| TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Excessive Panel Gap Between Rear Bumper Cover And Rear Quarter Panels – Built On Or Before 26-Feb-2018 | 18-2107 29 March 2018 |
Model:
Issue: Some 2015-2018 Mustang
GT350 vehicles built on or before 26-Feb-2018 may exhibit an excessive panel gap where the rear bumper cover meets the rear quarter panels on either side of the vehicle. This may be due to the method used to fasten the rear bumper cover to the vehicle.
Action: Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
Parts
| Description | Quantity | Part Number |
| GT350 Rear Bumper Cover Kit | 1 | JR3Z-17N775-A |
Warranty Status: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage Warranty/ESP coverage limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. Warranty/ESP coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool.
Labor Times
| Description | Operation No. | Time |
| 2015-2018 Mustang GT350: Replace The Side And Outer Rear Brackets And Install Compression Wedges Following The Service Procedure Includes Time To Remove And Install The Rear Bumper Cover (Do Not Use With Any Other Labor Operations) | 182107A | 1.7 Hrs. |
Repair/Claim Coding
| Causal Part: | 17K835 |
| Condition Code: | 07 |
| Drive | Tool Name |
| 1/4″ | Power Tool |
| 1/4″ | Ratchet |
| 1/4″ | 3″ Extension |
| 1/4″ | 6″ Extension |
| 1/4″ | 7 mm Socket |
| 1/4″ | 8 mm Socket |
| 1/4″ | 10 mm Socket |
| 1/2″ | Power Tool |
| 1/2″ | 21 mm Socket |
| 1/2″ | Torque Socket Accutorq |
| 7 mm Wrench | |
| Medium Trim Tool | |
| Drill | |
| 13/64″ Drill Bit | |
| Rivet Gun |
Service Procedure
- Remove the rear bumper cover. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-19.
(1). To assist in removal of the bumper cover, allow the vehicle to reach room temperature if possible. Removing the bumper cover when it is cold may increase the possibility of breaking the retention clips during removal.
(2). Once all fasteners have been removed, disengage the clips holding the bumper cover to the vehicle as follows:
- Apply slight upward pressure on the bumper cover and pull outwards from either side of the vehicle to disengage the clips along the sides of the vehicle.
- Apply slight upward pressure on the bumper cover and pull rearwards on the bumper cover to disengage the clips along the rear of the vehicle.
- Remove the side brackets and outer rear brackets that were clipped to the bumper cover. Refer to WSM, Section 501-19.
(1). It is not necessary to remove the center rear bracket.
- Install the revised side brackets and outer rear brackets.
(1). Make sure the fastener holes in the side brackets are centered in relation to the fasteners that go through them. (Figure 1)
(2). Make sure the tabs on the outer rear brackets are properly inserted into the holes in the body of the vehicle when installing these brackets.
Figure 1
- Use the provided templates to drill a 13/64” hole in each side of the bumper cover.
(1). To locate where the holes should be before drilling, align the cutout corner of the template with the notch along the front edge of this part of the fascia. (Figure 2, right side shown)
Figure 2
- Using scissors or a pair of side cutters, trim the tabs off of each side of the rear bumper cover. (Figures 3 – 4, left side shown)
(1). These tabs are located just outboard of the holes drilled in Step 4.
(2). Do not trim these tabs completely flush. Only trim away enough to allow the compression wedges to fit into the proper place in the bumper cover with no obstruction. (Figures 3 – 4)
Figure 3
Figure 4
- Using the alcohol swabs provided in the kit, clean the area on both sides of the bumper cover where the compression wedges will adhere.
- Install the compression wedges to the bumper cover.
(1). Remove the backing from the double-sided tape on the compression wedges and install them into the bumper cover.
(2). Insert the rivet through the holes in the bumper cover and the holes in the compression wedges.
(3). Fasten the rivets with a rivet gun, holding the compression wedge in place to make sure each one is seated and the double-sided tape adheres properly. (Figure 5, left side shown.)
Figure 5
- Loosely fit the rear bumper cover back onto the vehicle by snapping the bumper cover attachment tabs to the outer rear brackets first, then the side brackets.
(1). Do not strike the bumper cover with force when attempting to snap it onto the brackets. This may bend or damage the clips or tabs on the bumper cover or brackets. Only firm, steady pressure is required to engage the bumper cover onto the clips. If it seems like more force is required, this is an indication the clips or tabs on the bumper cover or brackets may be bent or out of place.
(2). While installing the bumper cover, listen for audible clicks indicating the bumper cover tabs have been properly seated onto the clips on the brackets. The bumper cover clips should be heard when engaging on both the rear outer brackets and the side brackets.
(3). If the bumper cover cannot be easily fitted onto the vehicle, remove the bumper cover and make sure the side brackets and rear outer brackets are properly positioned. It may be necessary to loosen the brackets and shift their position slightly to allow the tabs on the bumper cover to better line up with the clips on the brackets.
- Align the top hole of the compression wedges to the hole that is present on the rear outer bracket. An assistant may be necessary to lift up on the bumper cover to allow the holes to line up. Using the provided bolts, install one on each side. Start the bolts by hand, but do not tighten. (Figures 6 – 7, left side shown)
Figure 6
Figure 7
- Once the bumper cover is loosely installed, visually align the bumper cover on the vehicle for the best appearance and fit. While having an assistant lift up on the bumper cover, tighten the bolts installed in Step 9 to 1.5 Nm (13 lb–in).
(1). If the panel gap between the bumper cover and body is still excessive, this may be caused by bent or broken tabs/clips on the bumper cover and connecting brackets or mis-positioned brackets.
- Finish the installation of the bumper cover following normal WSM procedures. Refer to WSM, Section 50119.
18-2107
29 March 2018
- PREPS SURFACE: Pre-waxing glaze that prepares the surface for wax while offering deep reflections and high gloss.
- BEST CAR GLOSS: Conditioning oils add depth of color and maximum gloss prior to waxing, especially on dark colored cars
- REMOVE SWIRLS: Quickly and gently removes fine swirls and towel marks for mirror-like reflections
- SAFE FOR CLEAR COATS: Safe and on all glossy paints, including clear coats
- FLEXIBLE APPLICATION: Safe and effective by hand or dual action polisher like Meguiar's MT300 Dual Action Polisher
- BUFF OUT IMPERFECTIONS: Meguiar's Ultimate Compound removes scratches, swirls & oxidation for a clear, perfect finish
- SHOWROOM SHINE: Advanced car compound removes scratches, swirls, oxidation & water spots and restores color & clarity for a showroom shine in minutes
- CLEAR COAT SAFE: Auto compound safely removes scratches and other defects without hazing on clear coats & all gloss paints. Easy DIY fix by hand or da polisher
- LIKE-NEW SHINE: Meguiar's exclusive micro-abrasive technology quickly removes scratches & restores clarity and shine for a stunning, swirl-free finish.
- FAST & FLAWLESS: Meguiar's Ultimate Compound cuts fast, removes scratches and swirls without hazing, leaving a pro-detailer finish.
- One 16 oz bottle of Nu Finish The Once A Year Car Polish
- Automotive polish that is made up of a series of zinc cross-linking polymer emulsions that help it last longer than any other polish on the market
- Nu Finish car polish can be applied anywhere, even in direct sunlight
- Also an ideal boat polish, motorcycle polish and chrome polish
- The only auto polish tough enough to be called "The Once A Year Car Polish”
- Correct & Protect In One Step: 3D Speed is the ultimate all-in-one car polish and wax. Its advanced formula cuts through light swirls, oxidation, and scratches while sealing the surface with a protective wax coat. Get correction and protection in a single application—no need for multiple products
- Restore Color Depth & Gloss: Tired of dull, lifeless paint? Speed revives your paint’s original clarity and depth while delivering a wet, mirror-like gloss. Whether your ride is brand new or needs some love, SPEED brings out the best in your finish—leaving it smooth, vibrant, and protected
- Fast Easy Application: Designed for speed and simplicity, this polish and wax goes on like butter and wipes off clean with no residue. Use it by hand for quick touch-ups or with a dual-action polisher for larger panels. It’s the ultimate time-saver for weekend warriors and pros alike
- Effortless Scratch & Swirl Removal: Speed tackles minor surface imperfections like light scratches, swirl marks, and oxidation without aggressive compounding. Safe for clear coat finishes, it levels defects while protecting your paint—ideal for maintenance or prep before a show
- Pro Grade Quality Made In The USA: Backed by over 25 years of detailing innovation, 3D Speed is proudly made in the USA and trusted by professional detailers worldwide. When you see “3D” on the bottle, you know what’s inside delivers real results—performance you can count on
- WASH, SEAL & SHINE IN ONE STEP: Fortify Quick Coat replaces your entire quick-detail routine. One spray, one wipe, and your car has a showroom-grade finish. No rinsing, no separate wax, no buffing. A full application takes under 10 minutes from start to done.
- NANO-CERAMIC PROTECTION THAT ACTUALLY BONDS: Unlike basic spray waxes that sit on top of the paint, Fortify Quick Coat's nano-ceramic formula chemically bonds to your clear coat, forming a hard, ultra-smooth hydrophobic layer. Water beads off. Dirt doesn't stick. Protection lasts for months, not days.
- RAPID 15-MINUTE CURE: The quick-bond formula fully sets in about 15 minutes, so you're not waiting hours to drive. Apply it on a clean, dry surface and the protective layer is locked in before you've put your supplies away.
- 83,000+ VERIFIED REVIEWS. MADE IN USA: Formulated and manufactured in the United States. Compatible with all glossy paint, clear coat, glass, chrome, plastic trim, and vinyl. Clear-coat safe, streak-free, and UV-resistant.
- ONE BOTTLE REPLACES THREE - This detail spray replaces your car wax, waterless wash and paint sealant Fortify Quick Coat does all three in a single step. Cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs and boats: if it has a finish, one bottle handles it.
Last update on 2026-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.