Stop 3rd brake light cracking

K

kis

Veteran
 Surrey / West Sussex Boarder
Right, so purchased the replacement in clear. Dead chuffed with it, but before I fit what preventative measures can I take?

The newer springs? Should I get them? What’s the difference? :?

I think I saw Chris_D tape up the internals to reinforce the plastic? Although I can’t find the thread now.

Anything else?

If I fit the light and re-use the springs will the warranty still be valid? *if* it ever fails... although by the sound of things it’s only a matter of time before they crack again?

Tips, hints, etc appreciated :)

N.B. I’ve seen the video posted before on how to fit, so it’s not the fitting that I’m worried about! It’s everything else :rofl:
 
Fitted one myself and it cracked so went back to dealer who booked it in and because they didn't give me the tech note on it, replaced it and fitted a new one free of charge. So I guess I would contact the dealer and ask for fitting instructions
 
From my experience it's the curve of the lamp vs boot that doesn't quite match up. The pressure is used to help seal around the edge. The electrics tend not to fail, so if mine cracks again with the weak springs then ill just use the centre point to lightly secure it and use sealant all the way around.
 
Yes mine electrically is working fine, it's just quite shot and is attributing to water ingress in the boot space now as well.

I guess I'll test fit the lamp to see what my curve is like and whether I'll be putting lamp in tension. So I guess we'll see on that point.

"new springs"? Is this all they are? Just shorter springs? Anyone got a pic comparison between old and new?
 
I think mine came with replacement springs from the dealer. Not sure now. I tightened it the minimum I needed to and it's been fine.

Nick
 
Mine didn't come with the new springs. I used thick rubber hose that fitted over the lugs (not sure where it came from, may have been camping gas hose). Holds it well, the rubber absorbs shocks, been ok for 6 months or so now.
 
Yep Kis, I did bodge on some insulating tape to cushion any impact forces that may occur from an overexuberent boot shut. I can't find the thread back either! :lol:

I would however suggest the best form of protection is just being careful when shutting the boot. Just enough drop to close securely etc.
I also only replaced the 2 outer screws of the 3 and secured them finger-tight.

I was thinking about finding some decent small-gauge rubber seal/gasket to fit around the outside as there's still a gap where water maybe able to ingress and cause failure of the LED's. But maybe that's just me being OCD :oops:

Photo 02-09-2016 13 42 37.jpg
Photo 02-09-2016 13 42 02.jpg
 
As most folks know there's a revised spring for this that replaces the 82N with 40N. However you need to be careful the reason being that although Realoem lists a superseded part from October 2005 with the part number 63257151981 its wrong. You would assume this is the correct new 40N spring but it isnt. Doubled checked this with parts department at my local dealer and they confirmed that although their parts system (basically Realoem anyway) flags up that the spring need replacement it links to the part above.

The correct you need spring is listed in the SIB 65 05 03 dated March 2006 with part number 63 25 6 900 698, its needs to be used with the washer 07 11 9 931 105 as the diameter of the base of the new spring is less, so it needs the washer to stop it passing through the hole in the tailgate. The new spring is ever so slightly shorter than the old one, with 7 instead of 8 coils. As soon as you squeeze the two springs in your fingers the difference is clear.

I can't attach to the post the pdf of the SIB, but I have some photos of the two springs together for clarity.
 

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That’s ideal thank you MACK I’ve read quite a few posts before but never come across the part number!

Pics are good too! So I know I’ve got the right ones! :)
 
Chris_D said:
Yep Kis, I did bodge on some insulating tape to cushion any impact forces that may occur from an overexuberent boot shut. I can't find the thread back either! :lol:

I would however suggest the best form of protection is just being careful when shutting the boot. Just enough drop to close securely etc.
I also only replaced the 2 outer screws of the 3 and secured them finger-tight.

I was thinking about finding some decent small-gauge rubber seal/gasket to fit around the outside as there's still a gap where water maybe able to ingress and cause failure of the LED's. But maybe that's just me being OCD :oops:

Photo 02-09-2016 13 42 37.jpg
Photo 02-09-2016 13 42 02.jpg
Click to expand...

Cheers Chris, that was the post! I think I’ll do the same myself!
 
Just found this thread. I replaced the cracked one on our car last month and I had just thought it was broken due to over tightening, never thought that slamming the boot would do it.
 
Time factor aside (plastic becomes brittle) I think it's a bit of both. Overtighhtening and slamming.
 
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