Headlight Question - Bad Bushing?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Headlight Question - Bad Bushing?
Quick question I wanted to verify with someone. I noticed one night my passenger light didn't flip so I tried again and got it to flip half way, then the next couple tries still only went half way and would kinda dangle sorta freely aiming the light down straight at the ground. A couple days later I gave it a few tries, first try didn't move and the next 3 tries it turned fully open no issue. I have no grinding noises but I do notice that passenger side motor will continue for about 5 seconds after the light is fully open/closed [like it doesnt know it is]. Is this a symptom of the bushings inside going bad?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,432
Likes: 3,285
From: Hartford WI
There are those who feel like "since it held up so long, why screw with it?". I can only tell you my experience which is that I bought the bronze gears and pellets since I didn't know what I would find. Went in and changed both. Kept the old plastic gears. One day, just for the hell of it, I used a bright light to look at the gears. I found a couple of hairline cracks that I missed during initial inspection. I don't want to go in again so while I am there, I really don't see that much more cost to change it. If it were $1000 for the gears, I might decide to wait till it breaks. For what it costs, I might as well TRY to eliminate going back in anytime soon and kicking myself for not having it done. Your call.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 183
Likes: 41
From: N.E. Ohio
The brass gears are overkill . If you feel the need to replace them just get new plastic . One more option is aluminum , which may be cheaper than the brass , but still overkill . What ever you go with the bushings will fail first so don't think this is a one and done .
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,432
Likes: 3,285
From: Hartford WI
I agree that the brass is overkill. Thst said, I'd feel more confident with Chinese brass than Chinese plastic when it comes to longevity.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 260
Likes: 49
From: Florence ALABAMA
I would do the gear as well. Thought my bushings were bad in my 89, so I actually got a good deal on a rebuilt motor. Took the old motor apart and the bushings were fine, but the gear had a huge crack from the center all the way across.
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