After all the aggrevation (MOT failure for sh*te headlights!) they're finally sorted!!! :D :D :D

 

Thought I'd share the process...

 

*Removed headlights without taking off bumper (lots of patience and stubby spanners!!!)

 

*Took out high beam housing

 

*Removed adjusters and lubricated them

 

*Cleaned inside the housing using babywipes on the end of a wire coathanger

 

*Dried inside with kitchen paper on end of coathanger

 

*Replaced bulbs with '+50% Xenon Technology Bulbs' (Halfords own as that's all I could get in a rush)

 

*Refitted lights and altered beam adjustment.

 

You wouldn't believe how much black crap was on the inside of the lenses - no wonder they were useless. Strange thing is, they looked clean... I could see the bulbs from the outside perfectly. The dirt was all trapped in the 'refractor lines' so it's no suprise i couldn't get a decent pattern from them!

 

The difference is unbelievable!!!! I used to have to drive up the lanes with full beam and spots on, now i can do it with just dipped beam!

 

Anyone with poo headlights should consider giving them a good clean - few hours work will definately be worth it considering how dark it's getting before you've even finished work!!

 

Thanks to everyone who gave me tips!!

 

Rich

This is something I need to do - I couldnt find the bolts to undo to get the headlights out - I had the indicators out but couldnt work out which ones to undo - any tips?

 

How long did each side take you to get out?

I did find some instructions, but can't find the link now!

 

Basically, If you do the passenger side first, the front corner nut is right on the corner of the headlight - your should be able to see it from the floor.

 

Then take off the bottom three securing screws on the arch liner and reach above the expansion tank. This time it's a bolt. Again, you have to feel your way as it's a pretty tight fit!!

 

In both cases they're the only 12mm nuts/ bolts you will be able to find.

 

Driver's side is the same, but you'll have a better idea where the front one is (the expansion tank forces you in the right direction on passenger side!!)

 

The inside ones are easy to see, but i foun the passenger side rear bolt to be an absolute tw*t - just couldn.t get near it. Ended up using stuby spaner and turning about 1/1000 turn each time i managed to get it on!!

 

HTH

 

Rich

Did mine a couple of years ago and it made a big difference. Except that I actually took the headlights apart and cleaned everything, rather than use the gynaecologist approach !

Did mine a couple of years ago and it made a big difference. Except that I actually took the headlights apart and cleaned everything, rather than use the gynaecologist approach !

 

Andy,

 

Did they reseal OK or did you have to use any additional stuff to reseal them? If so, what?

 

Cheers

 

David

I used clear silicon, the sort of stuff that builders use in bathrooms and kitchens. It's a sod of a job though becuase you have to use heat to separate the old goo, which then melts and sticks to your fingers (at about 200 deg C!)

yeah, i'm planning to 'get in there' and do it properly - just had to be quick to get a free retest!

Originally posted by silverfox

Andy,

 

Did they reseal OK or did you have to use any additional stuff to reseal them? If so, what?

 

Cheers

 

David

 

You shouldn't need to use anything else to stick them back together. As long as you heat the old seal it should be fine. Also, by doing this, you will find that the metal retaining clips will sit more firmly in place because the glass is not as close to the plastic as it once was.

 

You may find that if you seal the glass on too well, you may start getting condensation on the inside of the headlight.

 

Also, if you are able to, if you do get the glass off, try and clean the back of the dome lense. I tend to use Sponge swobs. Look quite strange. They look like a sponge lollipop. Dip them in some meths and wipe away.

 

HTH