head lights
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: PA
head lights
i have a '93 c4 LT1 i just got , when i turn on my head lights after they have opened i hear a clicking on one side , about 7or 8 clicks and then it stops, my question is this, is there a trim setting i can adjust on the head light motor . thanx for any help.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 274
Likes: 12
From: Louisburg NC
Sounds like time to rebuild the drive. It's not hard.
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1988-1996.html
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1988-1996.html
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
You probably have bushings going bad inside the gear..
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=5106
Could be the gear but this motor is famous for the Delron bushings wearing out. Watch the video below and you'll see what is causing your problem.
I never use the brass gears nor do I endorse them...
The gear was designed in plastic and should a failure occur it will not take out the drive gear. If you put brass in there and you have a failure you will destroy the motor. This is basically the same reason GM replaced the second metal worm gear in the 53-77 W series speedo heads with a plastic one and I wish they had done this years and years ago...
But.. I don't think your issue is the large gear, 95 percent of the time the three bushings are wearing out.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=18813
And here is how to fix it.
Headlamp Motor Removal and Rebuild 88-96
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=5106
Could be the gear but this motor is famous for the Delron bushings wearing out. Watch the video below and you'll see what is causing your problem.
I never use the brass gears nor do I endorse them...
The gear was designed in plastic and should a failure occur it will not take out the drive gear. If you put brass in there and you have a failure you will destroy the motor. This is basically the same reason GM replaced the second metal worm gear in the 53-77 W series speedo heads with a plastic one and I wish they had done this years and years ago...
But.. I don't think your issue is the large gear, 95 percent of the time the three bushings are wearing out.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=18813
And here is how to fix it.
Headlamp Motor Removal and Rebuild 88-96
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Nov 17, 2012 at 07:42 PM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 622
Likes: 13
From: UNION CITY TENNESSEE
OK I have a follow-up question. My lights open and close with no clicks or clunks, but both motors continue to spin (equal amount of time each) for 2 or 3 seconds after they are fully open or closed. Is it normal for the motors to run for a couple of seconds (no weird noises) after the rotation stops ?
Last edited by BGZQ8; Nov 18, 2012 at 09:44 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 534
OK I have a follow-up question. My lights open and close with no clicks or clunks, but both motors continue to spin (equal amount of time each) for 2 or 3 seconds after they are fully open or closed. Is it normal for the motors to run for a couple of seconds (no weird noises) after the rotation stops ?
I have never had problems with the bushings, though they should not be overlooked. It was always the gears coming apart.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 622
Likes: 13
From: UNION CITY TENNESSEE
But mine open and close fully on their own without any clicking at all. Smooth as silk. I just wanted to know if it was normal for the motor "*****" to continue to spin for 2 or 3 seconds after the lights come to a stop. BTW the motors both stop spinning at the same time also.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 42
From: Baltimore, MD USA
There were two style of motors. 84-87 and 88-96.
84-87 motors used mechanical switches to turn the motors
on and off and 3 mechanical relays to determine what direction the motors turned. This style motor used no delrin
bushings and the failure was usually stripped teeth on the driven gear, magnets coming unglued inside the housing or bad switches.
88-96 motors were controlled by a electronic control module that monitored the current draw from each motor.
When the 3 delrin bushings wear out they allow excessive
slippage so the motor continues to run until the motor draws enough current for the control module to shut them off.
The delrin bushings act as a clutch to allow the motor to
absorb the shock when it makes contact with the stop,
Replacing the 3 bushings in the motor usually cures
the problem in the 88-96 headlight motors.
You can purchase the bushings at any auto part store
that sells Dorman products. They are usually found in
the HELP isle. Dorman 74410 is the part number. They are
also used in Ford power window motors. Yes you can
find them cheaper on line but by the time you pay for shipping the price is the same. You would need 2 sets since
they come 3 to a package.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,785
Likes: 5,624
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Here is link, follow the instructions, very easy and less then two hours to complete, just take your time.
http://home.comcast.net/~zrjuan/headlight.html
http://home.comcast.net/~zrjuan/headlight.html
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Callaway MD
While you have it all apart I'd replace the 2 nylon bushings on the pivot shaft. You can order them from this place. Stopped all the wobble on mine.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#snap-in-bearings/=intfl9
http://www.mcmaster.com/#snap-in-bearings/=intfl9
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: PA
got the kit , gear and bushings and dove in . thanx to the "how to video and great help 3 hrs. later both head lamps were done and working perfectly . this job is ez , if i can do it so can you.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville NC
Pirate, which pivot shaft bushings (part number) did you get to replace yours? I recently fixed my headlight motors and noticed these were worn, thanks for the link as I didn't know how I was going to find these little things!