DIY Replace Third Brake Light on Tailgate LR4

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D_Walt

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Sharing a quick how-to with on replacing the third brake light on the tailgate of a lr4/lr3. I recently replaced mine due to faded discoloration and water intrusion into rear tailgate through various cracks. All leaks have stopped after replacement.

Part Number: LR072856
Adhesive: 3M Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive, 08693, Medium Viscosity, High-Strength, Fast-Curing, 310 mL/10.5 fl oz Cartridge , Black

This job requires persistence, but I didn’t find it overly difficult. PITA, yes.

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1. I first disconnected the ground terminal - I made three cuts on the left side, with a saw-zaw. Would recommend something more precise but it’s what I had in the moment.

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2. Cut across so you can pry those pieces up to gain access to the interior of the light cavity. Use a pry bar (but be careful to not sink it into any metal) to break the plastic to the seal.

3. Once you’ve reached the seal, work your way around with the pry bar, keeping it between the seal and plastic. This will prevent metal on metal contact.
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Watch out for the sensor and wiring on the right side, pictured below.

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See next post.
 

D_Walt

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4. Once you’ve removed all the plastic, you’ll be left with the old adhesive. I vacuumed the shavings up, and then applied googone to the leftover adhesive, and used a heat gun to warm up a few inches and then a plastic trim tool to remove it off.

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5. Once the surface is clean and even (minimal residual adhesive) you are ready to apply the 3m adhesive. I did a few practice runs on cardboard to get the bead width right (about 3/8 to 1/2 inch). I applied over the old adhesive generously.

I then carefully connected the wiring connector and washer jet tube, and then gently laid the new light assembly on. I didn’t see a need to press-fit it. Seal is now 100% with no leaks.

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Good as new! Best.
 

Mozambique

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Very timely!
Mine fell off last Aug. Have new one and am waiting for warmer weather to install. Was wondering how to remove old glue.
Thanks!
 

ktm525

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Very timely!
Mine fell off last Aug. Have new one and am waiting for warmer weather to install. Was wondering how to remove old glue.
Thanks!
Fell off? Someone must have been in there previously because with that adhesive things don't "fall off"
 

Mozambique

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Don't think so.
It was previously maintained by dealer. I noticed it was loose at one end. Didn't get around to fixing it and then it fell off during a road trip
 

Billywedlock

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I had the same, on a 2016, the brake light actually cracked, but the plastic part just fell off the bodywork too. It is going to be a real challenge to clean off the old glue, and also to replicate where they have a much thicker application near the corners (external). New part is ordered, not looking forward to this one. But yes, I also had the light fall off. It looks like there was no adhesion from the glue to the plastic part, it is very much attached, the glue, to the bodywork.
 

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