Replacing a bumper on your Mazda 6 can be an alternative to trying to repair the bumper if it is damaged. The bumper that you see is really a cover that is designed to be removed and replaced if necessary. There are quite a few screws and bolts that retain the bumper to the car, but all are accessible so that you can remove them using basic tools. The bumper is not heavy, but if you are planning to reuse it, you may want someone to help you support the bumper while you unbolt it.
Locate the three bolts that pass through the bumper and up into the front sheet metal under the outer corner of the bumper. These bolts are almost directly below the headlight assemblies. Remove the three bolts on each side of the bumper with a socket and ratchet.
Move back to the fender opening and locate the bolts that are just above the first three. There are three on each side of the car. Remove these with a socket and ratchet. Save the bolts for reuse later.
Locate the bolt where the front bumper meets the corner of the front fender. There is one on each side of the car. Remove these two bolts with a socket and ratchet or wrench.
Locate the two bolts directly under the nose of car near the license plate holder. Remove both bolts with a socket and ratchet or a wrench, saving the bolts for use during reinstallation.
Locate and remove the two bolts on top of the bumper just under the hood. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket to remove the bolts, then slide the bumper straight off the front of the car.
Install the new bumper onto the front of the car by sliding it into position and installing the two bolts on the radiator support under the hood. Tighten the bolts with a wrench or socket and ratchet.
Install the two bolts under the center of the bumper, and tighten them with a wrench or socket and ratchet. Move up to the side of the car where the front bumper meets the fender. Install the retaining bolt that you removed here. There is one on each fender, and you can tighten them with a socket and ratchet.
Move down the fender well toward the front of the car, and insert the three bolts located there. Tighten them with a wrench, and move down to the three under the front corner. Install the three bolts, and tighten these with a socket and ratchet or wrench. Install these bolts for both sides of the car.
Close the hood and check to see that the bumper is correctly aligned with the body. Make adjustments as necessary for alignment.
