Surely there is an easier way to aim the headlamps

[nickels]

Asked a tech how to aim my headlamps after a few failed attempts (read... can be adjusted with swearing and bleeding...

1. Pull the retainer clips.
2. Remove the headlamp assembly.
3. Adjust screws.
4. Remount. See how far off you were or if you went the wrong way.

5. Repeat steps 1-4 until you are close enough to give up.

The guy I talked to said on average, it takes him 10 minutes and 15-20 tries. Because the adjustments are in a triangle, you don't just go up and down. Tightening each bolt does the following. Mostly Up, Right, mostly Right, Down, and mostly Left, Up.

The only other alternative I have is to find a stubby ratcheting wrench.

From the tip of the EIGHTH INCH bolt, I have 3/4 an inch of clearance, and no, I don't have an access. I could, potentially drill through my rad support, but I'd rather not. So, even if I could find a 1/8" socket, it wouldn't fit. Finding a 1/8th ratcheting wrench has been a fruitless effort so far. I found a cheap mastercraft normal length wrench, but it needs a 1/4 turn to click over, and I can only get a 1/12ish turn in. If I had a stubby wrench I could possibly get in a 1/3rd turn, provided the wrench is less than 4" long.

If anybody knows where I can find a stubby, 1/8th inch ratcheting wrench, let me know. Because this whole pulling it out to aim it thing sounds absolutely stupid. and if I keep trying to use pliers (ha I gave that up about 1/100th of a turn in) I'll round off the head.

It's a 2010 by the way. From what I've heard, it's the first and last year to have these adjustment bolts without an access through the rad support.

I would pay Mazda to do it, but they have tried 4 times now and I'm not happy with the aim. I don't blame them for messing it up, if they are pulling the assembly and guessing with each turn of the bolt.

 

[adsm08]

Well I can't say that I have tried to aim headlights on a 2010 yet, so I can speak to that part first had. I went and looked up the instructions in the shop manual, it was frustratingly unhelpful, referring me to the owner's manual.

That does sound like something stupid enough for me to believe it was done though.

I'm not sure anyone makes an 1/8" ratcheting wrench, but the Craftsman ignition wrench sets will have some pretty short combo units in there, and I know they have a 1/8. That might get you where you want to be.

 

[simpler=better]

It's a 2010 by the way. From what I've heard, it's the first and last year to have these adjustment bolts without an access through the rad support.

If the 2011+ has an access hole, I'd say you're safe to drill a hole.

Stick something on the back of the adjustment screws so they mark exactly where you need to drill. Just be sure to paint over the bare metal after drilling so you don't rust out your radiator support.

Alternatively, one of these with an 1/8" socket glued inside

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-16-inch-side-terminal-battery-ratchet-wrench-97261.html

or one of these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-thumbwheel-ratchet-set-94011.html