H4 question

stone43 · 09-24-2002, 10:21 AM

Bought H4's, put them on about 7 months ago, noticed the seals were looking bad, took them off, put on new seals, went to paint the trim rings (total debacle). Cleaned paint off of trim rings, decided to reinstall. Here is the question:

There is only 1 screw that holds these things on (beyond me). I finally got the screw lined up with the hole, was able to "latch" the top part over that tiny lip (anyone who has done this knows what I am talking about) went to tighten the screw--reached a certain point and then the screw just turns and turns, never getting tight. Same for both sides. The lights seem pretty secure (I beat on them to make sure they would not fall off after hitting a bump) but I did notice some "movement" from the projected light last night after coming home. Re-checked them for security--seemed pretty secure--but I am just not sure.

Anyone help me here? Is there a "screw" issue here?

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

Hey Stone,

I had the same problem, very frustrating. I took the trim rings off and tried to fasten the screw without them on. Took a bit of twisting, but they finally went, sort of "breaking them in." then took them out and retried with the rings on. Anyhow, I would not suggest driving without the rings fastened as they WILL fall off at some point. Try a little WD-40 too.

By the way, just make sure you are using the correct screws inside.....the type where the screws for the rings fasten inside the head of the screw for the assembly.

Good luck,

RoninLB · 09-24-2002, 12:46 PM

agreed..the trim rings are not the easiest thing to install..there is a factory screw that comes with a plastic washer to avoid scratching/chipping the trim ring paint..and I lay the trim over the upper lip and eyeball the inside female screw holder to make sure it is lined up.. then I push in on the trim ring to make sure it is seated correctly and that the screw will reach..I do all this to avoid stripping the female screw holder, which can/does happen.....................Ron

stone43 · 09-24-2002, 02:04 PM

I got the screw to reach, inserted. But it does not tighten. Just keeps spinning around. Should I remove that rubber piece that is attached to the screw?

stone43 · 09-24-2002, 02:06 PM

ALso, mine is one whole piece--trim ring attached to the bulb housing. So basically this one screw holds the whole damn thing on along with the upper lip.

RJ Gilliam · 09-24-2002, 02:08 PM

If the screw keeps turning, and I presume your talking about the one on the bottom with the slot in it. I would remove the screw and make sure that the threads are not stripped on it....

RoninLB · 09-24-2002, 02:16 PM

it's common to strip the foreward threads of the screw..if screw threads is OK check screw fastner inside bucket for damage or being bent...you can remove washer if screw threads are OK. but may chip paint when tightning screw..a snug fit of the screw is fine...try pushing on trim while tightning the screw...my concern from over here is that a damaged screw seat will need a simple repair............Ron

stone43 · 09-24-2002, 02:23 PM

Yes, definitely talking about the bottom screw. I don't have to worry about chipping any paint since the rings are still primer (black primer on a black car, so not too noticeable).

One more question--it appears that there is a hole in the middle of the screw to allow yet another screw to be inserted.

Why for?

RJ Gilliam · 09-24-2002, 02:29 PM

That is what holds the ring on the light...

the screw with the slot in it holds the assembly to the car, and the little screw holds the ring on the housing....

carter_gordon · 09-24-2002, 05:14 PM

I posted the following thread here:

VERY basic H4 upgrade tip

this is basic but here is my post, I will bet this will fix your problem:

VERY basic H4 upgrade tip

I bought H4s was struggling to install them on my SC. The lower bolt did not want to get started into its nut. Enter my father, now retired but a long time Porsche body man. Dad watched me fiddle and fuss with the H4 then grabs a pair of needle nose and tweeks the nut tab back about 5 degrees. Voila, perfect fit. Now why didn’t I think of that?

Bud Gordon

car911 · 09-25-2002, 01:56 PM

There is another thread on this topic going on right now.

Essentially, the headlights are held on using a system of two separate screws. The special inner screw goes into a threaded tab on the bottom of the housing cavity. You can adjust this so that the headlight trim fits against it. This screw has a hollow head which is threaded.

The top of the headlight trim catches on a lip at the top of the fender. The bottom of the trim fits against the inner screw. You then line up the little hole at the bottom of the trim to the hollow head of the inner screw and secure the trim with the outside screw that threads into the hollow head.

I suspect there are a lot of cars where the original screws are lost or stripped or no longer properly aligned. I have seen some pretty strange improvisions.