Headlight Syndrome
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Headlight Syndrome
Hello All
I'm having the headlight problem now. Light either goes up after hesitating or it doesn't goes up at all. It also makes an aweful sound while the motor is spinning. Based on all the threads I've read I believe the problem is with the bushings in the motor gear. All the sites I looked at sells both the bushings and gear together for about $60 or the bushings alone for $5. Based on other member's experiences would the bushings be the only thing I need? or should I just order both the gear and bushings together? I really don't want to waste too much money and I'm not with the car right now so I can't check the motor gear. '89 auto coupe.
I'm having the headlight problem now. Light either goes up after hesitating or it doesn't goes up at all. It also makes an aweful sound while the motor is spinning. Based on all the threads I've read I believe the problem is with the bushings in the motor gear. All the sites I looked at sells both the bushings and gear together for about $60 or the bushings alone for $5. Based on other member's experiences would the bushings be the only thing I need? or should I just order both the gear and bushings together? I really don't want to waste too much money and I'm not with the car right now so I can't check the motor gear. '89 auto coupe.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: clinton ut
Someone needs to chime in here on your headlight motor type. I think 87 and earlier had a different motor but if your 89 is like my 90 you need the bushings and not a gear. I would be surprised if the gear was bad because the bushings are to protect the gear. Bushings just go bad after a number of years.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
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I believe you just need to replace the bushings, at least, that's the most COMMON failure. The 1984-87 headlight motors are different from the 1988-96 design.
The only way to tell is to open up the unit and visually inspect. Plan on carving out the better part of a Saturday or Sunday your first time out.
Click this for the installation instructions and good luck!
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/33098/
The only way to tell is to open up the unit and visually inspect. Plan on carving out the better part of a Saturday or Sunday your first time out.
Click this for the installation instructions and good luck!
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/33098/
Last edited by onedef92; Nov 17, 2004 at 08:29 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City UT
i had the exact same problem with my 91, its either the bushing or the gear is stripped that rotates the light up, the gears are plastic and need to be upgraded to the brass. i think ecklers sales them pretty cheap. 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 13,002
Likes: 4
From: Paint Hill NC
Yeah, you need the bushings. The last one I did actually had the busted gear also. I found a new gear with bushings for around $15 or 20 on ebay if I recall correctly. If you need a gear and can't find it let me know. I will get the guy's email for you. It is a moderately hard job but not too bad.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=561308
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=570000
There are many threads on this.
Harold
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=561308
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=570000
There are many threads on this.
Harold
