alconk

Ok I finished installing both headlight assemblies back in the car and adjusted but the passenger side will not lock up in the up position. I can push up on the bracket that locks it but snaps back. Then I started to adjust the square adjusting bolt to see what that did but snapped it off. Driver's side is fine and don't see any difference between the two. What did I overlook?

Alan 71

Hi a,
Were the two mechanisms taken apart or just removed.
You say you 'adjusted' them...was that when you discovered the problem, or was it after you tried to operate them?
ANY chance of a picture? That might help someone spot a problem.
Regards,
Alan

alconk

I removed the assembly in two pieces, the headlight door with the headlights in them along with the bearings then the framework that bolts to the braces. I didn't remove any mechanism just as a whole unit. And how I adjusted it was with the bearing bolts up and down and the bearing collar for left to right. I did however had to loosen the framework bolts and slide the outer side foward to give me the equal distance from the back of the door to the body. Otherwise when lifted it would scrape.

alconk

I removed the assembly in two pieces, the headlight door with the headlights in them along with the bearings then the framework that bolts to the braces. I didn't remove any mechanism just as a whole unit. And how I adjusted it was with the bearing bolts up and down and the bearing collar for left to right. I did however had to loosen the framework bolts and slide the outer side foward to give me the equal distance from the back of the door to the body. Otherwise when lifted it would scrape.

I did operate the vacuum pods when they were on the bench determining whether to replace any parts and notice the one I'm having trouble with didn't operate as smooth as the other one. But since I snapped the adjuster bolt head I decided to order some new parts.

alconk

Opps, wrong picture , this is of the drivers side which locks in.

alconk

Ok here it is with the two outer larger springs that locks it in place

alconk

Now here is the smaller springs attached and starts to pull it down and won't lock in place

RobRace10

Did you check to see if the bearings are worn out. As I recall I had to replace mine as they were shot. Maybe the extra spring pressure is causing the front assembly to move back in the bearings which then does not allow it to travel far enough to lock in.

alconk

Bearings are fine

jaki30

Looks like the large springs are on the outside of the bracket instead of the inside.
It will make a difference on the over center pull. Try installing the large spring like it is installed on your drivers side.

alconk

I do have it set up like the other one. I can try it though.

alconk

Anybody esle have any ideas?? I'd really like to figure this out so I can put it back together

jnb5101

did you try adjusting the number of turns the actuator rod was screwed into the arm? a little extra length might allow the mechanism to fully extend and lock.

alconk

Oh could that work, I haven't tried that yet. So I want to take extend it a little I take it. I'll try that tonight.

alconk

Yep that was it, thanks but have a related question. Now when the headlights are turned on you can here them lock in place. Is that normal??

jnb5101

yeah, it's only one of many clanks and bangs these cars make.

Rick_V

Is there a sticky somewhere on the forum that explains the adjustment procedure?

alconk

Very happy with the results.