yes , they look about 12mm long Jules

I've removed the arch liners, having bought a small (4") set of mole grips (thanks for the tip Axle).

The most difficult part was undoing the bumper mudguard fasteners (one of them also holds the small apron). I had to use an angle grinder on one - all three were rusted solid and had to be pulled out after I rounded all three cross head screws. All fasteners were beyond repair but the plastic guard itself was undamaged.

My thread cleaning die is due to arrive tomorrow but I don't think I'll need it. Now I can see the bolts they seem to have flutes like a corkscrew which stand slightly proud of the threads. This would seem to indicate the plastic nuts should be tapped onto them since screwing them on would simply ream them (?).





Last edited by Flanagan on 20th Jul 2020 8:26 pm. Edited 2 times in total

As a follow-up. I decided to remove the liner on the other side as well. This time, a 10mm socket with a trim tool behind them did the trick to remove the plastic nuts and all were re-useable, though I bought new ones anyway.

Once again the three screws holding the air deflector which also pins both parts of the liner, were crudded solid.

The inner one which held the smaller apron via a spring fastener had to be cut off with an angle grinder.

The middle screw which held the larger apron also via a spring fastener, came away with plenty of WD40 and a Phillips stubby held in mole grips.

The third screw (outer) only holds the air deflector via a special clip in the bumper (photo). This clip had rotted and was easily removed by inserting a small flat blade screwdriver and twisting. The replacement was cheap and just clipped happily into place in the square slot provided.

I'd like to replace the two spring fasteners on both sides but once again, can't find a part number so have ordered some generic ones off eBay.

Click image to enlarge

That is quite a complicated piece of stamped/folded metal for a clip Jules

Yes, and tiny. The old ones on both sides were 'welded' onto the air deflectors and had to be cut out. I'm not sure if they were originally part of the deflectors or just morphed through pressure. Freelander 2 2010 [MY2011] FA 2.2 TD4 XS