Leon FR - How to remove grill?

[Retain]

Hi,

I know there's been a couple of threads about this and I didn't want to hijack those specifically.

I need to remove my grill as - god knows how - there's a flattened Irn-Bru can lodged in my radiator!! It's right near the bottom so my thinking is if I remove the grill I can reach down and get it - job done. Having a few probs though. I removed the fastener things at the top (two of them) and moved the grill outside of the slam panel but have been trying to do the clippy things at the side without breaking them. Trouble is, I don't have a grill to compare to so don't know what I'm dealing with. If I push the whole grill inwards and up, the thing moves about 5mm but no further. Which way do I push the clippy things?! Outward - toward the wheels, or inward toward the centre of the car??

Any chance somebody could be so kind and take a few snaps of a removed grill or anything which may help so I know what I'm (trying) to do!!

Cheers guys.

 

[SpursMadDave]

havent done it myself but i have been told its very hard to remove without breaking the little plastic plugs, so maybe get a set from a dealer then have a go... they shouldnt be more than a £ or 2...

 

[Retain]

I've got the plugs out, it's the clips at the side which I think are part of the grill itself...

 

[Mr.SeZ]

i cut the centre out of mine it was such a fiddley job. but i was replacing it with a cupra grille.

 

[Retain]

Bugger. Cutting it isn't really an option!! Nobody have pictures or a removed grill so I can see the clips at the side?

 

[Jace]

I wrote a guide, use the search button & you will be enlightened

 

[Retain]

Yes, thank you Jace. I've already used the search button and found the two threads related to grill removal; hence my original comment saying I didn't want to hijack them! My problem is that due to not having another grill to compare it too - I really can't figure out those side clippy things. Your photos are good, but still can't quite figure it out. Maybe I'm being a bit over cautious in not wanting to snap the existing grill, but any assistance you could offer would be appreciated.

 

[Bainie]

It takes a huuuuuge pull to get it loose, mine came off without breaking any of the clips though. I thought it was going to break before letting go, a lot of force required !!

 

[Jace]

Use a big fat flat blade screw driver, on bit above the clip, put it in & twist, this should force the clip out the holding bit, I had my grill off several times & have not broken it .

TBH, once its located at the bottom & the plugs at the top, its solid, so even if you do brake the side clips, its not a problem, it'll still fit ok

 

[flakmunky]

I seem to remember that it 'slides out' - you don't pull it out to the front; slide it along its axis, up and towards the back of the car. If that makes sense?

It does require a gigantic yank, though...

 

[SpursMadDave]

I seem to remember that it 'slides out' - you don't pull it out to the front; slide it along its axis, up and towards the back of the car. If that makes sense?

It does require a gigantic yank, though...

 

[Maximus2000uk]

haha. Very amusing

 

[SpursMadDave]

haha. Very amusing

Not sure what you mean, thats the guy that fitted my Cupra Grille for me

 

[Retain]

Nice one - cheers guys, I'll be having another bash at this tomorrow night; will let you know how I get on!

 

[Maximus2000uk]

Not sure what you mean, thats the guy that fitted my Cupra Grille for me

He looks like he's eaten a lot of grilled meals in his time. In fact its quite likely he has eaten a grill...maybe more than one.

When you next see him, ask him which tastes best - Cupra grill, or standard grill

 

[flakmunky]

Thats the fella, hefitted mine too...

 

[littleandy0410]

I recently changed my grille for a Cupra one, I had the same problem as OP, got the top pegs off no probs, but started struggling by using Jace's (excellent) instructions and pics.

I found the best way was to reach through the grille with my hand, I could get my fingers in enough to reach the clips on the side, one at a time, and pull them inwards until they unhooked from the surround. Try putting your hands (palms outwards) into the 4th or 5th full length gap from the centre (3rd or 4th gap from edges) at about the middle (level with the 'S' badge) and squeeze.

Admittedly, I had the other grille to go by, but you should be able to feel the hooked latches. Once these are free, pull the whole grille downwards from the top, pivoting around the bottom, and the lower clips will release.

HTH

 

[Muesli]

Hey all, been reading the forum for a while but haven't had cause to contribute until now !

Easier option for access to the bottom part of the radiator would be to remove the plastic fog lamp surround on the drivers side. One Phillips screw in the corner and a few clips. Comes away easily and you'll have access to the lower part of the radiator.

Good luck !