Headlight Clip Broken - Temporary Repair

[SegR]

Holy shit dude. Which solution was that?

[MH3.0R]

Wow! Specie failure mode. Did you check the solution periodically? You must have noticed the beam pattern alteration during such a failure or was it done during daytime?

I am considering an improved solution now but it will require removal of the headlight assembly, not a small job anymore as there is a snail in the way!!!

[cliffo3rb]

Holy shit dude. Which solution was that?

The same as mark's.Maybe a drop of glue together with the rubber band would be better.

Wow! Specie failure mode. Did you check the solution periodically? You must have noticed the beam pattern alteration during such a failure or was it done during daytime?

I am considering an improved solution now but it will require removal of the headlight assembly, not a small job anymore as there is a snail in the way!!!

Yeh it was a daytime fail and i never checked it,I was more keen on having it fixed properly(new headlight) than having a patch job.At least i know now to be careful with them.

[MH3.0R]

Resurrecting an old thread because the rubber band was broken on inspection today. Bulb remained in place as the silastic that I put between the bulb base and the headlight body held the bulb firmly in place. However, given that the rubber band perished as expected, I have tried another solution. I twisted a plastic tie strap into a figure 8, put one loop of the fig 8 over each end of the retaining clip mounts with the cross over point set directly over the rear of the bulb connector. Pull the tie strap tight (little bit at a time in order to maintain the cross over in the right place) and now all feels much firmer than the rubber band solution.

Very hard to get pics in the dark, so I will try again tomorrow.

[jmiezitis]

Here is my temporary repair for the same problem.

You can't see it in the photo but the copper wire wraps completely round the base of the lamp holder.

I would like to know if anybody has been able to source the assembly for a more reasonable price than the $750 Subaru are asking.

I have looked at a few overseas sites but these assemblies don't look quite right.

[MH3.0R]

Here is my temporary repair for the same problem.

You can't see it in the photo but the copper wire wraps completely round the base of the lamp holder.

I would like to know if anybody has been able to source the assembly for a more reasonable price than the $750 Subaru are asking.

I have looked at a few overseas sites but these assemblies don't look quite right.

Only look for Right Hand Drive models/countries otherwise the beam focus and cutoff will be incorrect. I was looking at wreckers and cars for wrecking that come up on the forum occasionally, but you have to be quick!

Unfortunately, the link you posted for the image is a secure one, so I cannot see your image.

[SH30RB]

i had mine fail on me a while back, have been using cable ties ever since to hold the bulb in but as of recently i contacted a wrecker, and have a headlight on the way

[jmiezitis]

Hopefully have fixed the link in my original post. Looked ok to me but obviously there was a problem with the way google shared the image.
Thanks for the hints. Looks like my best bet is the wreckers.

[GTbee]

Are the JDM headlight units the same as ours, year for year? I was thinking getting a new one from there would be cheaper.

I just broke my drivers side one tonight whilst changing a burnt out globe.

I have a temporary fix using heat resistant silicone. In the medium turn I would still prefer to get replacements units as my headlights are beginning to get that plastic haze look.

Is it correct that you have to remove the entire bumper to replace a headlight housing?

I wasnt planning on going the HID route but was thinking if I have to fix this (my car is pre face lift) anyway, if I would still need to get the standard headlight housings in any case?

[blkdog]

What's wrong with cable ties?

[cruisn]

Are the JDM headlight units the same as ours, year for year?

No, JDM ones to match have the have factory HID. You can make them work though by swapping over your wiring loom from the light and they use a different globe also. You can also make the standard globe fit by cutting a slot in the metal seat.

They also have a larger hole into the housing where the HID ballast sat underneath. You will need to seal this.

Its easier/cheaper to remove your headlight (bumper needs to come off) open it up and fabricate a new wire holder. I will be doing this to a spare set shortly.

For the lenses, just get a lens restore kit for about $40.

[Lib 3.0LR]

Are the JDM headlight units the same as ours, year for year?

No, JDM ones to match have the have factory HID. You can make them work though by swapping over your wiring loom from the light and they use a different globe also. You can also make the standard globe fit by cutting a slot in the metal seat.

They also have a larger hole into the housing where the HID ballast sat underneath. You will need to seal this.

Its easier/cheaper to remove your headlight (bumper needs to come off) open it up and fabricate a new wire holder. I will be doing this to a spare set shortly.

For the lenses, just get a lens restore kit for about $40.

Hey Mark so the lights on Import Monster won’t fit is that right, as I have been thinking in buying a set.

[Lib 3.0LR]

I think I get the picture know

[cruisn]

Yep thats it.

I have done this for someone before though that melted a light... Not hard.

[GTbee]

The need to remove the bumper to replace a headlight housing is as insane as the price for a new one and as stupid as the design allowing it to break in the first place.

Might try to chase something from the wreckers but as long as the silicon holds its not that much of a priority.

Is the repair kit a polish?