Technical rear light cluster

[Porretta]

Does anybody else have problems with the rear light clusters? I must have replaced mine 4 or 5 times over as many years. Either the lenses start to crack or more often the retaining stud holders in the cluster break and the cluster ends up being held on only by the two screws down one side. The clusters seem to be manufactured from an exceptionally brittle plastic that fatigues over a year or two and ends up snapping/cracking.

In the attached picture of the inside of the cluster, the two holes on the right are for machine screws to hold it on the car body. There are also two "holders" on the left, for two white plastic studs or pegs, which then clip into the car body, preventing the cluster from lifting away on this side. The studs are fine, but the holders seem to end up snapping after a year or two and then the studs no longer hold the light cluster down.

I even went as far as using rubber washers between the machine screws and the body in case the bodywork was flexing or vibrating when the tailgate or rear doors were shut and cracking the rigid cluster. I'm also being careful not to over tighten the machine screws.

Is anybodyelse experiencing this or have a solution?, as I'm just about to order another replacement cluster!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Qube O]

Hi Porretta, My Qubo is 2009, never ever had a problem, have changed a couple of bulbs over the years, just popped clusters off, swapped bulbs and refitted......no sweat. Strange you have this problem............

 

[Porretta]

Like I said I took great care not to overtighten them shellingbout for first or second replacement, so pretty sure it's not that. Not heavy-handed closing the doors either.

Have been using the reproduction (though brand new) replacement parts from eBay. Maybe should shell out for genuine Fiat parts even they're getting on for twice the price.

Pics above are from a breakers ad and you can see there that the stud "holders" are already broken even though part is for sale. Suggests at least one other owner having same problem

 

[2668GRIFFIN]

Hi
A mate of mine also used ebay clusters and had the same issues as you
By Used genuine ones
My van is on an 08 plate and the lenses still look like new
LUIGI

Like I said I took great care not to overtighten them shellingbout for first or second replacement, so pretty sure it's not that. Not heavy-handed closing the doors either.

Have been using the reproduction (though brand new) replacement parts from eBay. Maybe should shell out for genuine Fiat parts even they're getting on for twice the price.

Pics above are from a breakers ad and you can see there that the stud "holders" are already broken even though part is for sale. Suggests at least one other owner having same problem