Beam throw adjuster not working. Help please!

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jmec
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Post Mon Jan 20, 2014 8:19 pm

The beam throw system does not work on my 325 cab. I’m assuming the system is pneumatic as I see tubes coming off actuators on the light assemblies but then the tubes disappear. Has anyone got any ideas on where I should start to troubleshoot? Thanks.
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BenHar
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Post Mon Jan 20, 2014 8:21 pm

They all do that, sir.

Never seen a working one.

Ben
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jmec
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Post Mon Jan 20, 2014 8:53 pm

Cheers Ben, no suprise there. Do you know if it's a MOT requirement?
jimbom30cab
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Post Mon Jan 20, 2014 8:55 pm

Not really as you can adjust the lights on the back of the lights themselves
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Brianmoooore
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Post Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:13 pm

It's not an MOT test requirement to have a working adjuster, but when the hydraulic system fails, it defaults to the lowest setting, which will fail the test.
There's a fine adjustment provided by turning the knurled ring around the body of the hydraulic cylinders on the headlamps, but this still does not usually have enough range to bring the beams up enough. There is a second, coarse adjustment in the form of the steel threaded rods which goes from the front of the cylinders to the headlamp body. If you screw these rods out a couple of turns, then the fine adjustment can be used to set the beams accurately.
If you want to retain remote headlamp adjustment, the electric adjuster motors from an E34 are almost a direct replacement for the original cylinders, or, with a bit more work, E36 electric motors can be used.
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jmec
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Post Tue Jan 21, 2014 8:14 pm

Thanks for the info' Brian. I'm heading for the easiest solution; not inviting fatties with luggage on board. However course adjusters are soaking in WD40 as I write! Cheers.