A common issue on Hymer B-class motorhomes seems to be the headlight height adjustment failing.

The system is hydraulic and consists of a main unit on the back of height adjuster knob in the dash connected to hydraulic actuators on the headlights themselves via tubing. Over time the oil can leak out of the system leaving the headlights in their lowest position.

Fortunately replacement parts are available. Unfortunately it is a sealed system that needs to be replaced as a whole, and is likely to cost over £100 for the parts! Occasionally you might get lucky and find cheaper parts overseas.  I managed to get parts shipped from Germany which saved a decent amount versus buying them in the UK.

This is the system as supplied (as modeled by Muffin) with the dash mounted unit on the top right. You can see one of the headlight actuators at the end of the blue hose on the bottom left (the other headlight unit is hidden behind Muffin’s sleeve!)

First step in replacing this lot is to get the old unit out of the van! If you pull the adjuster knob off on the dashboard you can get to the two fixing screws that hold the adjuster.

The hoses on the adjuster go up underneath the dashboard to the bulkhead where they pass through a grommet into the engine bay. 

Here you can see the grommet and hoses on the bulkhead:-

Next step is to remove the actuators from the back of the headlight units – these just twist to unclip.

You can just about see one of the actuators to the right of the headlight unit here (looking down from the top):-

Once you’ve removed both actuators from the headlights you need to poke the grommet through the bulkhead (from the engine side) and feed the hoses complete with actuators through the hole in the bulkhead to underneath the dashboard. The whole lot can then be pulled out from under the dash.

Fitting the new system is effectively the reverse of removal:

1. Feed the actuators though to the engine compartment from the dashboard side and seat the grommet in the bulkhead.
2. Route the hoses to the headlights and clip on the actuators.
3. Attach the switch unit to the back of the adjuster knob. 

In reality it’s a bit more difficult than that makes it sound as access/visibility under the dash is limited, and access to the headlights requires a bit of a contortionist act.  It’s all do-able with a bit of grunting and swearing.

Here’s Muffin in position feeding the actuators through the hole in the bulkhead:-

Total repair time – a couple of hours including brew breaks……..

Front Suspension struts are a very important part of your overall suspension system – and if they wear out you can lose damping performance resulting in an unpleasant, and potentially dangerous, ride.

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