Changing headlight actuator seals...quick ?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 248
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From: Houma LA
Changing headlight actuator seals...quick ?
I am about to change the headlight actuator seals. I'm hoping that'll fix the problem as to why my headlights don't close(or open for that matter). Do I need to remove the actuators or can I do it without taking them off?
Thanks
J.thib
Thanks
J.thib
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
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From: Orrtanna Pa.
Re: Changing headlight actuator seals...quick ? (ice pac)
I had to remove mine,put them in a bench vise and heat the actuater rod with a torch to remove the end in order to change the seals. Worked like a champ after I was done,but old age and rusty threads made for a fun job.
This is pretty much the norm though when working on older cars. :smash:
This is pretty much the norm though when working on older cars. :smash:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
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Re: Changing headlight actuator seals...quick ? (ice pac)
I'm almost 100% you do because I think you have to take the actuator out to get the seal's retaining ring off.
Here's a couple of articles on the process...
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2002...s/lights-1.asp
http://www.zip-corvette.com/has.htm
I've pulled the actuators a couple of times. It's not too bad a job, just protect the hood so you don't scratch it. Remember, when the hood is up, you can tilt the top (back) of it forward a little to give yourself some extra room to get the acutators out at the bottom (front).
Here's a couple of articles on the process...
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2002...s/lights-1.asp
http://www.zip-corvette.com/has.htm
I've pulled the actuators a couple of times. It's not too bad a job, just protect the hood so you don't scratch it. Remember, when the hood is up, you can tilt the top (back) of it forward a little to give yourself some extra room to get the acutators out at the bottom (front).
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: Changing headlight actuator seals...quick ? (71,454,4spd)
:iagree:
I don't see a need for a torch on this job.
I don't see a need for a torch on this job.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Changing headlight actuator seals...quick ? (BSeery)
What BSeery said. You'd be amazed how mild the metal is in that darned rod. It takes very little torque to sheer it (say, like putting a screwdriver through the eye to turn it, which is how I broke one of mine). Anything you can do to loosen it up--heat, PB Blaster, whatever--is a good idea IMHO>
JB
JB
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From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '06
Father & Son St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Changing headlight actuator seals...quick ? (ice pac)
Yes. Remove them from the car. Best advice I can give you is remove your hood first. Put scribe marks around the hinge mounts and have someone help youlift it off. After the hood is out of the way, the rest is MUCH easier.
Read the tech articles first.
Read the tech articles first.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
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From: Huntersville NC
Those links are generally good instructional articles... But if you are following the instructions and pics closely, pls note that one of the articles will have you sliding the seal on BACKWARDS!!!! :eek:
Which one is right!??
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Which one is right!??
:lol: :lol: :lol:
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: San Jose CA
Re: (MNJack)
Though I'm fairly sure that's a joke, I'll respond. ;)
The bottom one is correct. The top of the seal fits into a little gap on the rod. The bottom part tucks in. Makes your actuators work great.
Make sure to replace the dust boot, too.
I didn't have problems with my threads sticking, but that doesn't mean you won't. Much better to be on the safe side!
-Steve
The bottom one is correct. The top of the seal fits into a little gap on the rod. The bottom part tucks in. Makes your actuators work great.
Make sure to replace the dust boot, too.
I didn't have problems with my threads sticking, but that doesn't mean you won't. Much better to be on the safe side!
-Steve
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
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From: Huntersville NC
No joke!
Though I'm fairly sure that's a joke, I'll respond. ;)
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
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From: San Jose CA
Re: No joke! (MNJack)
No, I know what you mean. That article had me wondering too. :eek:
I was rather confused at first, seeing two different ways. So, I just tore it down and figured out the right way. (Donut first!)
I musta missed the forum member having issues w/ it! Poor guy!
-Steve
I was rather confused at first, seeing two different ways. So, I just tore it down and figured out the right way. (Donut first!)
I musta missed the forum member having issues w/ it! Poor guy!
-Steve
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
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From: Huntersville NC
Re: No joke! (Pacin'California)
I musta missed the forum member having issues w/ it! Poor guy!
-Steve
-Steve
MJ
