75 2.0 CDT Tourer Diesel - can't remove screws from rear lights

my75is beautiful · 30th December 2011, 07:51

Dear All - I am trying to replace my rear lights (cracked lenses) but am having trouble removing the screws as when I try to unscrew them, the screw and whatever it's screwed into just turn around together leaving me getting nowhere. Is there a trick to this? I have tried holding the thing it's screwed into still with a pair of pointy-nosed pliers whilst trying to unscrew, but it's so well stuck in there I can't hold it still. What am I missing? Any advice and guidance gratefully received....I really don't want to cut a channel in the "new" lights so that I can slide them behind the screw heads and then use an R Clip, but I may well have to at this rate! Sorry, it's a 2004 "facelift" model.

kissifer1972 · 30th December 2011, 12:02

These are well known for doing this. I would have done the same as you, held the socket with long nose plier whilst trying to turn the screw. The only thing I can suggest is putting a fair amount of WD40 in there and leaving them for really good soak, probably overnight, and then trying them again the morning after.

Hopefully others will be along with further ideas, as this is a common problem.

Chris

my75is beautiful · 30th December 2011, 12:07

Thank you, Chris, have tried bathing them in WD40, but I guess it's in just too tight and it can't trickle down there. Like you say, hopefully someone will be along soon with a tried and tested method! best regards and a happy new year.

T-Cut · 30th December 2011, 16:27

This may help a little: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=32566

Also there are lots of references to check here: http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&c...ndztclub.co.uk

TC

my75is beautiful · 30th December 2011, 17:04

Oh dear, that all looks like a very painful process - I think I'll go ahead with plan B and carefully cut channels in the "new" light casing and ease it back uder the screws and hopefully still be able to gently tap the metal balls on poles back into the white plastic catchers! Guess what I'll be doing this weekend! Many thanks one and all for your great help as usual.

my75is beautiful · 1st January 2012, 08:40

Thank you one and all, channel cutting worked, they're in and secure now. Just need to look up how to get the tailgate door card off now....I'll be back!

30th December 2011, 07:51	#1
my75is beautiful Loves to post Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Berkshire Posts: 250 Thanks: 101 Thanked 21 Times in 20 Posts	75 2.0 CDT Tourer Diesel - can't remove screws from rear lights Dear All - I am trying to replace my rear lights (cracked lenses) but am having trouble removing the screws as when I try to unscrew them, the screw and whatever it's screwed into just turn around together leaving me getting nowhere. Is there a trick to this? I have tried holding the thing it's screwed into still with a pair of pointy-nosed pliers whilst trying to unscrew, but it's so well stuck in there I can't hold it still. What am I missing? Any advice and guidance gratefully received....I really don't want to cut a channel in the "new" lights so that I can slide them behind the screw heads and then use an R Clip, but I may well have to at this rate! Sorry, it's a 2004 "facelift" model. Last edited by my75is beautiful; 30th December 2011 at 07:53..

30th December 2011, 12:02	#2
kissifer1972 Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Conn Tourer & Rover 75 CDT Conn SE Saloon Join Date: May 2010 Location: Queensbury Posts: 1,368 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	These are well known for doing this. I would have done the same as you, held the socket with long nose plier whilst trying to turn the screw. The only thing I can suggest is putting a fair amount of WD40 in there and leaving them for really good soak, probably overnight, and then trying them again the morning after. Hopefully others will be along with further ideas, as this is a common problem. Chris __________________ Mods so far X-Power Performance Upgrade LED interior lights and sidelights Genuine Rover Xenons - now removed and sold Kenlowe fan Synergy 2 EGR Bypass

30th December 2011, 16:27	#4
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	This may help a little: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=32566 Also there are lots of references to check here: http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&c...ndztclub.co.uk TC Last edited by T-Cut; 30th December 2011 at 16:31..

30th December 2011, 12:07	#3
my75is beautiful Loves to post Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Berkshire Posts: 250 Thanks: 101 Thanked 21 Times in 20 Posts	Thank you, Chris, have tried bathing them in WD40, but I guess it's in just too tight and it can't trickle down there. Like you say, hopefully someone will be along soon with a tried and tested method! best regards and a happy new year.

30th December 2011, 17:04	#5
my75is beautiful Loves to post Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Berkshire Posts: 250 Thanks: 101 Thanked 21 Times in 20 Posts	Oh dear, that all looks like a very painful process - I think I'll go ahead with plan B and carefully cut channels in the "new" light casing and ease it back uder the screws and hopefully still be able to gently tap the metal balls on poles back into the white plastic catchers! Guess what I'll be doing this weekend! Many thanks one and all for your great help as usual.

1st January 2012, 08:40	#6
my75is beautiful Loves to post Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Berkshire Posts: 250 Thanks: 101 Thanked 21 Times in 20 Posts	Thank you one and all, channel cutting worked, they're in and secure now. Just need to look up how to get the tailgate door card off now....I'll be back!