Posted 2008-01-07 10:22 AM (#73922) Subject: Tail light housing/rubber gasket problem
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Arizona
I have a 2000 S and H two horse trailer. One of the tail lights wasn't working, so it was suggested to us that we remove the red plastic tail light housing and check the bulb. To remove the tail light housing, we had to slide it out of the rubber gasket surrounding it, which was very difficult (the gasket is the only thing holding the light in place). Long story short, the bulb is fine -- but we can't figure out what the trick is to putting the tail light back on the trailer, because it's such a tight fit. Any suggestions, short of taking it to the trailer repair shop? (We already tried heating the gasket in warm water.)
Posted 2008-01-07 11:13 AM (#73927 - in reply to #73922) Subject: RE: Tail light housing/rubber gasket problem
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
First, put in the gasket, onto the trailer. Then lubricate the inside of it, and the outside of the light with soapy water. Push the light in at an angle, putting the bottom most of the way in and then push really hard on the top. Good luck, they can be easy or really a booger, sounds like yours is the latter.
Posted 2008-01-07 12:06 PM (#73930 - in reply to #73922) Subject: RE: Tail light housing/rubber gasket problem
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
What flyinghfarm said........but unlike what he said Ive never had one that was easy. OH and before you put it back in, better make sure you find the problem........you dont want have to remove and replace those annoying things any more than you have to.
Posted 2008-01-07 12:45 PM (#73935 - in reply to #73922) Subject: RE: Tail light housing/rubber gasket problem
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Arizona
Thanks, guys. I lubed it up and it's still a really tight fit (or, rather, non-fit). It's going to take more than pushing on it. Any tools that you suggest to get this sucker in? Or a different brand/type of gasket (grommet) to use? Yep, this one is a booger...
Posted 2008-01-07 4:53 PM (#73950 - in reply to #73922) Subject: RE: Tail light housing/rubber gasket problem
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Two medium straight slot screwdrivers work well to force the rubber around the lip on the light. One holds it in place while the second is used to pry the rubber lip. By sliding the blade tip sideways in the rubber as you reach the difficult end, it won't damage or tend to tear the gasket.
If you have some LPS or WD-40, that will lubricate the rubber a little better than the soapy water.
Tail light housing/rubber gasket problem
