97-00 Corolla

[philjones1978]

Hello all, long time no speak!

I gather that the ae111, 97-00 Corolla has a common problem whereby the rubber seal surrounding the headlights works itself free. Anyone else had this problem and more to the point has anyone fixed it? It keeps coming loose on the motorway when I'm doing 70mph, most annoying!

Cheers.

[ae111sr]

Hi Phil,

As you say it's a common problem. I've did mine about two years ago and so far they have stayed put.

The easiest way to do this is to remove each headlight so you can get right round it.

I removed the rubber and cleaned it off using fine grade sandpaper - also gives it a key for sticking it back on. Then I cleaned the headlight itself to remove any debris and again finished that off with sandpaper - just the bit where the rubber is going to be stuck down. To fix the rubber I used a waterproof clear silicon, the sort of stuff you get from DIY stores for bathrooms and kitchens. I left it to go off for 24 hours and then replaced the headlights.

If you need any more detail let me know

John

[philjones1978]

Thanks for the reply John, I'll get onto it. I just need a dry 2 days when the car isn't being used. Fat chance of that at the moment. I wonder if a temporary fix of sellotape would affect the car come MOT time.

[Richard K]

short term fix is double sided tape on cleaned keyed surface.

that may last a few months or long enough to get two dry days back to back. to do john's permanent fix

I not recommending you do it, but I removed mine after about 4 years, and carried an extra set of bulbs just in case the bulbs blew from was letting in water. no problems without them so far (touch wood) after 5years. It may let a few bugs and dirt get through, so if you're a wax/ polish type of person, do "double-sided" till you get the time to do John's "Silicone" fix.

[philjones1978]

Anyone who has seen my car will tell you I'm not a wash and polish type of person, my car is covered in scrapes and does 80 miles a day (by my gf!) so there's no point in being precious about her! I might try sellotaping them down for now until I can get time/weather to fix it properly.

[Richard K]

cellotape deteriorates even faster than double sided.

how about 3 spots of super glue :)

[philjones1978]

I think it'll have to be superglue for now.