Loose rear light on an F430

Loose rear light on an F430

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Discussion

jasonwdh

Original Poster:

270 posts

116 months

Tuesday 17th May 2016
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One of my rear lights (the more inset of the 2 with the reversing light in it) has become a little loose and the car sounds like I have a brood of birds chirping away in the engine bay at tickover :-(

I'm not the most technically gifted person on the planet when it comes to car maintenance - is this particular pain something I could alleviate myself or should I ask someone who knows what they are doing?

stain

1,053 posts

217 months

Tuesday 17th May 2016
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This is a common problem on these. People lean on the lights and break to mounting tabs. Normally you will be expected to replace the whole light assembly but I know that Carrs have a way of repairing the broken one.

GG33

1,221 posts

208 months

Tuesday 17th May 2016
quotequote all
Happened to me soon after I bought my 430 from Maranello.
They told me it's a common problem (It is - it happened again a few weeks ago to a different light) they said it's about 4 to 5 hours labour to fix it (that was a lie) and not covered by warranty. I wasn't best pleased. In the end I fixed it myself - took me about 1 hour It involves removing the side panel at the back of the engine bay to get access. (5 set screws) but more difficult if its the left side due to having to remove the fuel flap handle pull. the light has 3 lugs that allow it to bolt to the wing. Usually one snaps if someone leans on the light, due to possible vibration. Undo all three bolts and use 2-part epoxy to glue the offending part back on. helps if you key it properly first. Allow it to harden overnight before re-fitting. The fix on mine has lasted 2 years so far....much better than the £00's required for a new light unit.

jasonwdh

Original Poster:

270 posts

116 months

Tuesday 17th May 2016
quotequote all
GG33 said:
Happened to me soon after I bought my 430 from Maranello.
They told me it's a common problem (It is - it happened again a few weeks ago to a different light) they said it's about 4 to 5 hours labour to fix it (that was a lie) and not covered by warranty. I wasn't best pleased. In the end I fixed it myself - took me about 1 hour It involves removing the side panel at the back of the engine bay to get access. (5 set screws) but more difficult if its the left side due to having to remove the fuel flap handle pull. the light has 3 lugs that allow it to bolt to the wing. Usually one snaps if someone leans on the light, due to possible vibration. Undo all three bolts and use 2-part epoxy to glue the offending part back on. helps if you key it properly first. Allow it to harden overnight before re-fitting. The fix on mine has lasted 2 years so far....much better than the £00's required for a new light unit.
Thanks for this Greg - I'll give it a go.
very nice looking motor you have there by the way smokin

voicey

2,457 posts

194 months

Tuesday 17th May 2016
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As said, two part epoxy is your friend. Also works for 360 lights that have been cracked through over-tightening.

mwstewart

8,043 posts

195 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
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When you refit isolate the unit with a rubber washer either side of the mounting hole in the car body. It is unlikely happen again - with doing for the others as well.

jasonwdh

Original Poster:

270 posts

116 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
Thank you everyone, I have my 2 part epoxy and shall be doing this today!