Installing headlamp arm e-clips
06-21-2007, 06:15 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Installing headlamp arm e-clips
My lower clip is missing on the arm connecting the headlamps bar to the motor.
I've dutifully bought a number of clips the right size, but am stumped by how to fit a clip onto the shaft!
Have tried gripping edge with pliers and trying to push it on but that doesn't work - I generally lose another one under the car!
Do I need those circlip pliers? Internal or external kind?
I've seen a tool available in US for installing and removing E-clips but can't find similar in the UK.
As ever grateful for some guidance on how to install the clip.
I've dutifully bought a number of clips the right size, but am stumped by how to fit a clip onto the shaft!
Have tried gripping edge with pliers and trying to push it on but that doesn't work - I generally lose another one under the car!
Do I need those circlip pliers? Internal or external kind?
I've seen a tool available in US for installing and removing E-clips but can't find similar in the UK.
As ever grateful for some guidance on how to install the clip.
06-21-2007, 07:08 PM
#3
Drifting
Thread Starter
Of course! Thanks - that makes a lot of sense.
I'll try it but have also found access to the lower arm is a little tricky, but that may have been when I was trying to 'push' the clip on, rather than squeezing it on as you describe.
I'll try it but have also found access to the lower arm is a little tricky, but that may have been when I was trying to 'push' the clip on, rather than squeezing it on as you describe.
06-21-2007, 07:17 PM
#4
Electron Wrangler
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Just buy the circlip pliers - you know you want them 
They hold onto the clips much better - & unless you have 90 degree or extremely small needle nose pliers it is very difficult to operate in that location.
Alan
They hold onto the clips much better - & unless you have 90 degree or extremely small needle nose pliers it is very difficult to operate in that location.
Alan
06-21-2007, 09:52 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
IS this the same part thats known to skewer the radiator if it gets lose??? if so be very very careful.
you should know that if the ignition is on and you spin the motor **** just a bit it will make the motor run threw a cycle, at which point the arm will run your radiator threw.
you should know that if the ignition is on and you spin the motor **** just a bit it will make the motor run threw a cycle, at which point the arm will run your radiator threw.
06-22-2007, 12:40 AM
#7
Rennlist Member
Needle-nose space limited? You can also place ir, maybe "gluing" it in place with a bit of grease, and then drive it on with a carefully executed pop with a drift or screwdriver blade.
You can _really_ make 'em disappear under the car with this technique. ;-)
You can _really_ make 'em disappear under the car with this technique. ;-)
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06-22-2007, 12:58 AM
#8
Team Owner
circlip pliers dont usually work on E clips to remove the clip use a small screwdriver in one of the recesses on the E clip to install use a pen magnet to position the clip then snap it on with needle nose pliers. Now if you have a circlip then you can use the circlip pliers . Original part is an E clip
06-22-2007, 04:24 AM
#9
Drifting
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by tommytomaso
IS this the same part thats known to skewer the radiator if it gets lose??? if so be very very careful.
you should know that if the ignition is on and you spin the motor **** just a bit it will make the motor run threw a cycle, at which point the arm will run your radiator threw.
you should know that if the ignition is on and you spin the motor **** just a bit it will make the motor run threw a cycle, at which point the arm will run your radiator threw.
Having said that there's a hole in the loop of my tranny oil cooling radiator which was obviously caused by headlamp arm coming loose in past. I posted another thread asking why my transmission appears to be fine (I haven't checked the fluid level).
06-22-2007, 04:24 AM
#10
Drifting
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Fogey1
Needle-nose space limited? You can also place ir, maybe "gluing" it in place with a bit of grease, and then drive it on with a carefully executed pop with a drift or screwdriver blade.
You can _really_ make 'em disappear under the car with this technique. ;-)
You can _really_ make 'em disappear under the car with this technique. ;-)
Another great tip - thanks
06-22-2007, 04:26 AM
#11
Drifting
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Mrmerlin
circlip pliers dont usually work on E clips to remove the clip use a small screwdriver in one of the recesses on the E clip to install use a pen magnet to position the clip then snap it on with needle nose pliers. Now if you have a circlip then you can use the circlip pliers . Original part is an E clip
06-22-2007, 12:13 PM
#13
Racer
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Here's the better solution.
JPTL posted on 3-22-06:
JPTL posted on 3-22-06:
Okay, that original upper clip or "E Ring" came off with just my finger pressure......waaay to easily. It was just a matter of time before it popped off on its own.
I've found a better E Ring as a replacement at the local Ace Hardware.
The replacement ring is an s.a.e. 1/4" ring, so it fits on the collar a bit snugger (more snugly?).
For some reason the o.e.m. ring is more of a 1/2 circle than a 3/4 circle, in that it doesn't hold on the collars as well and slips off easier. I'd recommend swapping any remaining e rings with these, with a tiny dab of grease on each side for good measure.
I've also compared the o.e.m. washer to a nearly identical 5/16" grade 8 hardened s.a.e. washer at Ace that is a near perfect replacement.
I'm guessing that most Ace's nut & bolt vendor is the same. Anyway, this vendor is Hillman in Ohio. The stock numbers for these are as follows:
E Ring: 873-L
Washer: 2817-B
I've found a better E Ring as a replacement at the local Ace Hardware.
The replacement ring is an s.a.e. 1/4" ring, so it fits on the collar a bit snugger (more snugly?).
For some reason the o.e.m. ring is more of a 1/2 circle than a 3/4 circle, in that it doesn't hold on the collars as well and slips off easier. I'd recommend swapping any remaining e rings with these, with a tiny dab of grease on each side for good measure.
I've also compared the o.e.m. washer to a nearly identical 5/16" grade 8 hardened s.a.e. washer at Ace that is a near perfect replacement.
I'm guessing that most Ace's nut & bolt vendor is the same. Anyway, this vendor is Hillman in Ohio. The stock numbers for these are as follows:
E Ring: 873-L
Washer: 2817-B
Last edited by F4GIB; 06-22-2007 at 12:45 PM.
06-22-2007, 11:12 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by Mrmerlin
circlip pliers dont usually work on E clips to remove the clip use a small screwdriver in one of the recesses on the E clip to install use a pen magnet to position the clip then snap it on with needle nose pliers. Now if you have a circlip then you can use the circlip pliers . Original part is an E clip
The magnet's a great tip, merlin. Thanks. (hawk or wizard or both?)
Saves rummaging in the tool box to find it when the clip (which I've always called a circlip, btw) disappears. ;-)
As long as Porsche doesn't use light alloy e-clips. ;-) ;-)
06-23-2007, 11:15 AM
#15
Drifting
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the advice guys.
Soon as I got home this weekend I tried to put a clip on with the 'squeeze pliers round shaft and clip' method and it popped right on.
It was a 1/4 inch clip and fits fine. Seems secure after a few cycles of testing.
What a great forum!
Adrian
Soon as I got home this weekend I tried to put a clip on with the 'squeeze pliers round shaft and clip' method and it popped right on.
It was a 1/4 inch clip and fits fine. Seems secure after a few cycles of testing.
What a great forum!
Adrian
