ValpoPilot

Does anyone know if Lexus sells replacement mounting brackets (tabs) for the 3rd Gen headlights? I know they sell them for other models (including the 2nd Gen IS) but can't find any part numbers for the 3rd Gen. I recently bought a CPO IS250 and noticed that the top tab is cracked near where it bolts to the car. Of course the dealership has so far claimed that I must be to blame. Looks like buying a new headlight costs about the equivalent of the money needed to retire early some day. Since it's only cracked I've contemplated an epoxy fix as well but I would prefer a replacement tab if available. It looks like there are "guide holes" for where the replacement tab would mount to the headlight so perhaps that's good news?

ValpoPilot

Not sure that it matters, but I have the LED headlights.

dnasians

iTrader: (4)

If the headlight is still securely mounted, a single broken tab is not usually a problem. If more than one, you can attempt using a plastic type epoxy or if lucky regular epoxy to some sort fabricated mount. Just to note that the plastic epoxy emits particularly nasty head spinning fumes, mix and use in a very well ventilated area

Do you have a pic of the broken tab?

ValpoPilot

Not the greatest picture but you can see the crack towards the base of the tab. It doesn't appear to effect the alignment of the headlight but seeing as I've only owned the car a little over a month now, I don't feel comfortable just leaving it as-is. The epoxy idea doesn't sound awful given the circumstances. I'll be removing the front bumper to replace the lower grill anyways so I should have a good opportunity to see if that is the only broken tab and it would be a good time to do the epoxy fix if I go that route.

dnasians

iTrader: (4)

if his suggestion doesnt work, use plastic epoxy to fix that crack. it was designed to fix stuff like this.

ValpoPilot

PatrixUSA, thank you for the info! Can't tell you how nervous I was about potentially having to pay out of pocket to replace such an expensive part due to something I didn't cause. I'll let you guys know what my dealership says about this after my appointment tomorrow.

Losdavos

Any update?
I have a similar problem and am interested to know if Lexus Is honoring the TSB and replacing the headlight.

Thank you,
Dave

ValpoPilot

Sorry for the delayed response. Yes, my dealership replaced the headlight assembly at no cost to me. The new unit appears to have a redesigned top bracket so Lexus must have recognized the weakness with the old design.

specONE

iTrader: (3)

Could you show us a photo of the redesigned housing bracket?

ValpoPilot

If you compare this pic to my previous pic of the broken tab you can see the differences.

ValpoPilot

The tab immediately connects to the main part of the headlight housing instead of only connecting at the base of the bracket/tab as shown in the broken tab pic.

600rr

What year is your car? I wonder when did they start implementing the new head lamp design.
I'll go have a look once i get home, curious now.

ValpoPilot

Here's a screenshot from the TSB... just check to see if your VIN is prior to the ones listed and it should answer your question.

600rr

I have the IS200T, so I'm assuming it should have the new design.
Thanks for checking.

specONE

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for sharing.
Wish i knew this a year ago. I plastic welded mines back together after I noticed it was cracked, My car was in a minor fender bender when it was parked so i thought the whole time it was due to that. I noticed that it wasn't designed well so the way i plastic welded it back was very similar to the redesigned mount which is interesting. Glad they redesigned it.