VW Gol: How to Remove the Bumpers

The Volkswagen Gol remained one of the most popular budget cars in Latin America, especially in Brazil, where it repeatedly became a bestseller.

Gol (1999–2008) – "Gol Power"

Key Features

Design:

  • More rounded shapes compared to the Gol II (resembling the VW Polo III).
  • After the 1999 facelift – new bumpers, grille, and headlights.

Body:

  • 3-door and 5-door hatchback.
  • Sedan – Volkswagen Voyage.
  • Pickup – Volkswagen Saveiro (based on the Gol platform).

 

Engines:

  • 1.0L (50–72 HP) – base engine; a 16-valve version (72 HP) appeared in 1999.
  • 1.6L (94–101 HP) – the main engine.
  • 1.8L (112 HP) – in the sporty Gol GTI (1996–2000).
  • 2.0L (116 HP) – in later models (2000s).
  • Flex-fuel (ethanol) versions were available in Brazil.

Transmission:

  • 5-speed manual.
  • 3-speed automatic (rare, mostly for 1.6L and 1.8L).

Safety:

  • ABS (only in top versions).
  • Airbags (from the late 1990s).

Sport Versions:

  • Gol GTI (1.8L, 112 HP) – similar to the European Polo GTI.
  • Gol Turbo (1.8L turbocharged, 138 HP) – a rare model.

Depending on the year of manufacture and body type, the mounting points may differ.

Gol / Pointer (1994-2008)

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Under the hood, unscrew the bolts securing the grille and the top of the bumper.
  3. From underneath, unscrew the bolts (fastened from bottom to top).
  4. Turn the wheels to the side.
  5. In the wheel arches, unscrew the bolts holding the fender liners.
  6. Unscrew the bolts securing the sides of the bumper to the fenders.
  7. With an assistant, pull the bumper forward off the guides in the fenders (watch for wiring).
  8. Disconnect any electrical connectors (if present).

Gol / Pointer Front Bumper Mounting Diagram (1994-2008)

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. Remove the trim panels under the taillights.
  3. Unscrew the bolts securing the top of the bumper.
  4. In the wheel arches, unscrew the bolts holding the rear part of the fender liners.
  5. Unscrew the bolts securing the corners of the bumper to the fenders.
  6. Unscrew the bolts holding the bottom of the bumper (fastened from bottom to top).
  7. With an assistant, pull the bumper backward off the guides in the fenders (watch for wiring).
  8. Disconnect any electrical connectors (if present).

Gol / Pointer Rear Bumper Mounting Diagram (1994-2008)

Gol (2008–2016) – "Gol G5"

Key Changes

Design:

  • More modern, with rounded lines (influenced by the VW Fox).
  • New bumpers, grille, and headlights.
  • A minor facelift in 2009 (updated grille and bumpers).

Body:

  • 3-door and 5-door hatchback.
  • Sedan – Voyage.
  • Pickup – Saveiro.

 

Engines:

  • 1.0L (72–76 HP) – base engine, but with improved performance.
  • 1.6L (101–104 HP) – the main engine.
  • 2.0L (116 HP) – in top versions.
  • 1.0L TSI (128 HP) – turbocharged (from 2012).
  • Flex-fuel engines (gasoline/ethanol).

Transmission:

  • 5-speed manual (standard).
  • 6-speed manual (for 1.0 TSI).
  • 4-speed automatic (rare).

Safety:

  • ABS (in most versions).
  • Airbags (2 front).
  • Reinforced body (better passive safety).

Comfort:

  • Air conditioning (in mid and high trims).
  • Electric power steering (replaced hydraulic).
  • Improved sound insulation.

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

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. From the top, unscrew 6 bolts securing the upper part of the bumper (fastened from top to bottom).
  3. From underneath, unscrew 7 bolts securing the lower part of the bumper (fastened from bottom to top).
  4. Turn the wheels to the side and in the wheel arches, unscrew:
    • 3 bolts on each side holding the fender liners.
    • 1 bolt (fastened from bottom to top) securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
  5. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew 2 bolts on each side (fastened from the engine bay) securing the brackets to the fenders.
  6. With an assistant, carefully remove the bumper by pulling it forward (watch for wiring).
  7. Disconnect the temperature sensor and fog light connectors (if present).

Front bumper mounting diagram Gol (2008–2016)

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

  1. Remove the rear wheels (optional but makes it easier).
  2. In the wheel arches, unscrew 3 bolts on each side securing the rear part of the fender liners.
  3. Pull back the fender liners and unscrew:
    • 2 bolts (fastened from bottom to top).
    • 1 nut (located below the taillights).
  4. From underneath, unscrew 3 bolts securing the lower part of the bumper (fastened from bottom to top).
  5. Release the clips in the trunk opening and remove the bumper by pulling it backward (watch for wiring).
  6. Disconnect the license plate light and parking sensor connectors (if installed).

mounting locations of the rear bumper Gol (2008–2016)