2013 Kia Optima Front Bumper Removal

What you'll need:

8mm socket

10mm socket

Screwdriver

Step 1:

Remove the top plate above the bumper. This is pretty simple - just remove the 6 "screw" keepers and the 4 bolts (10mm).

The screw keepers are circled in blue, and the bolts are circled in red. Two of these bolts hold the air intake in place, so it's pretty important that you don't lose these bolts. Once all the screws / bolts are removed, lift the air intake and the plate will easily pull out.

Step 2:

Remove the screws in the top of the wheel well that holds the top of the bumper in place. It's best if you have a small screwdriver or a 8mm ratchet to reach this (especially if your car is lowered), but if your screwdriver is a bit long, you can get to these screws by simply turning the wheels. (One screw per side)

Step 3:
Next, you should remove the lower skid plate. It isn't absolutely necessary to completely remove the plate, but doing so makes any work to be done so much easier, so I highly recommend it. This is done by removing the 4 bolts (10mm) directly below the skid plate, and the screw keepers / bolts around the edge of the plate which connect it to the bumper.

After the skid plate is removed, finish removing the screw keepers around the edges of the bumper.

Step 4:
With all screw keepers and bolts removed, it's time to take off the bumper. From the wheel well, grab the bumper and pull up and out (more out than up, but a little upward force helps). Don't be afraid to give it a little tug, but don't go all hulk on the thing. If you give it a tug and it doesn't come free, check for screws that you may have missed. As the bumper comes loose, it will pop - don't worry, it's just coming loose from the holders. Also, try to pull the bumper as close to the hang point as possible. You don't want to give too much leverage and torque by pulling too far from the hang point.

Once you have one side free, repeat on the other side.

Step 5:
After both sides of the bumper are free, the bottom of the bumper will need to come out (away from the car) while the top of the bumper comes up. This will clear the two hooks holding the bumper in place.

Step 6 (if applicable):
Disconnect the fog lights.

Your bumper is now removed.