Chevrolet Alero: How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Position in the Model Lineup

The Chevrolet Alero was produced from 1999 to 2004 and positioned as an affordable mid-size sedan and coupe, replacing the outdated Chevrolet Beretta and Chevrolet Corsica. The model was part of GM's N-body platform lineup, which was also used for the Oldsmobile Cutlass and Pontiac Grand Am.

 

Design and Modifications

The Alero was offered in two body styles:

  • 4-door sedan – a more practical and popular option.
  • 2-door coupe – a sporty design with a sloping roof, aimed at a younger audience.

The Alero's design reflected Chevrolet's late-1990s style: rounded shapes, narrow headlights, and a chrome-accented grille. In 2002, the model underwent a minor facelift, with changes to the front bumper, grille, and taillights.

 

Technical Specifications

The Alero was equipped with two engines:

  • 2.4L Ecotec (LD9) – 4-cylinder, 150 HP, torque 210 N·m.
  • 3.4L V6 (LA1) – 170–180 HP, torque 271–285 N·m, offering smoother and more dynamic performance.

Transmissions:

  • 4-speed automatic (4T40-E, 4T45-E).
  • 5-speed manual (Getrag F23, only for 4-cylinder versions).

The front suspension was a McPherson strut, while the rear used a semi-independent beam. The handling was typical of budget American cars: a soft ride but with less precise steering.

Depending on the production year, mounting points may vary slightly.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Under the hood, remove two push pins (inserted top to bottom) securing the upper part of the front bumper.
  3. From underneath, unscrew six bolts securing the lower part.
  4. In the front openings, remove two push pins (inserted bottom to top).
  5. Turn the wheels to the side.
  6. In the wheel arches, remove three push pins on each side securing the fender liners (front part).
  7. Behind the fender liners, unscrew three bolts on each side (fastened bottom to top) securing the sides to the fenders.
  8. With an assistant, carefully pull the bumper forward (watch for wiring).
  9. Disconnect electrical connectors (if present).

Chevrolet Alero Front Bumper Mounting Locations

Chevrolet Alero Front Bumper Mounting Locations

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. From inside the trunk, unscrew the nuts and remove the taillights.
  3. Unscrew the bolts under the taillights and remove four push pins in the trunk opening securing the upper part of the rear bumper.
  4. From underneath, remove four push pins securing the lower part.
  5. In the wheel arches, unscrew three bolts on each side and free the rear part of the fender liners.
  6. Behind the fender liners, unscrew one bolt on each side (fastened bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders.
  7. With an assistant, carefully pull the bumper backward (avoid tearing any wires).
  8. Disconnect electrical connectors (if present).

Chevrolet Alero rear bumper mounting locations

Chevrolet Alero rear bumper mounting locations

Trim Levels and Features

Base versions (GL, GX) offered minimal features: air conditioning, power windows, and ABS. Higher trims (GL2, GLS) added:

  • Leather upholstery.
  • Sunroof.
  • Upgraded audio system.
  • Side airbags (from 2002).

 

Reliability and Common Issues

The Alero was not considered the most reliable car of its time. Frequent issues included:

  • Engine overheating (especially the V6 due to head gasket failures).
  • Rust – weak anti-corrosion protection.
  • Electrical problems – sensor failures, wiring issues.

However, with timely maintenance, the Alero could last a long time.

 

Sport Versions and Racing Career

Despite modest performance, the Alero served as a NASCAR safety car (2000–2002). A concept version, the Alero SS, featured a V6 engine from the Oldsmobile Aurora (215 HP) but never entered production.

 

Interesting Facts

  • The Last Oldsmobile – The Alero was a twin of the Oldsmobile Alero, discontinued in 2004 alongside the Oldsmobile brand.
  • Advertising Campaigns – Chevrolet promoted the Alero through youth-oriented campaigns, including collaborations with MTV.
  • Film and Gaming Appearances – The Alero appeared in 2000s movies and TV shows (e.g., NYPD Blue) and the racing game Need for Speed: Underground 2.

 

End of Production and Legacy

In 2004, Alero production ended due to declining demand and Chevrolet's shift to new platforms (Epsilon). It was succeeded by the Cobalt and Malibu.

Today, the Alero is a rare car, mostly found in the U.S. It is valued for its low cost and nostalgic design but remains more of a collector's item than a daily driver due to reliability issues.

 

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Alero was a typical representative of late-1990s American automaking: affordable but flawed. It didn't become iconic but left its mark as one of GM's last budget sedans before the era of global platform sharing.