C70 Headlight wiring indsultion disintergrating

[lat41lon71]

My 2008 C70 headlight wiring insulation is crumbling, falling apart. It does not appear to be the result of melting or a fault but it is cracking and peeling away. I noticed this as I replaced the original low beams with some new Sylvanias. Easy, quick job I thought before I discovered plastic dropping off leaving actual bare spots in places and ready to do that in others. I looked to see if the entire wiring inside the lamp that stops at several different bulbs was its own part number, but alas, I don't think so. Only alternative a whole new lamp A$$embly? Shrink wrapped and taped for now. Repair could last 2 years or 2 weeks. Who knows.

[MadeInJapan]

I think you did the right thing- would have done the same. I don't seen any real wiring here either and typically this is the most comprehensive:
http://www.tascaparts.com/auto-parts/20 ... nents-scat

[mf70]

I wonder about the cause. Perhaps some cleaning chemical has compromised the insulation plastic. If you can inspect the wire runs, how far back from the headlights does the failure extend? How is the flexibility of the insulation in other places in the car, such as under the seats?

As far as repair, if you've caught it before the wires have become corroded, and if your repair is able to bridge from the connectors to the still-good parts of the harness, I'd say you have it licked. Two "if's" however. Aside from heat shrink, there is also "Liquid Lectric Tape," a heavy body version of the vinyl dip sold in various forms. I have had good results with it where I was not able to slip heat-shrink tube over the wire.