Tuesday, October 11, 2016

How to Remove a Porsche 991 Rear Spoiler

Following are the steps necessary to remove the "standard" rear active spoiler on a Porsche 991.  You can also remove just the "upper cover" or painted surface if you don't need to remove the entire wing assembly with motor.  Most often 991 owners are removing the entire assembly to install a new "ducktail" or sport design rear spoiler.

The tools you'll need are simple -- some torx bits / screwdrivers, and if you want to protect any surfaces from risk of scratches, some painters tape.

Before you begin, raise the spoiler.

To begin removal, you'll need to
  1. Remove tail lights
  2. Remove fan shroud / cover from engine
Next, on the right / passenger side (LHD vehicles) remove the inner trim cover by pulling up gently, and disengage the emergency release cable.  The cover is a black plastic part that covers the screws you'll need to remove. Check that you haven't damaged any of the clips that hold the trim pieces in place.

On the left or driver-side, remove the upper part of the oil filler neck.  There is a fastening screw that you need to remove -- it is visible on the side closest to the center of the engine bay.  You will have to remove the coolant cap as well, and to keep anything from falling-down into the coolant filler put a piece of tape over the opening.

Next, remove the fastening screws on the support plates that are at the base of the active wing extension arms.  I believe there are 2 T-45 screws at each side.

Remove the fastening screws running along the top edge of the rear apron / bumper cover.  These must be removed to release the spoiler assembly.

Release the electrical plug connection for the rear spoiler motor.  Pull it off completely.  The connection is in the engine bay over on the right  or passenger side.

The rear spoiler assembly is now disconnected and ready for removal. You can do the next step by yourself, but I would recommend having a helper to be sure not to drop, scratch or damage anything as you pull the assembly out of the car.

To remove the spoiler assembly, tilt it in the direction of the rear bumper cover, then forwards towards you as shown in the following illustration:


NOTE:  There is a guide pin on each side that you need to clear -- and when reinstalling (if that is what you will do) you must seat the spoiler assembly into place using the guide pin.

And that is it!  You now have the rear spoiler with motor etc removed from the car.

I haven't taken any pictures of my own, so if you complete this project and would like to contribute to this DIY guide, please send any pictures to me and I'll add them to this post....  Thanks!

For reference:
  • Fastening screw securing rear spoiler to rear apron tightening torque 3.2 Nm (2 ftlb.) +/-0.5 Nm (+/-0.5 ftlb.) 
  • Fastening screw securing support plate to body. Tightening torque 23 Nm (17 ftlb.)


4 comments:

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  2. Just had my air filters replaced. 2014 991. Carrera S. noticed the rear bumper was not removed. All of the other dealers in my area claim that you must! remove the bumper for filter servicing. My dealer is meeting with me do discuss this issue. He claims that his mechanic accesses the air box and filters by removing the spoiler and leaving the bumper in tact. Does this sound likely? Would really like to know before going back the dealer and further dealing with my unfair distrust. Non of the bolts that pertain to the spoiler and bumper look as if they were disturbed. Also can the plugs be removed with the bumper is in place. Thanks Sincerely JC jonicat@aol.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi - do you perhaps have instructions for just removing the painted surface or “upper cover”
      Thanks!

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    2. lots of good videos on youtube for that. here's one:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71zr-927MnM&pp=ygUTOTkxIHNwb2lsZXIgcmVtb3ZhbA%3D%3D

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