Hi all, Has anyone removed the rear diffuser on the F8 or have those pages in the service manual? I have removed all the bolts on the bottom (as you would with the 488), however, it is still seems attached to the rear bumper. Thank you in advance.
Are you 100% certain that all of the fasteners have been removed? Did you try prying gently on the edge of the edge of the diffuser? I plan to remove mine when the driving season draws to a close.
Thank you for your response. No, I found out I did not remove all of the fasteners, it seems there are hidden bolts behind the two reflectors on the diffuser which I did not remove. I am still uncertain on how to take the reflectors off. If anyone needs to remove their diffuser in the future this image may help.
Well that is very interesting. I’d try a Plastic prying tool to remove the reflector. Based on the photo, I’d guess the left reflector might be removed by prying it right to left. Good stuff; thanks. I’ll be giving it a try soon enough.
Those reflectors appear to be the same as on the Pista. I bent the tip of a padded electricians screwdriver as noted in the below pic. Start with the inner most end of the reflector and pry out enough to get fingers near the attach points…once you pop-out the inner most side,the remaining attach point comes out with a nudge. I used a Microsoft towel between the diffuser and screwdriver. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I tried to drop my diffuser once, and could not get it off. Now I see at least one issue are the bolts under the reflectors. Let us know if that is it in addition to all the bolts you can actually see under the diffuser!
Thank you, yes, they do appear to be the same. I tried prying it out with plastic pry tools and wasn't successful, however, was relatively gentle due to fear of marring the diffuser. I'm fairly certain these are all of them, with the bolts off on the bottom the diffuser was hanging down but still fixed to the bumper. I'm wondering if by removing the fender liner there would be access to push the reflectors out from behind?
I wanted to update the thread with a resolution. I was successful in removing the diffuser. Once all of the bottom bolts are off there are 2 more behind each rear reflector. I was uncomfortable trying to pry the reflectors. I removed the rear wheels and the rear fender liner, from there you have access to push the reflectors out from behind. After this the diffuser is easily removed.
Thanks to @subalou1 and @Art138 (and anyone I may have missed) for the excellent infomation on the diffuser bolts hidden behind the reflectors. I was able to easily remove the reflectors using a 0.040" hook style feeler gauge (a more robust 0.050" might be better suited). Regardless, the reflectors were easy to remove without any damage whatsoever to the diffuser or the reflectors. I just knew that keeping that crusty old feeler-gauge around would be someday prove useful (LOL). Image Unavailable, Please Login
On the F8, the edge of the rear diffuser that meets the fender liner will get chipped over time under normal use. This could have been avoided if the fender liner was designed to extend downward about 1/4" or so (oh well). I touched it up a couple times but after a few drives, it would be chipped again. I solved the problem by installing Pinchweld Rubber Strips onto the leading edge (purchased on eBay https://www.ebay.com/itm/232295287867 ). It looks OK, not great but OK, and it will prevent any additional chipping. I do not believe that PPF will survive for very long in that area. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
what about the rear view camera? Does the camera harness decouple after the diffuser removed or is there a way to remove camera before diffuser removed?
Once all the bolts have been removed, simply lower the diffuser and disconnect the electrical connectors. It helps to have a second pair of hands to support the diffuser while the electrical is being disconnected.
One more thing, with all the bolts removed, pull the diffuser rearward to release it from the compression clips. Then lower the diffuser and disconnect the electrical connectors.
Hi gentlemen, thank you for this thread. I managed to take off the diffuser without any problem thanks to you.
