Self-installation of lenses in the headlights

Installing the lens in the headlight can be done independently. But in order to carry out the work qualitatively, you should understand the process and follow the instructions. In addition, it is worth remembering that not all headlights are suitable for installing lenses. If this is not provided by the manufacturer, a fine or even deprivation of rights for up to six months can be imposed for such an alteration.

What you need to install

Before starting work, you should figure out whether this option can be used for a car and whether there will be problems with the law. Therefore, several important aspects must be taken into account:

1. Are the headlights suitable for using xenon light sources. Information about this is always in the marking on the case, so it's worth studying it. If the design is intended only for halogen bulbs, it is better not to work.
2. What kind of glass is installed on the headlight. If this is the usual diffusing option, then the light from the lens will not be distributed correctly. Smooth glass is best, it can be purchased separately, since you still have to remove this element during work.

If different types of headlights were installed on the model, you can purchase a used version that fits the lenses and install them so as not to break the law.

Varieties of lenses

Now on sale you can find several options, each of them has its own characteristics:

1. Halogen. In this case, each element is responsible only for the dipped or main beam.
2. Xenon. Same option as above. A separate lens is responsible for each type of illumination.
3. Bihalogen. One node works for both low beam and high beam, which makes it much preferable.
4. bi-xenon. The most modern and powerful variety that provides ideal lighting quality. It works in two modes - low beam and high beam, which are switched by special curtains installed inside.

A set of bi-xenon lenses with LED dimensions.

It is best to use bi-xenon light, since it is much easier to install one lens, and in terms of light quality this solution is superior to bihalogen options.

Installation rules

Installing a lens in a headlight is a responsible and painstaking process. If there is no experience in such work and the necessary tools, it is better to entrust the work to professionals. But if you want to figure it out, everyone can, if you spend a day, you can save money and get headlights with high-quality light.

Materials and tools

First of all, you need to buy a set of bi-xenon lenses. Usually it has everything you need to connect - wires, ignition blocks. It is important to choose options from trusted manufacturers that give high-quality light and are normally regulated. It's not worth skimping on quality. From the tools you will need the following:

1. Building hair dryer for heating the sealant on which the glass is glued. If not, you can get by with the oven.
2. A set of screwdrivers of different configurations and sizes. When disassembling and assembling, various fasteners can be used, so you should prepare in advance.
3. Pliers, you can also stock up on 2-3 options of different sizes.
4. Gloves for protection of hands.
5. sealant for gluing glass headlights. It is better to choose a quality option.
6. Additional hardware may be required on some headlights.

Without heating, it will not work to separate the glass.

Headlight disassembly

When doing the work yourself, it is very important not to damage the headlights, as you will have to buy new ones. First of all, they need to be removed from the car, it all depends on the model and features of the body mounting, usually all the information is in the instructions. Next you need to follow the instructions:

1. All plugs and light bulbs are removed from the back. Everything that may interfere with disassembly should be removed.
2. The glass is glued to a special sealant, in order to remove it, it is necessary to heat the surface. To do this, it is most convenient to use a building hair dryer, the connection warms up with it, after which the parts are gradually separated with a spatula or other element. When working, it is necessary to be careful and heat the joint in order, moving around the perimeter.
3. If there is no hair dryer, you can put the headlight in the oven, preheated to 200 degrees, for 5-10 minutes. The structure will not be damaged, but the sealant will become soft and can be separated.
4. After removing the glass, clean the remaining adhesive from both surfaces, otherwise it will be difficult to glue the element back. For this, any devices are used. To simplify the work, the sealant can be heated with a hairdryer and removed with a wide screwdriver.
5. The reflector is carefully removed from the mounts. It is important not to damage the headlight adjustment system, as it will adjust the light of the lens. It is worth studying the design in order to understand how to assemble later.

Reflectors must be removed carefully.

Installing lenses

Here you can either attach the lens to the correction system, or cut a hole in the reflector for the element and fix the structure in this way. The second option is more often used, as it looks more attractive. It is important to remember the following here:

1. The lens is best attached to metal guides, and the perimeter joint is treated with sealant to ensure strength and protection against moisture penetration.
2. The reflector can be painted in any color, for example, make a dark background. It is not needed when using bi-xenon and plays only a decorative role.
   Lenses on a dark background look impressive.
3. After attaching the element, you should make sure that the system is adjusted by the screws installed on the body. This will allow you to easily adjust the light later.
4. Next, you need to put the glass in place. To do this, the place of gluing is degreased and cleaned, an adhesive composition is applied around the perimeter. Instructions must be followed to ensure a secure bond.
5. Headlights are put on the car and fixed in the same way as before. Then you need to carefully insert the bulbs into the lenses and connect the connectors. It is important to choose a suitable place for the ignition units. They either fit into the headlight housing if it's large, or they're mounted in the engine bay, just don't put them in. The wiring is connected according to the diagram.

After gluing the glass, it is necessary to withstand from two hours to a day, it all depends on the adhesive used. Information on this light is always on the packaging.

Video: Installing LED lenses in the headlight without special tools and fixtures.

Lens adjustment

In order not to blind drivers and ensure the correct distribution of the light flux, you need to adjust the headlights correctly. This requires a flat area in front of the wall. The work should be done like this:

1. Drive the machine close to the wall, mark its center and draw a vertical line. Make marks opposite the center of the lenses on both sides. Draw two more verticals in these places.
2. Mark and draw a horizontal line 5 cm below the center of the lenses.
3. Move 7 meters away from the wall. Turn on the light and bring out the rays so that they fall on the intersections of the horizontal and lateral verticals. Adjust the screws on the body, it is important to bring out the light accurately.

The line of light should be slightly directed downwards so as not to blind oncoming drivers.

Installation errors

To ensure good light, it is important to avoid common mistakes. First, buy cheap products with uneven light distribution that cannot be adjusted. Secondly, put the lens hard, in this case it will not be possible to correct its position.

Video lesson: Proper adjustment of headlights on the wall (without special equipment).

Putting lenses in the headlights with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems. But at the same time, it is important to do everything carefully and fix the elements so that their position is regulated.