Busted Wires.. That Old Chestnut

[SteveB]

I've got the dreaded rear wire breakage into the tailgait ( top left ) meaning the boot won't open without the key and the reversing lights don't work ( as well as , I suspect , cause a massive drain whenever the rear windf screen is switched on causing the car to stall ). ( Galaxy 2.0TDI Y reg )

 

I looked at it yesterday and it looks like it been repaired once before, the question is, if I can get one from a breakers, how easy is it to put a new loom in? ( if I repair it, chances are it'll just go again ).

 

thanks

 

SteveB

Edited November 19, 2007 by SteveB

[viking]

I had the same problem three and a half years ago. Wires fracture within the rubber gaitor. In my case the bared ends punchured the gaitor causing it to be replaced. I selected the same gauge wires, colour immateial and cut the lot out (about 40 to 50 CM). I then spliced each wire either end using slim bullet connectors. The joined wires were spread flatly to enable the trim to fit back into place. Eventually the problem will re-occur but that will happen even with a new loom. When it happens again all I need to do is unplug the wires and replace ! . Must be a hell of a lot cheaper than replacing the loom.

[chromedome]

You would think that manufacturers would use what's called "Tinsel" wire. It's a mixture of fabric and copper and is often used in telephone cords. These would definately last the life of the vehicle.

[big_kev]

I looked at it yesterday and it looks like it been repaired once before, the question is, if I can get one from a breakers, how easy is it to put a new loom in? ( if I repair it, chances are it'll just go again ).

thanks

 

SteveB

 

Its quite easy to take the loom out....the connectors do fit through the holes in the body.

I would advise repairing it with some new wire just make sure you keep the connections well away from the hinge, a foot either side or more is sufficient, get the most flexible wire you can find of the correct size.

 

If you get one from a breakers it might be worse than the one you have.

 

 

You would think that manufacturers would use what's called "Tinsel" wire. It's a mixture of fabric and copper and is often used in telephone cords. These would definately last the life of the vehicle.

 

It would last up until the moment you put your lights on as the current would burn through it almost instantly.

The best type of wire you can get is that designed for test leads ( multimeters etc ) just make sure you have the right diameter ( copper not plastic ).

[pe3te]

I had the same problem three and a half years ago. Wires fracture within the rubber gaitor. In my case the bared ends punchured the gaitor causing it to be replaced. I selected the same gauge wires, colour immateial and cut the lot out (about 40 to 50 CM). I then spliced each wire either end using slim bullet connectors. The joined wires were spread flatly to enable the trim to fit back into place. Eventually the problem will re-occur but that will happen even with a new loom. When it happens again all I need to do is unplug the wires and replace ! . Must be a hell of a lot cheaper than replacing the loom.

where did you make your joints if all wires (like mine need to be jointed the crimps would stop the tailgate shuting)do you do joints in head lining area or tailgate area reagds pete