2016 Honda CRV Front Bumper Removal: DIY Step-by-Step Guide

Got a ding or planning a custom upgrade for your 2016 Honda CRV? Swapping out your front bumper doesn't have to mean days without your ride at the body shop. With a few basic tools and this step-by-step guide, you can tackle this repair right in your own garage and get your CRV looking sharp again. This comprehensive DIY walkthrough will show you exactly how to remove your front bumper, saving you time and money.

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Tools Required

• Screwdriver (specifically, one that fits star-shaped screws)
• Panel removal tool (or a flathead screwdriver)
• 10mm socket and ratchet
• Pliers

Removal Process

The "Pre-Game"

Before you dive in, let's get organized. A little prep makes a big difference!

Project Essentials:

• Vehicle: 2016 Honda CRV
• Tools: Screwdriver (specifically, one that fits star-shaped screws), panel removal tool (or a flathead screwdriver), 10mm socket and ratchet, and pliers.

Pro-Tip: Lay down a blanket or some old cardboard on your garage floor. This will give you a soft place to set your bumper down once it's off, preventing any new scratches! Also, consider turning your wheel to give yourself more access to the fender liner area.

The Walkthrough

Let's get this bumper off! We'll tackle this in a few logical phases, starting from the sides and working our way around.

Phase 1: Fender Liner & Side Access

[0:22] We're going to kick things off on the side of the vehicle, right where the bumper meets the fender.

• Start by turning your wheel inward to give yourself better access to the fender liner.
• Locate the first star-shaped screw right at the top of the fender liner. Grab your screwdriver and get that bad boy out of there.
• Just above that screw, you'll find a push pin. Use your panel removal tool or a flathead to gently pop its center up, then pull the entire pin out.
• Now, look underneath the fender liner, tucked away. There's another push pin hiding there - get it removed too.
• Move to the inner fender liner, closer to the wheel. There's another push pin here that needs to come out.

ReveMoto Tech Tip: Push Pin Power!

[1:09] Push pins can be tricky. They often have a center "plunger" that needs to be lifted first. Insert your panel removal tool (or flathead) into the grooves around the center and gently pry it up. Once that center piece is raised, the entire push pin can be pulled straight out.

Phase 2: Underneath the CRV

[2:54] Now, let's get down on the ground and work our way across the bottom of the bumper.

• You'll find a 10mm bolt and a push pin near the corner of the bumper on each side. Start by removing the push pin first.
• Next, grab your 10mm socket and tackle that 10mm bolt.
• Continue working your way across the bottom of the bumper, removing any remaining push pins you find. There might be several, so take your time.
• Once you get to the other side, you'll find another 10mm bolt and a push pin, just like where we started. Remove those.

ReveMoto Tech Tip: The Spinning Bolt Saga

[3:56] Some of those 10mm bolts underneath can be stubborn! If you find one just spinning and not loosening, it's likely the bracket behind it is also spinning. The trick here is to use a pair of pliers to hold onto that bracket while you loosen the bolt with your 10mm socket. A little counter-pressure does wonders!

Phase 3: Unveiling Hidden Screws

[6:42] With the bottom fasteners out, let's go back to the side of the bumper.

• Gently pull the edge of the bumper away from the fender. You'll reveal a hidden screw tucked away inside there.
• Grab your screwdriver and remove this screw. It looks similar to the one you pulled from the fender liner in Phase 1.
• Repeat this step on the other side of the vehicle.

Phase 4: Topside Disconnects

[7:10] Almost there! It's time to pop the hood and deal with the top.

• Open your hood. You'll see a row of push pins along the top edge of the bumper.
• Locate the two specific push pins that connect the bumper cover to the core support. Remove these two with your panel removal tool. Make sure you're only removing the ones directly securing the bumper cover, not any others that might be holding the grille or other components.

ReveMoto Tech Tip: Grille Expectations

[8:07] Typically, your front grille should remain attached to the vehicle after removing the bumper. However, if your CRV has been in an accident, the grille might already be loose or even broken, coming off with the bumper. Don't be alarmed if this happens; it's a common side effect of front-end damage.

Phase 5: Final Release & Fog Lights

[8:52] All fasteners should now be free! It's time for the final pull.

• Starting from one side, gently but firmly pull the bumper away from the vehicle. It should start to disengage from its clips along the fender and headlights.
• As you pull the bumper away, especially on the first side, be prepared to hold onto it! If your CRV is equipped with fog lights, they'll still be wired to the vehicle. You'll need to reach behind the bumper and unplug those electrical connectors before fully detaching the bumper. This particular CRV didn't have fog lights, but yours might!
• Once any fog lights are unplugged, carefully pull the bumper completely off the vehicle.

Skip the body shop and get a perfect factory match delivered to your door.

FAQ

What tools will I absolutely need for this job?

You'll definitely need a screwdriver (for star-shaped screws), a panel removal tool (or a flathead for push pins), and a 10mm socket with a ratchet. Pliers can also be very helpful for those tricky spinning 10mm bolts underneath.

Where is that hidden screw on the side of the bumper?

To find it, you'll need to gently pull the side edge of the bumper away from the fender. The screw is located behind that lip, holding the bumper in place.

What do I do if one of the 10mm bolts under the car just keeps spinning?

This usually means the bracket behind the bolt is spinning too. Use a pair of pliers to hold onto that bracket tightly while you loosen the 10mm bolt with your socket. This counter-pressure will allow the bolt to come out.

DISCLAIMER:

While ReveMoto tries to make the information in this blog as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. No information contained in this blog shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself (DIY) projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. ReveMoto is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this blog.