Driver Side Headlight gear issue

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Jun 27, 2013 | 10:34 AM

PAULMC

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 22

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Driver Side Headlight gear issue

I searched the posts but didn't see an answer. My driver side headlight has been pretty sporadic going up and down. A little twist of the adjustment in a counter-clockwise rotation will help for a few times, but then I get no movement again. If I replace the motor, what can I expect in repair costs? I'm somewhat mechanical. Is this something that I might easily replace on my own?

Jun 27, 2013 | 11:54 AM

runner140*

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 8,700

Likes: 298

From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl

Paul, sounds like you have a gear problem. Do you hear a grinding noise when opening/turning on the headlights? The gear is make of plastic and should be replaced by a new brass gear. Its not a difficult job.

RodneyDickman.com sells the complete kit. Step by step instructions with pictures. The kit comes with everything.

Jun 27, 2013 | 02:52 PM

MG RED 99

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 1,932

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From: Warrenville Il

Do a google search: c5 corvette headlight gear replacement instructions
Here you will find links to the forum with instructions and also youtube videos of the procedure. Fairly simple process and Rodney Dickman sells a nice brass gear replacement kit. Do not buy the original plastic gear unless you really like changing them often.

FYI on certain models i believe 97-99's the gears housing comes apart with screws. Later years you will have to seperate the gear cover and use glue to reseal the cover back on. Some kits will also come with adhesive included. Many have done this repair.

Jun 27, 2013 | 03:42 PM

Patches

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 23,283

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From: Lake Elsinore, CA

Here's the thread I posted about issue.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...orialized.html

Jun 27, 2013 | 04:46 PM

PAULMC

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 22

Likes: 2

Thanks so much. All posts were a great help. I can do the repair myself, and probably will, but has anyone had to pay the dealer, etc., for the repair? Just wondering what a dealer might charge if I find I don't have the time.

Jul 1, 2013 | 11:01 AM

MG RED 99

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 1,932

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From: Warrenville Il

Most likely the dealer will require you to replace the entire motor/gear assembly since they will not just replace the gear due to the fact that some years aren't technically serviceable even though they can be with a little effort. my guess would be 200-300 for motor/gear and 100-150 for labor. These are just guesstimates though. If you really want to know for sure though call a dealer and ask for a quote to replace the gear and see what their procedure is for that. I would be shocked if they replaced the gear with a brass gear for you.

Jul 1, 2013 | 01:47 PM

Dennis Wilson

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 3,699

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From: Sun City- Menifee Calif.

I did a quick fix on mine around 3 years ago. You can take the linkage off the gear from the inside, rotate the gear 180 degrees with the manual ****, reattach the linkage, and you`re good to go! I did it from the bottom, but if you have small enough hands you might be able to do it from above. Just don`t drop the nut.