I'm going to fit reversing sensors on my car, firstly as a practise on my old bumper and then on the new bumper that is being replaced ( I scratched the old one).

I thought it would be a good opportunity to practise on the old one first. Is there anything I need to know e.g. when I drill is it worth applying duck tape around the hole? Also, what about the hole I drill will it affect the paint in anyway in the future? And are there any chances of the paint splitting on the bumper when I drill it?

Thanks for all responses!

I didn't have any paint issues on mine. If you find the holesaw's a bit vicious though, try running it in reverse. I had to drill holes in the ends of some fluorescent light fittings a few weeks back, this method stopped the drill ripping the fitting out of my hand!
If your reversing sensors require a notch at the top, try adding this afterwards with a file rather than drilling the top hole before the main one!
Drill a pilot hole with a small bit first, don't start off with the big 'un fitted to the holesaw!

i found that a wood bit was better than a hole saw - it produced a better finish to the hole - try it on a bit of guttering first, that will give u an idea anyway

I didn't have a 20mm wood bit though! I agree, it would give a better finish.

I needed the same holesaw bit to make the hole for the cables & grommet anyway!

DO NOT APPLY DUCT TAPE!!!!!


I did and when you remove it it can lift the laquer around the holes. Best thing just be careful and drill straight onto bumper.

At our place they always put masking tape on the area first.

Masking tape is the way to go. 19mm hole saw and a round file to ensure a very snug fit.

Cheers guys, I've received the sensors in the post today and am lucky enough to practise on my old bumper this weekend, any requests before I vandalise the bumper? Shall I try some heavy duty tape as well !!!

If Lexus Chester are feeling in a good mood I might ask them to drill the holes as I don't think they've sprayed the new bumper yet.

Will let you know the outcome.

hi

have any of you guys removed the back bumper, if so do u have a guide with pictures of how its done as i need to fit parking sensors on is200, and i thought if its easy then ill remove the bumper..

or have you guys fitted the sensors without removing the bumper

thanks in advance

pally

I fitted mine without removing the bumper, if you remove the lights, there is loads of room behind to get the cables through... take both lights out and you can guage the depth of the styrene foam member behind the bumper for when you drill through.

If you haven't bought the sensors yet have a look at www.carpointeurope.com I fitted a set to my MKI GS . the kit comes with the drill/hole saw and the only conection you have to make is to the reversing lamps. I masked up the rear bumper measured it up about 50 times and drilled the holes. The hardest part was routing the wire through the car into the boot. I think the kit cost about £75 , it comes with 4 sensors and works better than the one on the wife's Galaxy.

look in workshop - full instructions are there

What colour at the sensors? Can you buy them to match the bumpers? ie White or are they a generic colour for all?

How much are the sensors and where do you buy theM?

FWIW, I paid Lexus to supply and fit reversing sensors to our RX. By speaking to them, their sensors come in two colours black (and rather oddly) Platinum Ice. All other occasions the sensors would need to be colour coded (read increased cost ) to the car.

I guess you're not talking about buying sensors from Lexus, but thought it might be useful to others thinking of getting them fitted by Lexus.

Thanks, can you tell me how much it cost to get Lexus to supply and fit please

They cost £395 (all inc.) - supplied and fitted by Lexus MK (they quoted £460-odd initially). Remember that our RX is an approved used car (no Nav Pack - couldn't afford one that had Nav) and so comes with a full years Lexus Warranty - we fully intend to renew it every year - and rather than get a Third Party to supply and fit a set of reversing sensors and it cause potential problems in the future - we got Lexus to supply and fit.

This way, should any failures occur or problems arise for whatever reason, we're covered 100%.