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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: Stitch on 18 April 2011, 19:05

Title: Edit Again - Job Done: UPADATE High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: Stitch on 18 April 2011, 19:05
GTi was in for it's service today. Along with quotes for pads my rear brake light is also out. VW guy said its not an MOT fail but quoted me £300 to repair. So costs so far this month:

-2 new conti SP3s £244
-12 months tax is due this month £235
-service £349

and they also "recommend"
-new discs and pads F&R £458
-fix rear brake light £298 + vat

So that's approx £1600 just to keep the car on the road FFS!!!!

Look like I need to attempt this fix myself. Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: Stitch on 18 April 2011, 19:07
Update.

Before I attempt the fix myself, I've approached VW for a goodwill gesture for the fix. I'm holding out little hope but seeing as this is a common problem it's worth a shot and a moan. Hopefully hear back tomorrow.

Interestly, the VW guy said the stop suporting the cars for goodwill in general after 5 years.
Title: Re: High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: MaXXeH on 18 April 2011, 19:58
It is really easy to do :)  just get ur hammer and punch out  :evil: took me 10 min
Title: Re: High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: Stitch on 18 April 2011, 20:03
I want to wait and hear from VW but just say   :smug:  you couldn't wait to see how easy the light is to pop and it popped out with almost no effort fully intact but the clips are broken, how would the new part clip in as I am sure you would see that the plastic clips are very fragile and I wonder how you would re-attach?

Would it be worthwhile using some sort of adhesive?

It is really easy to do :)  just get ur hammer and punch out  :evil: took me 10 min
Title: Re: High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: Stitch on 18 April 2011, 22:15
Me again sorry.

Would a few spots of silicone adhesive be a good idea?
Title: Re: High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: crimsonfin on 18 April 2011, 22:26
Yes, having just done mine I would recommend this to be sure it holds and is water tight.

Also posted some supplimentary photos to the original guide ...

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=121067.20 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=121067.20)

Title: Re: High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: Stitch on 18 April 2011, 22:30
Thanks. Perfect timing!

How did you get the srtip back onto the two steel mounts without breaking the black pastic back of the strip?

Yes, having just done mine I would recommend this to be sure it holds and is water tight.

Also posted some supplimentary photos to the original guide ...

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=121067.20 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=121067.20)


Title: Re: High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: crimsonfin on 18 April 2011, 22:39
the new light doesnt go back onto the old plastic screws - you pull these out and bin them.  the new light just clips back into the hole.  Its been in since sat and feels decently solid.  this is the other reason that I want to use some silicone just to ensure its held in place.

it really is a doddle .... once of course you get over the fact you are jamming a power drill into your pride and joy  :smiley:
Title: Re: High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: Stitch on 18 April 2011, 22:46
Ah i see. So the two  short "steel" looking bars at each edge aren't actually steel and need to come out too?
I need to take more care I think!

That "thing" in the top left hand corner has to come out?
(http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/ub7rm/DSCN1093.jpg)


the new light doesnt go back onto the old plastic screws - you pull these out and bin them.  the new light just clips back into the hole.  Its been in since sat and feels decently solid.  this is the other reason that I want to use some silicone just to ensure its held in place.

it really is a doddle .... once of course you get over the fact you are jamming a power drill into your pride and joy  :smiley:
Title: Re: High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: crimsonfin on 18 April 2011, 22:53
yes, look at the 2nd last photo i uploaded.  the 2 screws which are removed are laying amongst all the broken plastic
Title: Re: High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: crimsonfin on 18 April 2011, 22:54
http://img864.imageshack.us/i/img0513d.jpg/
Title: Re: High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: Stitch on 18 April 2011, 22:58
Got it.
Many thanks for the help. It's much appreciated.
When VW tell me to FRO tomorrow on their goodwill gesture, at least it should only be a £45 fix! Fingers Crossed.

http://img864.imageshack.us/i/img0513d.jpg/
Title: Re: High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: crimsonfin on 18 April 2011, 23:02
no probs.  good luck.  you won't have any problems but let me know if you do and i will do my best to help.

Title: Re: Edit: UPADATE High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: Stitch on 19 April 2011, 15:02
So VW UK have told me to FRO as expected for a goodwill gesture so i'll deal with that later.

From my Cardiff VW dealer perspective though, it's been a refreshing difference and an excellent level of service. Spoken with the service manager a few times and they have offered to fit the new part at a significantly reduced rate (they'll use the method suggested here I guess) which basically covers the part and the adhesives.

However, here's my dilema. If they bond the new part in using the adhesives and it goes again, I may not be able to get the new part out again easily whereas if i use some silicone adhesive, it will help bond it but not to the point where it won;t ever come out again.

What do you guys reckon? Leave VW do it and let them use the bonding glue or do it myself (they've offered me the part at cost if i do it myself as well) and use the silicone?
I'm just worried that if it goes again and its been bonded it may well need a new spoiler to sort it out.

Thoughts appreciated!
Title: Re: EDit: UPADATE High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: MaXXeH on 19 April 2011, 16:05
you dont need to bond it,   They clip in.  mine has never fallen out.
Title: Re: EDit: UPADATE High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: Stitch on 19 April 2011, 16:10
Sorry for being dense but what does it clip onto?

you dont need to bond it,   They clip in.  mine has never fallen out.
Title: Re: EDit: UPADATE High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: MaXXeH on 19 April 2011, 16:51
Clipses onto the back of the spoiler.
Title: Re: Edit Again - Job Done: UPADATE High level brake light - it's my turn
Post by: Stitch on 20 April 2011, 17:30
Well it's all done!

Thanks to all who made helpful suggestions as they were much appreciated.

Prob took 30 mins in all. Hardest bit by far was getting the rubber bung out of its holder and back in with the new part fitted. Total cost for job was £36 or the part at cost, a long nose pliers and some silicone.

The replacement part is a different design with screw holes for the retaining screws at each end. I did try and screw those in with just a few turns and try and rehook them in the u shaped slot for a little extra security but it wasn't having any of it.

Thanks again all.