Need advice re: repairs, etc.

[Ray Dunakin]

During my recent Nevada/Mojave trip, the plastic clip-on bumper broke off. This is the piece that has the mount for the license plate. Does this fragile plastic "bumper" actually serve any purpose or is it just decorative? Is it worth the expense of replacing it, or should I just leave it off, remove the broken clips, and screw the license to the now-exposed area?

Also, hit a bad washout/pothole pretty hard on the right side tires. It knocked the steering off-center, and did something to take the crawl control, multi-terrain, and VSC out of commission. I'm assuming that off-road damage would not be covered by ToyotaCare.

If I'm going to be paying out of pocket for this, I'd rather go somewhere else besides the dealer, especially since it would be more convenient for me. My question is, would a non-dealer shop be capable of repairing these fancy systems? Or would I be better off taking it to the dealer, where they are at least "supposed" to be experts?

 

[rigtec]

"...Is it worth the expense of replacing it, or should I just leave it off, remove the broken clips, and screw the license to the now-exposed area?...?

Hi Ray,

I'd be sure to replace it; after all, how often does this happen when used for conventional D/D? It didn't just fall off, something knocked it off. The plastic 'skin' is not much more than an aesthetic facade to coordinate the bumper with the sporty grille! If you're handy with tools, you can order that bumper cover from ebay for less than $125 bucks; see links: New Front Bumper Cover for SR5 Models for Toyota 4Runner 2010 2013 TO1000366 | eBay

New Primered Front Bumper Cover for 2010 2011 2012 2013 Toyota 4Runner SR5 | eBay

...they're also available for the Limited and the Trail Hope this helps!

Best!

 

[Engineer]

I would replace it unless you are ok with the visual look of the slots in the bumper that the valence clips to now showing.

Regarding your other issue, hopefully nothing is bent but its possible. Also I bet you broke a ABS wire which is why your dash is lit up like a Christmas tree. You are correct this would not/should not be covered under warranty (gotta pay to play). Should be an easy fix/thing to see, get a flash light and take a peek

 

[Ray Dunakin]

Thanks. I guess the part I need is not called a "bumper cover" -- all the bumper covers I'm seeing online are huge, extending across the entire front. The part I need attaches to that. I don't know what else to call it, but the best way I can describe is like this: if the grill is the "mouth", this piece would be the lower lip. It has the mount on it for the license plate.

 

[Volley]

Depends on the dealer in my experience whether or not it's covered under warranty. I've had several things damaged from offroading that have been covered even had a transmission replaced one time after it taking on water from several off road water fording events.

 

[3wbdriver]

During my recent Nevada/Mojave trip, the plastic clip-on bumper broke off. This is the piece that has the mount for the license plate. Does this fragile plastic "bumper" actually serve any purpose or is it just decorative? Is it worth the expense of replacing it, or should I just leave it off, remove the broken clips, and screw the license to the now-exposed area?

Also, hit a bad washout/pothole pretty hard on the right side tires. It knocked the steering off-center, and did something to take the crawl control, multi-terrain, and VSC out of commission. I'm assuming that off-road damage would not be covered by ToyotaCare.

You probably broke the ABS wire on that corner, but with the year of your vehicle I would think you could push for it to be a warranty repair. The steering wheel will be a pay to realign deal though. Is it pulling to the right at all or still tracking straight?

Your description of the front "bumper" is too confusing for me to weigh in on. I'm just not sure what you are describing. My front plate mount screwed into the gray plastic faux skid over the Trail front bumper. A picture would be helpful. But if it is like this rear piece that I peeled off mine a couple years ago you'll just be left with a line of slots for the clips if you just remove it. I ran mine without it until I got the CBI bumper this year.

 

[Antman]

You probably broke the ABS wire on that corner, but with the year of your vehicle I would think you could push for it to be a warranty repair. The steering wheel will be a pay to realign deal though. Is it pulling to the right at all or still tracking straight?

Your description of the front "bumper" is too confusing for me to weigh in on. I'm just not sure what you are describing. My front plate mount screwed into the gray plastic faux skid over the Trail front bumper. A picture would be helpful. But if it is like this rear piece that I peeled off mine a couple years ago you'll just be left with a line of slots for the clips if you just remove it. I ran mine without it until I got the CBI bumper this year.

LOL @ Doofus

 

[d_clark]

If you are talking about the silver piece on the front bumper of the Trail as in the pic below, it is just decorative.

Can be found online, not exactly cheap though:
VALANCE PANEL for 2015 Toyota 4Runner*|*53901-35240

 

[Ray Dunakin]

Yeah, that's the piece. Looks sort of like a fake skid.

Thanks, everyone!