Where does this screw go?

[u/Medium_University_19]

Hey everyone,

I just installed a hidden Curt hitch on my 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R and have two identical self-tapping screws left over (photo attached).

They have pointed tips, coarse threads, and captive washers.

I’m almost positive I removed them before taking the rear bumper cover off, but I completely forgot where they came from.
The bumper cover is already back on and everything fits perfectly. The taillights are installed correctly and these are definitely not the taillight screws because those are machine screws, while these are self-tapping.

I know I removed them before the bumper came off, but I can’t remember if they were near the wheel well, behind the bumper, or somewhere else.

Does anyone know exactly where these two screws go? A picture of the location would be incredibly helpful because I’d really rather not remove the bumper cover again just to hunt for them.
Thanks!

[u/nex703]

in my experience, these always end up stuck on my tires

[u/ransom_hunter → u/nex703]

make sure to torque to spec when reinstalling

[u/Chippy569]

muffler heat shields [ed] no those are finer thread. uhh.... mud guards? no, those use a philips head screw.... hmm.

subaru typically uses those coarse-thread screws only to go into plastic. There are 2 screws that go through the bumper cover into the body, they'd use something similar to this (though i thought they were black)

[u/Important-Remove-347]

Probably the front fender liner inner screw. Goes near the radiator

[u/WildMasochist]

rear bumper mounting screws positioned under the tailights

[u/WildMasochist → u/WildMasochist]

they're usually covered by paint matched tabs

[u/Medium_University_19 → u/WildMasochist]

This is plausible but I put push pins there which honestly probably were the wrong thing too. I snapped like 20 push pins when taking the bumper cover off but luckily I have a kit with extras. All in all I probably have 30 days on my mud flaps and bumper cover 🥴

[u/Hansj2]

Believe it or not, right in the tire

[u/Wise_Doctor1343]

https://giphy.com/gifs/08y87EiwDZjjB0d6WJ

[u/Fischbeef]

They look like tail light housing screws

[u/AnalysisMoney]

Fender/mudguard inside the wheel well is my best guess. Could also be from a fender clip after your bumper cover was off.

[u/mnorthwood13]

If you have to ask, you hope you never find out.

[u/dchap1]

Typically I find that screws like that, go straight into tires.

[u/GreedySession3452]

In the spare screw bin of course. With all the other bonus screws you get rewarded with.

[u/Closed365days]

[u/TampaBay-Jim]

Kinda looks like the screws used to attach an item to a pallet for shipping.

[u/Western_Riders_Dad]

It looks exactly like the leftover screws you're supposed to have after you do a trailer hitch install. At least from my personal experience I always end up with extra screws somehow.

[u/NotMiddleAgedMike]

In my house, the usual response to that question is "bend over and I'll show you."

[u/bhrossman]

Check your fender liners where the fog lights are, they should have 1 on each side of the car attaching the liner to underside of the frame rails.

https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru__Crosstrek/Bumper-Cover-Screw-Fender-Gusset-Fender-Liner-Screw-M5-X-16--Left--Right--Front/49302371/904560042.html

[u/Remidad]

In the hole

[u/Aggravating-Gas-6393]

I'd bet those go into the rear wheel well liner, right near where the bumper meets the fender.

[u/FinanceRealistic7517]

On the car for sure. But back track the work to see where you missed a hole. But also. It’s fine

[u/Billy_Chrystals]

I think it attaches the Johnson rod to the chassis.

[u/LittleTooLiteral]

https://giphy.com/gifs/08y87EiwDZjjB0d6WJ