What is 996 rear bumperettes attached to?

[doksoori]

The other day, a truck came up from behind and hit my rear bumper. My car lurched forward a good foot (parking brake was engaged). The truck only hit the two black bumpers on the rear.

Strangely enough, after inspecting my car, it seemed like there may be no damage at all. The only visible evidence that the accident ever occured was some dust was displaced where the truck hit my car. Other than that, the car *looks* fine.

Question now is: Is it possible that my car really did not receive any damage at all? What are the black bumpers/knobs on my 996 attached to? Are they directly attached to the frame (good) or are they attached to something else that may have broken during the hit (bad)?

Thanks a ton for any advice that you may be able to give.

[Loren]

Since you say they are black then you must have a pre MY02 car. They changed the bumperettes and the mounting slightly in MY02 on.

For MY01 and older the bumperettes bolt to two buffer reinforcements (14) that are supposed give (i.e. bend or break) before the bumper/chassis takes the blow. Removing the bumperettes is fairly easy (10 and 11) with an 8 mm long allen socket. However you may not be able to see enough of the buffer bars (14) to see if they are damaged without removing the bumper.

[doksoori]

Thanks a ton for the information!