[SSallday]

I noticed that my rear bumper and tail light are making contact. The other side appears to have an even space between the light and bumper. I was wondering if this is one of those situations where it’s better left alone or should I have a body shop fix it? There’s probably a loose clip or something like that. My bumper to bumper is going to expire in 7 days so I don’t have a lot of time to make a decision. Do you guys think the light will eventually cause paint damage due to rubbing?

[Vigilante375]

Are those stock tail lights? Only asking since my the tail lights should be red and clear/black.

There is always a possibility that it can cause slight paint wear from regular driving.

Either a clip or clips are causing the issue or that the bumper itself was slightly deformed from the factory.

I never took a car in for bodywork issues but if you still have time, I would. Know that the dealer, more than likely, won't do anything. If not, then take it to a body shop and they'll fix it.

[est1979]

it will, I just opened a claim with Chevy at my local dealer to repaint for the left side exact same issue on a 2018 ZLE. They said it's a month out at least due to how many claims are coming in now that Covid restrictions are lifting.

[SSallday]

Originally Posted by Vigilante375

Are those stock tail lights? Only asking since my the tail lights should be red and clear/black.

There is always a possibility that it can cause slight paint wear from regular driving.

Either a clip or clips are causing the issue or that the bumper itself was slightly deformed from the factory.

I never took a car in for bodywork issues but if you still have time, I would. Know that the dealer, more than likely, won't do anything. If not, then take it to a body shop and they'll fix it.

My dealer is pretty good with warranty stuff. I'm trying to avoid scratches, etc. while trying to correct this issue lol. The tail lights are OEM dark tail lights.

Originally Posted by est1979

it will, I just opened a claim with Chevy at my local dealer to repaint for the left side exact same issue on a 2018 ZLE. They said it's a month out at least due to how many claims are coming in now that Covid restrictions are lifting.

Ok I'm going to see what my dealer says. I definitely want to avoid a repaint. Keep us updated

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by SSallday

I noticed that my rear bumper and tail light are making contact. The other side appears to have an even space between the light and bumper. I was wondering if this is one of those situations where it’s better left alone or should I have a body shop fix it? There’s probably a loose clip or something like that. My bumper to bumper is going to expire in 7 days so I don’t have a lot of time to make a decision. Do you guys think the light will eventually cause paint damage due to rubbing?

The bumper is supposed to have foam spacers under the taillight assembly, if those are missing, the bolts and studs holding it in place may not be enough to completely prevent some sinking. Mine look okay, the gap is a bit less on the passenger side, but the foam is there.

[Walkure]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

The bumper is supposed to have foam spacers under the taillight assembly, if those are missing, the bolts and studs holding it in place may not be enough to completely prevent some sinking. Mine look okay, the gap is a bit less on the passenger side, but the foam is there.

Is the foam a 2018+ thing? I’ve got a 2017 and there was no foam when I swapped out my tail lights. I also had scratches under the light, but I chalked that up to a little fender-bender I was victim of. Insurance replaced the fender and diffuser and I’ve had no problems since.

[SSallday]

I brought the car in yesterday for this issue. The service manager and I were looking at the rear bumper diagram and it doesn’t appear that there are clips in that section. The bumper probably came out of the mold that way so the only true fix is a new bumper. I don’t want to go through all of that so I think I’m going to buy some ppf and place it between the light and bumper. Let me know if you guys find a different solution

[Vigilante375]

Well if you're worried about it damaging the bumper. You could always add a small piece of foam, that has adhesive on 1 side, between the bumper and light.

Just enough to not be noticeable and give you a little reinsurance that it won't be damage.

[SSallday]

Originally Posted by Vigilante375

Well if you're worried about it damaging the bumper. You could always add a small piece of foam, that has adhesive on 1 side, between the bumper and light.

Just enough to not be noticeable and give you a little reinsurance that it won't be damage.

Maybe I will do that in the future just in case this happens again. I was able to correct the issue today. I pulled the tail light out and discovered a plastic tray with 4 clips. There were two tabs on the bumper that weren’t secured by the clips. Everything looks good now