Loose xenon light unit: How to fix?

[Filos Hippos]

The upper bolt of my light unit has come loose.

It can't be fixed to the bodywork again... As a result the xenon lamp sits loose in the housing.

I can turn the upper bolt without result...

In the picture below the upper bolt is invisible and it's also quite unreachable. Is the only way to fix this removing the perspex cover of the headlamp?

[ronspeedsix]

I don't think you have to remove the cover.
Looks like the upper bolt snapped out of its hole. Can you push it back in or is something broken ?

Otherwise remove the light unit by pulling the bolts out of the clips and see what's wrong.
The clips aren't that solid so maybe the clip of upper bolt needs to be renewed.

http://www.racetechdirect.co.uk/tvr-car-parts-deta...

[Filos Hippos]

Will try tonight, thanks in advance!

[nawarne]

The light units LOOK like the ones on the Mk.1.

If so, the adjusting bolt has a 'ball' end on it that is a push fit into a 'socket' on the fixed mounting ring. In theory you can pull the light off the mount ring, whilst maintaining headlight aim.

I think what happens is that the ball end corrodes slightly and 'grows' into the (plastic) socket making it hard to adjust any of the 3 bolts.

I would try adjusting the top bolt to extend it toward the front of the car (just a bit - 5-10mm) and then applying some careful force to get the ball to engage in the socket...guess you'll have to do it all by feel - maybe a bit of silicone grease on the ball will help it to slide into the socket?
Nick

[Filos Hippos]

Thanks A LOT for your replies guys! Easiest cure ever.

Goes to show the use of the PH forums...