Davis Bellew If you’re a Subaru owner, it’s important to maintain your car to ensure it runs smoothly and looks good on the road. One important part of your car’s exterior that often gets overlooked is the grille. The grille not only adds to the appearance of your car but also protects the engine from debris and other potential hazards. If your grille has become dislodged or needs to be replaced, it’s essential to know how to reinstall it properly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to reinstall your Subaru’s grille safely.
Why Installing a Grille Correctly is Important
Your Subaru’s grille protects the engine from rocks, debris, and other flying objects that can be thrown up from the road. Without a grille, your car’s engine would be more vulnerable to damage, which could result in costly repairs. Additionally, a perfectly aligned grille helps to ensure proper airflow into the engine compartment, which can affect your car’s overall performance.
Removing Your Old Grille
Before reinstalling a new grille, you’ll need to remove your old one securely. To remove the grille from your Subaru, you’ll need a flathead screwdriver and a pair of pliers.
- Firstly, locate the clips at the bottom part of the grille and use a flathead screwdriver to insert it behind them. Apply some pressure to get out the clips from the slots.
- Proceed to the top of the grille where the clips are the same as those on the lower part. Use a flathead screwdriver to repeat the same process.
- When the clips are completely free from the grille, you need to unhook the grille from the car’s bonnet hooks. You can gently pull the grille to release it.
- Once the clips on both sides of the grille are free and the grille is unhooked, you can remove it completely from the car.
Identifying the Parts of Your Grille
Before reinstalling the grille, it’s important to understand its different parts to avoid misaligning it.
- The main grille is the large part that covers the engine compartment. It’s usually made of plastic and attaches to the car with clips and hooks.
- The grille trim goes around the outer edge of the grille and protects the clips from breaking or bending.
- The Subaru emblem is the circular part in the center of the grille and adds brand recognition to the car.
Proper Alignment and Installation
Now that you have removed your old grille and have familiarized yourself with the different parts, you can move to the next step.
- Take some time to inspect the attachment sites on your car where the grille slots into.
- Ensure they are clean, free from any debris or damage.
- Proceed to align the bottom part of the grille with the clips and hook onto the bottom hooks on the car’s body.
- Once the grille is hooked onto the bottom hooks, move to the top and align the clips with the slots on the car’s body.
- Push gently but firmly to ensure that the grille is securely in place.
Tips for a Secure Installation
- Clean the alignment hooks on the car, and make sure they are free of dirt or debris.
- Double-check the placement of the clips and hooks before securing the grille in place.
- Take it slow and don’t rush the installation process. Misalignment can lead to the grille falling out while you’re driving.
- After installation, give the grille a firm but gentle tug to ensure it’s securely in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need to replace my grille?
If your grille is cracked, broken, or has any substantial damage, it’s best to replace it. Additionally, if your grille isn’t aligned properly or has fallen out while you’re driving, it’s best to replace it to avoid any potential damage to your engine.
What tools will I need to reinstall my grille?
You will need a flathead screwdriver and a pair of pliers.
Can I reinstall the grille myself, or should I take it to a mechanic?
You can reinstall the grille yourself by following the step-by-step guide we’ve provided. However, if you’re not confident in your ability to complete the task, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic.
Conclusion
Reinstalling your Subaru’s grille is an essential maintenance task that can save you money and ensure your car looks and runs as it should. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can successfully reinstall your grille and have peace of mind knowing your engine is protected from potential hazards. Always remember to take your time, ensure proper alignment, and give your grille a gentle tug after installation to make sure it’s securely in place.
