Headlight issue (gear was replaced)
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Headlight issue (gear was replaced)
New to the forum and have an issue with my headlight.
About 2 months ago I had the factory, stripped hear replaced with a brass one by the dealership since I didn't have the tools to fix it at the time. After a few days I noticed the headlight shuts unusually hard, almost slams down and is about .5cm from being shut all the way. I didn't think anything of it until recently. Now it sometimes doesn't come up unless I manually shut it all the way. Also, it started making grinding sounds after it goes up or down for a few seconds. Anyone else have this issue after replacing the gears?
About 2 months ago I had the factory, stripped hear replaced with a brass one by the dealership since I didn't have the tools to fix it at the time. After a few days I noticed the headlight shuts unusually hard, almost slams down and is about .5cm from being shut all the way. I didn't think anything of it until recently. Now it sometimes doesn't come up unless I manually shut it all the way. Also, it started making grinding sounds after it goes up or down for a few seconds. Anyone else have this issue after replacing the gears?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 212
Likes: 3
Sounds like they did not get the flat spots on the main shaft back in the same position as when it was removed, before they put the arm back on. When you take the metal piece out of the plastic gear it is important to make sure the location of the flat spots on the shaft are put back in the same position.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 212
Likes: 3
I just did mine last Saturday, but I used the aluminum gear kits off of e-bay. 2 aluminum gears were cheaper than one brass gear, Additionally the kit came with grease, gloves, sticks for grease application, seals for the old type of actuator and brackets for the new type and lastly some dielectric grease for the headlight connections.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
There are TWO white PLASTIC STOPS on the head light assembly. That's where the head light STOPS against when it raises and lowers.
If those plastic stops are damaged or missing, it can cause opening and shutting issues.
The grinding is not normal. I would first inspect the stops and see if they are there and not damaged. You can purchase new plastic stops and install them on the housing assy.
BC
If those plastic stops are damaged or missing, it can cause opening and shutting issues.
The grinding is not normal. I would first inspect the stops and see if they are there and not damaged. You can purchase new plastic stops and install them on the housing assy.
BC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 680
From: The beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast!!
Here is a link to a thread that has pics of the bump stops that Bill speaks to . 4 per headlight, ie 2 for stopping the open and 2 for stopping the close. I'm certain Bill meant to say 2 PAIR of plastic stops 
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ght-shake.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ght-shake.html
I only have 3 each side on my '02. I've never been able to find the mounting post for the 4th bumper stop. I know where it's supposed to be, it's just not there.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
As an aside, the stops do not need to appear damaged for them to cause issues. I don't think they will cause the grinding the OP is talking about, but I'll defer that to the folks who've seen more of this.
My stops had barely a dimple on them where they had rested for years. I don't think the surface of the plastic had compressed .030", yet the lights failed to raise and lower.
My stops had barely a dimple on them where they had rested for years. I don't think the surface of the plastic had compressed .030", yet the lights failed to raise and lower.
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From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Rodney Dickman, who makes the brass gears, also makes plastic stops out if a better material than the factory. I use them in my car and they don't wear out. They are fairly cheap too.