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So pulled off my headlight to replace a parking light and my seals are done. They are all melted and definitely need replaced. The problem is where do I find them?
I found some part numbers 996.631.163.20 (LHS) & 996.131.164.20 (RHS) which I can't seem to find anywhere, and another forum had a "new part number" which are for cayenne seals.
So questions.
Are you guys buying new seals or just making them?
996 Headlight Gasket repair ? I have been searching for a fix for 3 years... and I think I have found a good replacement. See Photos below.
This hollow "P" shaped 1/4 inch tubing ( 1/2 inch overall width ) with a tape backing worked great on my 2000 C4. Ordered from McMASTER-CARR https://www.mcmaster.com/ - "High Temp Rubber Seal" - Pt # 1129A992 "Style B". https://www.mcmaster.com/#1129a992/=1e35sf5
A 5-foot section does one headlight with some left over. Two 5-foot rolls cost $19 plus shipping & tax. See the part number details in photo.
A few notes on installation. Clean all the old rubber "Goo" from the area with alcohol including the channel between the clear lens and the black headlight case. This new tubing flange will fit inside this channel. Insert it with the tape side facing away from the lens and as you work it around the lens remove the tape backing. It will stick to the channel and stay put without any other clamping. Run the tubing out about an inch beyond the lens and when you reinstall the Light assembly, tuck the extra tubing under the light between the fender.
Because this is hollow tubing it compresses very well as the light is installed in the fender. And if it bulges out any it is easily pushed back in place with a finger or a small plastic tool. It is Black but a bit shinier that the original which I could compare to my other lamp which is new having been replaced after damage. Good luck returning your 996 to like new... :-)
Fix for 996 Rotting Hdlamp Gasket
Fix for 996 Rotting Hdlamp Gasket
Fix for 996 Rotting Hdlamp Gasket
Rubber trim to replace rotting original Head Lamp Gasket
I want to thank you for posting your research. I had invested a great amount of time looking for the right trim option for my aftermarket 996 headlights. They give you janky trim that does not fly. So bad!
Appreciate you taking the time to post your source and the pictures.
Bill - If you look around the circumference of the headlight you’ll see little hooks on the plastic ring. The old seals wrapped around that black plastic like on a Cayenne. They rot and tear over time and removals. My lights only have a portion that goes between the assembly and hood. No individual replacement pieces available unless you buy a new assembly. This week I’m using the same seals Jacks911 used and I’ll report back.
So I bought a 10’ roll of the "High Temp Rubber Seal" - Pt # 1129A992 "Style B" from McMaster for $20.30. Got the spool in three days. Took less than an hour for both lights. 10’ is enough for both .2 lights. If you get the two-piece kit from Stoddard, you may not have enough stripping for a .2 light.
It looks like the Stoddard stuff is the same as the McMaster stuff, which should work fine but is not the same as original.
True. Looks like the same type. The originals are a harder plastic and are formed to fit left or right perimeter. Odd that Porsche didn’t make these headlight seals for 996, but makes them for 955. Same type of plastic, molding, etc.