you for sharing. Have a 2015 need to do the exact same thing to it. Thanks again!! Very helpful!!

[@Rythecarguy]

Glad it helped

[@1Vividgrl]

Great video! Well made. You have saved me hours of time.

[@martywood9299]

I am inebriated right now, o550 and time to do mine! painting min with actual factory matched paint. gonna match the rest of the body! pearls !

[@Rythecarguy]

Good luck! Lol let me know how it turns out.

[@tomlee6263]

Hahaha 2000 years later!! That cracked me up

[@BeaudoinMotorsports]

Thanks for the vid! I have a broken step on my left facia...

[@mountainbiker44]

This video is GOLD. THANK YOU 🙏. Have you done your transmission/ radiator lines bypass??

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks man. I have not. I have a manual transmission. Dont need to do that.

[@RickRose]

Ry--Love what you do bud but I think this video might be misleading. Did the same project today on my 2008 (my bumper was in much worse shape b/c of rust). Took the plastic off one side, then noticed I wasn't really making any extra room for anything. So I left the other side on. Bumper pulled right out the back. I don't think either side actually needs to come off.

[@Rythecarguy]

+Rick Rose Thanks Rick. yes, I'm sure youre right. However I follow the factory service manual for all standard work on the truck. That way people who also want to do the work know that the way they see me do it is the manufacturer recommended method.

[@RickRose]

Can't argue with that. Keep doing what you do!

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks, you got it! I was just gifted a professional level 4k camcorder. I will definitely be kicking things up a notch!.

[@Rythecarguy]

Technically yes. For my videos I always follow the Factory Service Manual. Sometimes it is a little strange but this time its bonkers. You do not have to take the side panels off. Frankly if you have the time it might still be a good idea. I found a lot of gross road debris under those panels that I was glad to get out of there.

[@vicpnut1]

What was the final coat color . I have a rust spot on mine I want to paint , but dont want to get a color that doesn’t match (ala that nasty chrome you had at first)

[@jgarsemrod]

Blood and sweat are required tools. Good vid Ry!

[@Rythecarguy]

+Jairo García Seminario right on! Thank you

[@ledsoto194]

Hey bud you don't need to remove side steps save time and just go to remove bumper 6 bolts that's all.

[@ledsoto194]

I have a 2012 and removed mine without removing mud flaps or side steps.

[@parkeranderson7086]

Did you consider painting it in place?? It seems like a small cam of Rustoleum flat black and careful hand painting? I may be missing something though.

[@Pacifister1]

Very nice, I appreciate it.

[@jaguarsolo]

This video is extremely helpful. I am going to pull mine on my 2010 X paint it a reflective yellow. Tape if off and then paint it black. In the center of each panel I am taping off The words BACK OFF! (BACK on the left, OFF! on the right). Wish me luck. Is there a recommendation on the type of paint?

[@Rythecarguy]

haha I love it. I would make sure you use an exterior paint. other than that you should know that after I did this job I realized that you dont need to remove the side facias.

[@TRUTHISABSOLUTE777]

Sir can you remove the rear bumper pad on the center of the bumper without removing the side bumpers ?

[@Rythecarguy]

Yep just pull up in it.

[@josjo8574]

Do you think XTerra 2004 would be the same thing?

[@billhobgood5405]

I have a 2014 and need to remove the passenger side bumper end cap so I can replace the rear bumper step and replace it with a new one. Is the removal the same as yours...do you know. Thanks! Great tutorial.....well done!

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks. Yes, I believe that this generation ran from 2005 to 2015. So if its not the exact same it will be very similar.

[@johnmontana18]

Nice video. My 2006 xterra got bumped on the back corner and the only damage is the step looks like it has become unattached at the front of the step. So it protrudes about 1/4 inch at that point. Can you suggest what it would take for me to correct this? Thanks!

[@Rythecarguy]

If you take the corner off you will see that the step is supported by a steel plate. That plate is probably bent, You I would start there.

[@glennastimpert9285]

well done video...Thanks! (hope your finger heals quick)

[@Rythecarguy]

Thank you! it's as good as new :)

[@michaelglatzel6136]

Do you really need to remove the mud flap to get at the bumper?

[@Xterra_Prius]

What grade did you used to sand your rear bumper

[@mkont]

Thanks for the great tutorial! I have a hitch on my xterra and do you know if that is somewhat the same process (3 bolts on each side of the bumper)? Thanks!

[@Rythecarguy]

Mevlut Kont yes it should be. check out my trailer hitch install video.

[@tamaziantbelidze5316]

I have a 2003 xterra, the bumper is also removed as in the video?

[@Rythecarguy]

Probably not but it might be close.

[@carriemomeni3761]

Do you think it’s possible to bang out a dent in the steel bumper after I remove itI? Someone backed into me and I can’t stand looking at it. I’m not sure if this steel is too thick for me to do that manually myself. I want to repair and repaint.

[@donknicker8110]

You won't be able to knock dent out without doing bodywork to it...just find a used one

[@ttle17]

Awesome tutorial

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks!

[@1Nine7Zero]

Great tutorial but let others know to use proper tools to remove fasteners, if planning to reuse 'em.

[@Trevor-gu8bb]

Is removing the side fascia really necessary?

[@Rythecarguy]

No, after do it I think you can get away with not doing it.

[@محمدرجب-غ7ل4ه]

Good job

[@allanhaines]

Excellent cool commentary

[@Rythecarguy]

Thank you!

[@dfnkjaws]

I can see the paint can is rustoleum which is a fantastic brand. Love it. But what color is it literally. I know you saud gray but what's the actual color/title of the paint.

[@raffieb762]

Did you figure out the paint type?

[@MWS1960]

The left and right facia is $115.00 for each side from Nissan, adding the step on either side is another $25.00 on each side Great video though !!

[@emmetts6426]

Good job, but on 07 xterra u don't have to take the sides off.

[@cgimasters3422]

were you able to reuse the clips...i can't put them back, do i need to buy new ones

[@Rythecarguy]

Most of them I was able to reuse, but to be totally honest, You don't really need to put all of them back in.

[@thecount1001]

any idea of the weight of the stock bumper?

[@Rythecarguy]

Eh, it's been a long time but I would say less than 30, more than 15

[@KevinLab010]

where in NA are you located? the car seems to be in good shape

[@MrTearsintherain]

Do you have a video about the front bumper for the xterra? The Haynes guide is about useless on this one.

[@Rythecarguy]

Sorry, I do not. I have not needed to take it off yet. If I do I will let you know.

[@foghornleghorn8674]

Much easier if the spare is out also

[@mnstar53]

Thanks Man!!

[@francisco0400]

nice job bro.

[@bobbydotson3926]

I live in Va. Does anyone else have a problem with your vehicle rusting where the spare tire is?

[@Rythecarguy]

I have not had that problem but I just posted a video a few minutes ago that might help with that! Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f53PfpmXgKlpnbM

[@ClaytonAllen]

Got a question if you don't mind. Mine got rear-ended close to the passenger side right on the bumper. I'm assuming that right-side bracket the bumper slides onto is bent a little from the look of the trim... maybe an 1/8th of an inch to 1/4 at most. Is it going to be a big deal to straighten that thing out? I know that's limited info, but thanks for any opinion.

[@Rythecarguy]

If it were me I would get a dead blow hammer and just smack it back into place. Just bend it back a little then re-fit he part. If it still does not fit then pull it off and smack it a little more. :D

[@ClaytonAllen]

I'm using the insurance pay-off to swap out to a Shrockworks, and want to make sure I can get the new bumper on the vehicle without having to go to a body shop. Thanks! :-)

[@carolineross7244]

Do you really have to take the flesha off to take the bumper off?

[@waynebeck7801]

I don’t see why you would have to.

[@tkooj2]

what do you do with the hole at 2:45?

[@Rythecarguy]

Not sure what you mean, however people have been telling me you don't even need to remove those side facias. After looking at the video again I would agree with them.

[@jasonstocks6460]

There was no reason to remove the side plastics. The bolts are on the inside.

[@Rythecarguy]

Yup

[@ARABARCHERYTV]

Can you help me for choosing the brand of painting that for front bumper in my Xterra the silver one in the middle, need one very good that can Works under 60 ° C at amazon please !!😍

[@thelzmovement6480]

ARAB ARCHERY TV bedliner

[@juliochavez7052]

Whats the name of the 2nd spray can and color?

[@Rythecarguy]

The second one I used was a Rustoleum and the color was Charcoal gray. the code was 7784

[@beardeddogs6233]

What grade sand paper did you use ?

[@Rythecarguy]

I would have used like 300.

[@werdlyfe9577]

Why remove the fascias?

[@Rythecarguy]

Mostly for fun.

[@xenniealsentinel1800]

Tip top

[@Rythecarguy]

👍🏻🤘🏻💪🏻

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

OMG. I had to take the wheels off because of ONE screw both sides. Tires are too fat or something. Also all those plastic pins are garbage, 11 years in the environment and they just trash, good thing I have couple of bags of those, different types, specially for the Xterra trim. Didn't break anything though. Now on to removing the actual bumper, This will be interesting. Will update. Update 2 hours later: I don't have power tools so it's all done by hand tools and a breaker bar. I had to drop the spare tire. The bolts on the passenger side were stuck on tight. Sprayed Penetrating oil and dropped the spare and fought with the tail pipe but the bolts finally moved. The bumper is off. I will soak the 6 bolts in some solvent and put anti seize on them after finishing the bumper, lot of surface rust on the inside but nothing too bad.

[@matthewn.6563]

What color grey did you use?

[@Rythecarguy]

Misty Morning.

[@UnpaidInternn]

@@Rythecarguy Awesome, appreciate the reply. Thanks for the video.

[@UnpaidInternn]

@@Rythecarguy Would you suggest 'Misty Morning' to pain the plastic trim as well? Wondering if it's the same color or close enough to the exterior plastic.

[@mustafaalzidealzide5730]

You are amazing.....but can you make the video translated into Arabic?

[@gwatchca]

Don’t need to remove bumper unless you live in the mountains and run out of things to do and get bored !

[@smile-jf3dn]

just put tape around and painted

[@matthewdowling5468]

That tat at 8.24

[@Rythecarguy]

Not a fan?

[@manuelcaballero6971]

Si no hablaras tanto estarían buenos tus videos!!!

[@Rythecarguy]

No hablo español

[@manuelcaballero6971]

@@Rythecarguy yo tampoco pero existe el traductor yo si hablo ingles pero el original no americano, aqui estamos compadre para lo que se ofrezca!!!

[@Rythecarguy]

@@manuelcaballero6971 No hablo Español

[@manuelcaballero6971]

@@Rythecarguy other Ry the car gay

[@Rythecarguy]

@@manuelcaballero6971 huh?

[@tluva1020]

Dude!!! Stop smacking your lips !!

[@Rythecarguy]

NO! I love it. It's my favorite thing ever and I'm never gunna stop. Just kidding, I worked on verbal ticks and have gotten better.

[@tluva1020]

@@Rythecarguylol, sorry for blasting you. Pretty sure I have mesophonia. You have great content though 👍

[@Rythecarguy]

@@tluva1020 oh NP at all man. 😂 I also get very irritated with ticks and noises. Especially background noise or dogs barking.