Aiming Headlamps

CCM911 · 01-10-2012, 11:11 AM

Yes, I checked search.

There is a procedure provided by Stern in our archives.

Question - Is there an easier way to aim new headlamps?

I have my new Projector beams ready to go, except they are not aimed correctly at all.

Jesse16 · Jesse16's Garage

Easier than drive up to a wall at night and adjust ?? I just used a tape measure on a blank wall down at my local shopping mall out back. For straightness, just stand behind car and eyeball that one. Then when driving, confirm that all seems good. D. Sterns instructions are a bit long winded but have the same effect.

Brandon-FL · Brandon-FL's Garage

There is an easier way...do all your driving at night and when people quit flipping you off and flashing their highbeams at you, you'll know that you have them adjusted correctly.

80-911SC · 80-911SC's Garage

I usually pull in about 10-15 feet from the garage door .. then measure to the center of the lights on the car .. put a tape line on the door or just line up with a panel crease or a line on the roll up door that is close to the height .. on the low beam center at that height and point the beam about a foot off from straight to the right side ..

It may not be the perfect way but its close .. they have alignment levels that you can buy that have two levels in them and suction or hang on the light ...or you could go to a shop that does brake and light inspections and for a small fee they will adjust your lights ..

Steve

hcoles · 01-10-2012, 12:39 PM

an idea, with one on at a time, at night see where each lands using low beam and high beam, I think each side has a different "shutter" outline, on the left light, the light going left is cut off a bit more

darrin · 01-10-2012, 12:52 PM

here are some good instructions. http://www.coolbulbs.com/HID-VISUAL-HEADLIGHT-AIMING-PROCEDURE.pdf

I was able to shortcut a bit by first driving up to the wall (bumper on the wall) and marking the centerpoint of my headlights onto the wall and then backing straight back to rough in the alighment.

CCM911 · 01-11-2012, 06:30 AM

Thanks guys! Looks like I'll be aiming some headlamps this weekend.

djdsc · 01-11-2012, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse

I just used a tape measure on a blank wall down at my local shopping mall out back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darrin

I was able to shortcut a bit by first driving up to the wall (bumper on the wall) and marking the centerpoint of my headlights onto the wall and then backing straight back to rough in the alignment.

I have been doing this for years using an office building around the back. Blue painters tape for marking the wall and a tape measure. It takes longer to figure out which way to turn the screws for the desired movement than actually dialing them in. The early drivers handbooks had instruction and a diagram for the procedure including how far to back-up.