Broken/loose bracket on headlight

Acey10

Hi
I haven't a clue about cars so hoping someone can help, I had nct today and failed because of the loose bracket, got a quote from my usual mechanic of 300 which I think seems excessive? Anyone else have experience with this or is this the norm to fix it?
Thanks

biko

What car and year is it?
300 seems a lot for a loose headlight assembly.
What did the mechanic say exactly was needed to be done?
Did you ask them why it was so expensive?

CiniO

I'd say mechanic just quoted for new light.

You should find a place specialising in plastic welding - they should be able to fix broken light bracket.

Acey10

biko wrote: »

What car and year is it?
300 seems a lot for a loose headlight assembly.
What did the mechanic say exactly was needed to be done?
Did you ask them why it was so expensive?

It's an 04 Toyota Yaris, yes he did say something about replacing the whole thing but the guy that did my nct said the bracket just needed to be fixed so I'm thinking I should look elsewhere for an opinion?

Acey10

CiniO wrote: »

I'd say mechanic just quoted for new light.

You should find a place specialising in plastic welding - they should be able to fix broken light bracket.

Thanks, any idea how much approx it will cost?

Toyotafanboi

I've seen plenty go through with the clips glued, patched and even splinted back together. Once they are connected somehow, they will pass.

If you do bodge them back together, make sure to focus your headlights before the retest.

That said, a new lamp would be a better option really. I had to replace a lamp in our old 2001 Yaris and I think a new spurious lamp was around €120, €50 to fit and focus it would be loads.

Acey10

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

I've seen plenty go through with the clips glued, patched and even splinted back together. Once they are connected somehow, they will pass.

If you do bodge them back together, make sure to focus your headlights before the retest.

That said, a new lamp would be a better option really. I had to replace a lamp in our old 2001 Yaris and I think a new spurious lamp was around €120, €50 to fit and focus it would be loads.

Thanks, can't see where the crack is myself but I've googled it and read about people gluing it on themselves but not an option for me! I may shop around so.

TheBoyConor

My almera had a gammy light which had broken brakets due to a minor brush with a gate.
A strip of light galvaband and a few self tapping screws secured it perfectly. Once the light is aligned correctly you can fix it up in this way. Costs nothing.

Acey10

Thanks for all the advice, got it fixed and lights realigned for 20 quid, delighted that I didn't fork out 300 for a light I didn't need!