Light Bucket Removal

[ALLEGRO]

I am sick and tired of the moisture reappearing in my right-side light bucket. I take a hairdryer to it about once a month during the winter (rainy) months here in Memphis. There has got to be a fix for this.

How do I remove the bucket?

I am NOT going to let this beat me, I know that I can figure out some permanent fix for it. I just need a nudge for all you guys.

 

[thirstyturtle]

toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/53629-another-blacked-out-headlight-thread-diy-lots-pics.html

Here's a link to a thread about painting the chrome in the headlight black but it includes a detailed write-up of how to remove the headlights, along with lots of pictures.

Once you get it out, I would check around all of the bulb insert holes to see if any of them are loose or not inserted correctly, or possibly some torn or dry-rotted seals. Also, check the entire perimeter of the housing along the black sealant to see if there are any gaps or anything. If you find any holes or potential places where moisture could enter, fix it!

 

[ALLEGRO]

I don't see a link.............

 

[thirstyturtle]

My bad, link added in previous post.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

 

[ALLEGRO]

How much trouble is it to perform this?

Looks like the inner wheel-well removal is a bugger. Was hoping this was a bit easier.

Thanks

 

[camdz]

Inner wheel well lining is like 3-4 10mm bolts. You dont have to remove the whole thing.

Take those out, the rest the self explanitory. I heated the oven up to 250, put the housings in (with oven still on) for 8-9 mins. Take the housing out of the oven, and pry it apart. I used a small butter knife. It hardens back up pretty fast, If you cant get it all the way off, put it back in for 3-4 more minutes and repeat. Clean out the glue, and re seal it.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

definitely in need of a reseal with new silicone

 

[galactic_04]

If you've thought of painting the headlight housings black inside, I'd do that while it's apart. Honestly, my wife's car does that a little now, but it's been odd weather in Memphis this year and that doesn't help going from 70's to 20's in 2 days.

 

[Trevloc]

what type of silicone would be reccommended to reseal it?

and if you use new silicone would you have to put it back in the oven after wards? or just put the new silicone on, stick it together, and let it dry?

 

[00328]

Why put them in the oven and break them apart, just get some black silicone and reseal over the existing seal. Also check for other areas where moisture might be getting in.
Removing the lights from the vehicle is kind of a PITA.

 

[ALLEGRO]

Thanks for all the comments.

Here in Memphis is supposed to go down to 5 to 10* tonight so I will just wait until it warms up.

I may not even pull the bucket apart. If I can figure out approximately where the seal is broken I may just add some silicone to that area and hope for the best.

Any other suggestions?