Is it possible to remove and clean headlight lens?

[Noah99]

Driver side headlight lens has moisture in the inside 24/7 even after it's been dry weather for a few days. Gunk is built up by the clasps which has separated the lens from the headlight assembly allowing moisture to get in...I think

If I remove the headlight assembly, is it possible for me to remove and clean the lens? Thanks

[Vansquish]

Yes. You'll need a heat gun or an oven on low heat to soften the butyl glue that is used to seal the lens to the housing. There are probably some additional clips (including metal clasps) that you'll need to remove or at least "unlock." You'll also have to insert something like a screwdriver, a paint scraper or putty knife, or the like between the lens and the housing to separate them. Be very gentle, and work slowly and methodically. You can easily crack the housing, the lens, or both if you try to force them apart too quickly or aggressively.

[Noah99]

Originally Posted by Vansquish Yes. You'll need a heat gun or an oven on low heat to soften the butyl glue that is used to seal the lens to the housing. There are probably some additional clips (including metal clasps) that you'll need to remove or at least "unlock." You'll also have to insert something like a screwdriver, a paint scraper or putty knife, or the like between the lens and the housing to separate them. Be very gentle, and work slowly and methodically. You can easily crack the housing, the lens, or both if you try to force them apart too quickly or aggressively.

Thank you! I'll buy a heatgun or use a blow-drier and start working on it tomorrow.

Before I crack this baby open, do replacement lenses exist or am I just screwed if I break the lens?

[Jeff23spl]

body repair shop may have lens suppliers to propose if needed.

[Vansquish]

Originally Posted by Noah99 Thank you! I'll buy a heatgun or use a blow-drier and start working on it tomorrow. Before I crack this baby open, do replacement lenses exist or am I just screwed if I break the lens?

Yes. Replacements exist, but you'll be hard-pressed to find one from a dealer.

I'd suggest doing what I did and replacing with an aftermarket lens from China. I've had a set on my car for 2.5 years, and they're clean, clear, and fog-free. I also got a set of them for about $40 USD shipped.

Here's what I bought:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Replacement...cAAOSwUM5Z6wvs

. . . And here's an option for you, I can't see anything for quite as cheap as the Mazda6 units I bought though.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/R-L-Headlig...0AAOSwlf9dhF~W

Here's a cheaper option on Aliexpress, if you can bring yourself to trust it.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3298...archweb201603_

Or, for the cheapest possible solution:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000...archweb201603_

[SyntheticAtmosphere]

I also did the ebay china lens. I'd do it again as well. Go to NAPA and get replacement butyl rope to replace what you remove and get it good and warm before putting it back together. I also purchased automotive seam sealer and put a layer around the seam after I had reassembled the lenses.