How to Replace the Rear Bumper: 2009-2014 Ford F-150

Watch this video to learn how to replace the rear bumper on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150.

Replacing Rear Bumper on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Rear bumper

Tightening Torques

There are no tightening torques for this operation.

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Ford F-150: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Thin flat head screwdriver
• Ratchet
• 21mm socket

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Turn off your engine and engage the parking brake.

Step 2: Use a thin flat head screwdriver to carefully remove the first license plate lightbulb holder from the rear bumper.

Step 3: Turn the holder counterclockwise to disengage it from the bulb. Gently pull the bulb out to remove it.

Step 4: Slide the connector of the bulb through the opening in the rear bumper. Repeat the same process for the second license plate lightbulb.

Step 5: Position yourself under the vehicle. Proceed to unscrew the nuts holding the rear bumper. Depending on the version, there may be four or six nuts.

Step 6: Use a ratchet and a 21-mm socket to unscrew the two nuts located near the leaf spring attachments. Remove them.

Step 7: Before unscrewing the nuts on the other side, make sure someone holds the rear bumper to prevent it from falling. Then, unscrew the remaining two mounting nuts.

Step 8: Carefully remove the old rear bumper. Insert the mounting screws of the new rear bumper into their respective slots.

Step 9: While tightening the screws, have someone assist you in holding the rear bumper to avoid any damage.

Step 10: Begin by screwing the nuts back on finger-tight to hold the assembly together. Utilize the oblong holes in the supports to adjust the rear bumper’s height.

Step 11: Once the bumper is properly positioned and horizontally aligned, use the ratchet to finish tightening the nuts securely.

Step 12: Pass the connector of the first license plate lightbulb through the opening in the rear bumper.

Step 13: Reinsert the bulb into its base. Twist the holder clockwise to secure it. Place the holder back into the rear bumper. Repeat the same process for the second license plate lightbulb.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles:

• 2009 Ford F150
• 2010 Ford F150
• 2011 Ford F150
• 2012 Ford F150
• 2013 Ford F150
• 2014 Ford F150

Why Should You Replace the Rear Bumper of the 2009-2014 Ford F150?

The rear bumper protects your vehicle’s rear during collisions and minimizes crash damage. Whether it’s the rear bumper of the 2013 F150 or another model year of the popular Ford truck model, it’s a tough and rugged part. So, you might be surprised to learn you need to replace it.

Here are the reasons why you must replace the rear bumper of the 2009-2014 Ford F150:

Compromised Structural Integrity

Rear bumpers are tough, but they’re not indestructible. They can get scratched, dented, bent, cracked, or even shattered after collisions. Steel rear bumpers are also vulnerable to rust, especially if the damage breaks the anti-corrosion protection.

Damaged and rusty rear bumpers are more likely to fail during collisions. Thus, it’s critical to replace the rear bumper of the 2013 F150 (or any other Ford F1-50 model year) if it shows severe damage or corrosion, especially after something collides with it.

Microscopic Damage Invisible to the Unaided Eye

Following a collision, the rear bumper of the 2013 F150 might appear unscathed at first glance. However, the rear bumper might have received microscopic damage invisible to the naked eye, leading to compromised structural integrity.

Bring your vehicle to a trusted auto repair center that can scan for microscopic damage on the rear bumper. If the rear bumper has microscopic damage that undermines its durability, replace it.

Easier Insurance Claims

The insurance company accounts for earlier damage when it processes your claim. If you didn’t replace the already damaged rear bumper of your 2013 F150, the insurer might refuse to cover the repair cost of subsequent damage. 

Make it easier to claim insurance coverage by replacing the damaged rear bumper immediately.

Improve the Vehicle’s Resale Value

If you expect to sell your car or truck someday, you want to keep its resale value as high as possible. While vehicles gradually devalue, damaged or faulty parts can drastically lower their resale price.

If the rear bumper on your 2013 F150 is battered or damaged, replace it to keep the resale value up.

Compliance With Federal and State Laws

Federal law requires all vehicles to have undamaged rear bumpers to protect against impacts. Further, states like Hawaii, Indiana, and Maryland have specific laws that require cars and trucks to have sturdy, working rear bumpers.

Stay on the good side of the law by replacing the bad rear bumper of your 2013 F150 immediately.

Important Reminders

Before unscrewing the nuts on the other side, make sure someone is holding the rear bumper to prevent it from falling.

You can adjust the height of the rear bumper thanks to the oblong holes in the supports.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. Carparts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.