C5 Head light noise
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Martinsburg WV
C5 Head light noise
I have a loud grinding noise when I shut of the head lights. They open & close fine except 4 the grinding noise on the passenger side. Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Carl
Pro
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Whitesboro Texas
Your plastic headlight gears are stripped. This is a well known issue with the C5 cars. They make replacement gears made of metal (brass I think) that you can fix it with. Search the forum and you will probably find countless replies to this issue. Mine did the same thing, but was covered under warranty.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
ebay buy
you can pick up the plastic one on ebay for around 15 bucks. I had the same problem and replaced mine in about 45 minutes. didnt see the brass ones but I would bet they are there as well.
Navigator
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Allentown PA
I had one go bad last year. Picked up the brass replacement kits from Rodney Dickman for both sides since I wanted a permanent fix. The first one took a couple hours to take apart and reassemble and I let the epoxy dry overnight. The second one only took a half hour since it was the same process. Both lights now perfect. Excellent instructions with great pictures.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: harvest AL
I recently replaced the drivers side with a Rodney Dickman kit that has the metal gear plus the gear lube, epoxy, and a neat strap that helps hold the gear case together. Pretty easy to do, but it does take some time to get the headlight assembly out and back in again. Be sure to let the epoxy dry overnight per the instructions. Mine had been repaired before and the epoxy job was poorly done and the cover came loose from the gear case which allowed the gear to flop around when under torque from the motor. It made the same noise as described but was not stripped. By all means fix it yourself.
jcs44
jcs44
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Martinsburg WV
C5 Head light noise
I'm new hear & I want to thank everone on the quick replys of my problem.
I ordered both gears from Rodney Dickman yesterday. He confirmed they were shipped today. Thanks again for all your help. Great Site.
I ordered both gears from Rodney Dickman yesterday. He confirmed they were shipped today. Thanks again for all your help. Great Site.
