my pass side headlight has some play in the linkage and I get light bouncing up and down while driving, its the last rod that has the white caps over the end, is this a common problem? Seems like if i push to make it seat better on the end it tightens up but always just pops loose after a couple min of driving.

 

bumping this thread because I have this same issue and cannot find out how to fix it.
any input guys?

 

You can purchase that linkage individually from Ray at Malloy Mazda for less than $20. I had the same problem and just replaced mine. Very simple fix.

 

if you find the part number , please let me know because I'm havingt the same issue its still mild but it bugs me hah

 

Is the plastic piece that pops into the round ball on properly. I had the same problem. Took off the headlight and the plastic was on the ball but off the linkage. Easy fix.

 

I'm having the same issue. I pulled both my connecting rods for the retractors today since I had the bouncing beam problem. I found the worn plastic ball-joint piece connected to the rod which was the culprit.

So when you replace the rod, does it come with all the parts in the picture?
The ball joints on each end and the shorter linkage?

 

bumping this thread because I hate searching for things and finding threads without a solution. As stated before, the bouncing headlight issue is typically due to the headlight rod, or more specifically, not the rod in itself, but the white round caps that are in it will eventually disintegrate over time.

When I bought my current FD, I noticed the same bouncing headlight the first time I drove at night. I ordered a replacement rod from Ray @ Malloy Mazda. Pretty simple to replace and install. Just pop up the headlights like you would if you were adjusting your headlights, remove the black plastic bezel, and reach under and to the side, pop the remaining white cap off, and be careful not to let the headlight drop suddenly. Installing only consists of lining up the open end of the white cap and using a little force, pop the white cap onto the existing metal *****. Not hard because the new rods have an ample amount of grease in the white caps already. I gently tapped mine on using a socket extension and a hammer. Total time should take about 5-10 minutes per side, super easy.

For those wanting the part number:





Bottom part installed:


Top part installed on the headlight bucket:


Hope this helps anyone that searches.

 

Thanks for posting that up! Nice that the part comes pre-lubed too.

Easy fix to an annoying problem, can't beat that.

Dale

 

Especially can't beat a post with part numbers. There should be a thread just for that. Post your new part and the part number.