Headlight "securing arm/bracket" question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 998
Likes: 2
Headlight "securing arm/bracket" question
On my left headlight, there is this bracket/securing arm/whatever that fits between two rubber gaskets that "locks" the revolving system or whatever you call it down, allowing the headlight to rotate. When it has come loose the headlight will not rotate. I'm having trouble keeping that locking arm in place. It's worked it's way out twice now after reseating it all the way. What have you guys done to keep it in place??? Thanks....
Just another quirk......
Just another quirk......
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 553
From: Sun Prairie WI
Your description could use some work ... perhaps you are referring to the "Y" shaped stop bracket that fits on splines over the inboard pivot. If so, it is kept in place by tightening the hex bolt so that the diameter pinches on the pivot shaft. It has 2 adjustable hex bolts -- one that strikes the boss on the inner support when closed & and another that strikes the microswitch when open. There is a flat spot on the splines of the pivot that must align with a radial index mark on the "Y" bracket. This is difficult to accomplish with the hood on the car and the headlight motor in place. You'll likely have to rotate the headlamp housing in order to get the pinch bolt to show itself to tighten (7/16" wrench size).
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 998
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by vark_wso
Your description could use some work ... perhaps you are referring to the "Y" shaped stop bracket that fits on splines over the inboard pivot. If so, it is kept in place by tightening the hex bolt so that the diameter pinches on the pivot shaft. It has 2 adjustable hex bolts -- one that strikes the boss on the inner support when closed & and another that strikes the microswitch when open. There is a flat spot on the splines of the pivot that must align with a radial index mark on the "Y" bracket. This is difficult to accomplish with the hood on the car and the headlight motor in place. You'll likely have to rotate the headlamp housing in order to get the pinch bolt to show itself to tighten (7/16" wrench size).
Sorry, described it as best I could. I'm talking about that flat bracket with the bend in it, oblong hole on the left, and the circular hole with "the opening" that fits between the two rubber gaskets on the right.
The second part from the left in your photograph. Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 553
From: Sun Prairie WI
The small race-track slot to the left in the photo attaches to the headlamp motor (along with the black ground wire) via that small machine screw you see on the motor housing just above the yellowish nylon electrical connector housing. The "C" shaped cut-out fits tightly inside a grommet/spacer assembly that has a slot in it. This grommet assembly is then attached to the (metal) upper body support with a #8-24 hex head machine screw about 1" in length. There's a blind hole for this screw usually kind of hidden by the wiring harness crossing over. Look with a mirror.
It gives the motor some support and a cushion of sorts, but should not affect opening or closing of the headlamp bucket. The lockpin on the inner support (sticking up on the photo) indexes with that U-shaped slot on the motor mount housing (top on photo, right by the red bucket) thus preventing the motor from having any rotational movement.
It gives the motor some support and a cushion of sorts, but should not affect opening or closing of the headlamp bucket. The lockpin on the inner support (sticking up on the photo) indexes with that U-shaped slot on the motor mount housing (top on photo, right by the red bucket) thus preventing the motor from having any rotational movement.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 998
Likes: 2
Okay, got that issue resolved, duhhhh..... :o
Now the driver's side (same one) headlight starts to rotate then stops. Then I have to get out and handcrank it a little ways, then it will open up electrically. It closes with no problem.
It also operates much slower than the passenger side light.
I'm wondering if the motor is getting weak, the gears have a worn spot in them, or what????
Anybody else dealt with this???
Now the driver's side (same one) headlight starts to rotate then stops. Then I have to get out and handcrank it a little ways, then it will open up electrically. It closes with no problem.
It also operates much slower than the passenger side light.
I'm wondering if the motor is getting weak, the gears have a worn spot in them, or what????
Anybody else dealt with this???
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,068
Likes: 27
From: St. Joseph Mo
Now the driver's side (same one) headlight starts to rotate then stops. Then I have to get out and handcrank it a little ways, then it will open up electrically.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 998
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by 67L36Driver
Boogered teeth on the output gear. Vendors have new ones @ $25 ea. Buy a pair and do the headlite gearbox boogie. Motor likely needs little more than a drop of machine oil on each bearing.
Time to boogie, thanks....
