Skid Plate: Service and Repair

Rear skid plate

Applies to cars with detachable towbars (EU/AUS)
- Remove the cover from the towbar.

Applies to cars with older model detachable towbars (EU/AUS)
- Cut out the cover following the markings on the inside
- Even off the edges using a file.

Illustration A

Illustration B

Applies to all cars with towbars
- Cut out the notch in the skid plate following the markings on the inside
- Even off the edges using a file.
Illustration B is for cars with newer model detachable towbars EU, P/N.30744116 (see type plate on towbar).

Applies to all models
- Drill out the nine countersink markings in the skid plate. Use an - 8 mm (5/16") diameter drill bit. Drill in the centre of the countersinks.
- If necessary, even off the edges using a small round file.

Applies to all models
- Clean the section of the bumper surface that will be covered by the skid plate.

Illustration A

Note! Two people are required for this operation.

- Align the skid plate at the sides by holding it in position so that it is aligned with the embossing at the exhaust pipe. If the car has a towbar, the skid plate must be aligned symmetrically with the vertical mounting brackets for the towbar.
- Align the skid plate vertically so that the embossing is at the same level as the embossing on the bumper seen from immediately behind.

Illustration B

- Accurately mark the holes for the screws by pressing through the holes in the skid plate using a pointed tool
- Remove the skid plate. First drill out the holes. Use a - 6 mm (15/64 ") diameter drill bit. Then enlarge the holes using a - 12.5 mm (1/2") diameter drill bit. Drill at right angles to the underlying surface. Do not enlarge the holes excessively or the rubber nut may not secure.
- Remove any swarf. Clean around the edges of the holes.

Illustration A

- Take three screws and thread them through the three upper / middle holes in the skid plate. Take three rubber nuts and screw them 2-3 turns on to the three screws. The rubber nuts must be turned so that the threaded ends enter into the holes in the bumper during installation.

Illustration B

- Press the other rubber nuts into place in the drilled holes in the bumper, with the threaded ends first
- Press the skid plate all the way into place in the three upper / centre holes in the bumper
- Screw in the other screws as far as they will go
- Tighten the skid plate with the screws. Tighten to 1.5-2 Nm (1-1.5 lbf.ft.).

Applies to cars with detachable towbars (EU/AUS)
- Reinstall the cover on the towbar.