Fix for broken headlight clip retainer

Bought some used headlights and seller didn't disclose the the back was partially broken and and clip missing.

how its supposed to look


how mine looked


the fix - hopefully it lasts. might ad some jb weld to the screw.

 

You're screwed. That material is fibrous and a extremely hard to bond to with the heat cycling of the housing.

 

Those are headlights that are now meant for retrofit purposes only.

 

Hey @unlewser, how is that clip fix holding up. I just broke mine and this fix seems like the perfect solution. Thanks

 

@lococacho
Sorry I missed this post, but it’s held up to this day. So almost 2 years and some bumpy terrain. No issues.

 

lasted another year and continues

 

I noticed the retaining clip was missing on my passenger side when I changed bulbs, so ordered a new one. Broke off that damn clip myself trying to get the retainer back in there. What a PITA and POS lol... Thanks for posting this fix and the pictures were helpful. I'll have to do the same thing. Although the bulb holds pretty well/level without it.

 

Update for anyone from the future: was a PITA drilling out the hole for the screw. Had to remove washer fluid and the air intake to to get the drill at the right angle. And yes that material is super fibrous and could break easy. Be gentle. Drilled my pilot hole and went 2 sizes up to for my screw. My suggestion? Use the smallest screw you can find. If you f this up it's either deal with it or buy a new headlight. Finally got my screw in there and realized my fuckin retaining clip I just bought was gone lmao!! Pretty dang sure I left it between the bulb and dust boot. No idea where it went.. So then had to vaccum out all the crap that fell into the headlight. Didn't get it all out so just blew some compressed air in there. Then just tucked the bulb in front of the screw. It almost didn't fit into place because the screw was bigger. But it's holding there now, tighter than without the retaining clip, but looser than if it was in there.
Put the boot back on, plugged er in, replaced intake and washer container, checked the cut off and light output on a wall/quick drive, and there ya go. Oh and don't forget all the curse words when all the bullshit happens xD

 

OP here, that screw is still going strong. I never even went back and added JB weld.

 

Unlewser,
Thanks for the information, and thanks for adding the pictures. I think I may give it a try as there is nothing to lose at this point. I have done a little research and it seems I will have to take out the grill and loosen part of the bumper to gain access. Seems crazy to have to go through so many steps, but worth a try. Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions. Harrison

 

While changing the headlight on my 2010 Highlander, the clip fell out and now I can’t find it. I figured the clip probably costs $5 and called Toyota to see how much it would cost to get a new one and they said they can only give the entire new headlight and it would be $500. Anyone know a way to order a clip for cheaper or have another idea?

 

So I bought a new clip from @InSight Retrofits off his Ebay listing for $18 bucks. I only see one ebay posting for the clip rn for $68 bucks. Kinda a bummer. My suggestion would be to hit up some retrofit guys either local or on TW and see if they have any lieing around they'd be willing to sell you.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-BULB-R...06-07-08-09-10-11-HEADLIGHT-9119/152482077235

 

Buy the cheapest headlight you can find to use the clip:
https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/153797736809

 

Is it just me and my dumba$$ or is this retainer clip not the worst thing to put back on once it comes off? Va fangul for real who designed this? It’s like solving a rubix cube.

ps: don’t use autocraft sockets. They melt and are garbage

 

another 2 years and still going strong.

 

What a piss poor design. Changing a lightbulb should be the easy. The damn clip came off and with my piss poor eyesight had to call my son to come look at it. He struggles for awhile but finally got it in. Just venting getting old sucks.

 

The clip fell out on mine also. Pain to get back in place. Why is it that headlight bulbs always burn out at the worse time and location?

 

Every 2nd gen owner should sub or save the pics in post 1. After 14 years of gen 2 ownership, I’ve realized it’s likely this clip will pop off.

 

The tacoma is a pleasure compared to an s jaguar almost lost my mind with that clip

 

As they say Jim, getting old sure as hell ain't for sissy's...lol


Big thanks to all here! IDK where my pass side clip went but its gone! Last bulb change I just pushed the rubber boot tighter up on its bulb/housing, that was about 3yrs ago and the bulb never flickered ,blew or fell out. Actually I forgot all about it because I'm old and growing into quite a dip shit. Wait you know' maybe the UFO's our gov now admits does exist needed it & just beamed it right up? Hey thats possible now, ask pentagon? Just say'n?
Regardless how mine went missing last week I put brighter bulbs in and remembered it was gone. When I decided to look for a clip I hit on this thread. Link for clip above no longer works so posted another aftermarket clip kit off Ebay. I may get this assortment (link below)?
There are no clips shown on 2005 Tundra parts breakdowns but mine has them, well' one thanks to that damn UFO? Didn't even probe me? So' they aren't all that nice?
Even though these clips screw onto the housing Toy must consider the clips as part of the entire housing and not an extra part to sell on it?

Wondering if it may be easier to remove housing first to repair these? Years back I took my 07 4Runner headlight housings out, heated them in the oven to separate the lens from the housing and re-sealed them back together over all the moisture they collected inside.
Very easy fix/removal on 07 4runner but idk about these Tundra/Tacos? While bulb searching I did read 2nd gen Tundra headlight bulb replacement is a real sob fwiw. Sounded like a damn GM designer penetrated Toy? Probably from NUMMI...Grrrr!
Thanks for the info here folks, I feel I should fix this clip after paying a bit more for bulbs this round, last bulb had no issues though?
Peace

Clip kit Fleabay-
https://www.ebay.com/itm/394198503767


fwiw I bought Philips RacingVision GT200 +200% bulbs and man I do like them, if they last I'd actually love them?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81Jcll0lv8w