84 - 87 head lights
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte, NC USA
84 - 87 head lights
Okay, I did a search and could not find anything on this problem so if this is one of those "old subjects" that just keeps coming back, I appologize.
My passenger side head light seems to be "eating" gear sets. I replace them myself and the process seems rather easy, especially after three times! The problem is that the same, large gear keeps failing. Is there some "trick" to this repair that I may not be aware of thus causing premature wear? I'm getting rather tired of replacing the darn thing. Any suggestions, hints or advice will be greatly appreciated.
My passenger side head light seems to be "eating" gear sets. I replace them myself and the process seems rather easy, especially after three times! The problem is that the same, large gear keeps failing. Is there some "trick" to this repair that I may not be aware of thus causing premature wear? I'm getting rather tired of replacing the darn thing. Any suggestions, hints or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: 84 - 87 head lights (Black84)
Hmmm,Im thinking of scenarios here.
Did you use any grease on the gears?
If not,you need to use some grease.
Also,is the wear or teeth breaking off or more pronounced on one side of the gear?
Around the motor armature itself,is a metal cylinder case with magnets halves inside.Are they still glued to the metal sleeve or did they break off loose?
These magnets can break off inside and cause alot of movement with the worm gear.
Happened to me once before.
Or,did you buy the same plastic gear from the same supplier?If so,who was it and was the build quality cheap?
Have you considered the brass gears they sell for more durability?
Just ideas.
:)
Did you use any grease on the gears?
If not,you need to use some grease.
Also,is the wear or teeth breaking off or more pronounced on one side of the gear?
Around the motor armature itself,is a metal cylinder case with magnets halves inside.Are they still glued to the metal sleeve or did they break off loose?
These magnets can break off inside and cause alot of movement with the worm gear.
Happened to me once before.
Or,did you buy the same plastic gear from the same supplier?If so,who was it and was the build quality cheap?
Have you considered the brass gears they sell for more durability?
Just ideas.
:)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,464
Likes: 1
From: Modesto CA
Re: 84 - 87 head lights (Bill's86Coupe)
It's fairly common...I would upgrade to the brass gears if I were you. I've noticed that the gears are literally brittle FROM THE FACTORY and when that screw goes over em, it literally EATS it each time. So, upgrade to bronze...you won't be sorry. :D
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 5
From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: 84 - 87 head lights (Black84)
The radiator overfill hose tends to get caught in the headlight movement, dragging it down. Make sure the hose bracket is in place by the frame next to the overflow bottle.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 1
From: Springfield VA
Re: 84 - 87 head lights (Black84)
I had the same problem with my 86. It kept eating the driver's side gears. After the second set I got the brass gear set and replaced both sides, no more problem. I think the tolerances on the brass gears are better also. It may be my imagination, but they seem quieter and smoother going up and down now.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte, NC USA
Re: 84 - 87 head lights (96LT1)
I had the same problem with my 86. It kept eating the driver's side gears. After the second set I got the brass gear set and replaced both sides, no more problem. I think the tolerances on the brass gears are better also. It may be my imagination, but they seem quieter and smoother going up and down now.
