3rd brake light gasket replacement

[jeffrey5679]

I decided to change my 3rd brake light gasket before it started leaking. Is this the gasket everyone is using? Also, it feels like my 4 mounting screws bottom out when I tighten them. Anyone else experience this?

 

[Scram1500]

Similar to the one I used, had same problem with the screws. Cracked the lens at all 4 holes while tweaking them. No leaks even with the cracks. I have a replacement that I will gently tighten, snugging it down isn't necessary

 

[Mr. Hindsight]

Yup. That’s what I used. I applied it over the factory seal. Just tighten all four screws gently and u should be fine.

 

[wallyuwl]

Where did you get the seal?

I am also wondering what size the bulbs are for the backup lights in there? I have some spare T-10 size bulbs.

 

[jeffrey5679]

Yup. That’s what I used. I applied it over the factory seal. Just tighten all four screws gently and u should be fine.

I removed the old seal. I wonder if only using the new gasket will be an issue?

 

[jeffrey5679]

Where did you get the seal?

I am also wondering what size the bulbs are for the backup lights in there? I have some spare T-10 size bulbs.

Home Depot

 

[jeffrey5679]

Do you guys take off the old gasket or leave it in place and go over it?

 

[392DCGC]

Take it off... otherwise you're not actually changing anything. I have seen this "fix" talked about but have not done it personally. The stock gasket does look pretty mediocre, but I have a hard time believing a longtime auto manufacturer used ineffective material for a water sealing gasket. Unless mine actually leaks, I don't plan on touching it. Not to mention doing this could void any warranty coverage in the event of a leak up there.

 

[LakesAZ]

Yes, that is the one I used and I also removed the old gasket before installing this one. Also purchased at Home Depot.

 

[Aseras]

Just buy a roll of Butyl Tape. throw the gaskets away.

 

[2019REBEL]

Everybody knows its a brake light not a break light.

 

[GoMango16]

They must use that thin gaskets so the worker doesn't break the lens when they tighten the screws....

 

[Buz]

For anyone doing this, the original gasket does not just peel off. Plan on sitting down and taking 10-15 minutes to remove it. Pretty sure I used a flat head screwdriver to scrape it off.

 

[jeffrey5679]

Take it off... otherwise you're not actually changing anything. I have seen this "fix" talked about but have not done it personally. The stock gasket does look pretty mediocre, but I have a hard time believing a longtime auto manufacturer used ineffective material for a water sealing gasket. Unless mine actually leaks, I don't plan on touching it. Not to mention doing this could void any warranty coverage in the event of a leak up there.

For anyone doing this, the original gasket does not just peel off. Plan on sitting down and taking 10-15 minutes to remove it. Pretty sure I used a flat head screwdriver to scrape it off.

Yup, took me way to scrape mine off. Used a piece of plastic I trimmed to fit and some goo gone

 

[LakesAZ]

Same here, scraped off the old foam gasket then used Goo Gone to clean it up. Like others have said it takes some time but its worth doing it right.

 

[jeffrey5679]

Same here, scraped off the old foam gasket then used Goo Gone to clean it up. Like others have said it takes some time but its worth doing it right.

How long have you had the new gasket on? Any leaks?

 

[brian42]

I removed the old seal. I wonder if only using the new gasket will be an issue?

Nope. You need to remove the old gasket to apply the new one.

I only snugged down the mounting screws to avoid cracking the housing. A little bit of pressure is all you need to make the seal effective. I also put a dab of RTB on the screws to make sure there's no leak through them either.

Where did you get the seal?

I am also wondering what size the bulbs are for the backup lights in there? I have some spare T-10 size bulbs.

The bulbs in the CHSML are T-15.

 

[LakesAZ]

How long have you had the new gasket on? Any leaks?

It hasn’t been a week yet so it’s too early to tell. Plus no rain here yet and I haven’t washed it since.

 

[jeffrey5679]

It hasn’t been a week yet so it’s too early to tell. Plus no rain here yet and I haven’t washed it since.

I’m in the Pacific Northwest. Raining daily. I’ll let you know, I just did mine.

 

[jeffrey5679]

I’m in the Pacific Northwest. Raining daily. I’ll let you know, I just did mine.

2 days of rain. No leaks so far.