MyBlueC5

After the last few weeks of not having the headlamp door closing all the way, I took the motor apart.

Does anyone know where you can buy a replacement gear? Obviously the dealer wants to sell the whole assy. I haven't checked Mid America yet but wondering if anyone knew of any place of the top of their head.


Thanks,

Mark

Grumpy

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...eadlight+motor

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...eadlight+motor

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=885393

eddie44

Grumpy's got you covered. Definitely go with the brass replacement. You'll probably never have to do it again. Can't believe GM uses 80's Fiero motor on the C5 but then I guess that's how the keep the price tag down. Good Luck!

RedRider98

Rodneydickman.com

MyBlueC5

Guys, thanks. I did a search and apparently did type in the right thing... couldn't get the answers I needed. Much appreciated.

Ordered the brass.

Mark

Pumba

I just ordered a set from the following web site - http://www.rodneydickman.com - $83.00 for a pair, including the shipping.

00whitevette

Its a breeze I done mine in about 30 minutes or so. Love those brass gears. The $33 dollars for one was worth the money. I had to repalce the drivers side. Never have to worry about that side again. Thanks Ron

CE2004

I have a couple of plastic Motormite Help brand gears that I picked up when some forum members inquired about them. (Brand new in retail packaging.) Have 3 sitting in my office. If I recall, the price was in the $20 range. PM me and I'll send you a price with shipping, and payment via Paypal.

MyBlueC5

Man, I wish I had read that part first. Obviously the brass ones are better but for as easy and simple as they are to replace, I would have stuck the plastic ones back in if I could have gotten them.... besides, they last over 40K miles, I'm sure they would have lasted a while longer.

But alas, I ordered one from Mid America... and since I wanted it ASAP, I paid around 40sum bucks for the brass one and 30 something to ship it next day.

Thanks anyways...

Mark

CE2004

For future reference, the Motormite Help! Part Number is 42400 (so forum members can find/order it from a local auto parts store.) It should retail around $10-$13. I could sell any forum member that part via Paypal, ship via Priority Mail at $14.50 delivered. These come with very basic instructions, but I think you'll really need the shop manual or find someone here to instruct you on how to remove the motor and replace the gear.

I think there's a case to be made for the design of the nylon OE type gear. The best argument I've heard is that when there's a problem/obstruction, the nylon gear will simply strip preventing damage to your expensive headlight motor assembly. Brass gears don't strip.

Anyway, I have three of the nylon gears here on my desk if the forum folks can't find them locally. Just PM me.

BlueBlazer

I can see this being a future mod for me. My left headlight every now and then refuses to go up/down.
Until I raise it manualy under the hood then it will raise and lower again with the switch.

MyBlueC5

Blazer,

Replacing the gear is a 10 minute deal.

Raise the headlamps.

Remove the screws that hold the plastic bezel around the headlamp.

Remove (3) 10mm bolts holding the motor to the headlamp assy. (one is a bolt with a nut on the end, the other two are just bolts)

Unplug the wiring to the motor.

Remove (3) 7mm bolts holding the cover for the gear.

Replace gear, reinstall.

Literally a 10 minute fix.

Mark

leaftye

The Sticky has a link to the brass gears and another link to instructions w/pictures for replacing it.

CE2004, thanks for the tips on the plastic gears. I prefer to stick with the plastic gears, and have been wondering for a long time if replacement plastic gears existed since I do not want the heavier metal gears. I will add your info to the Sticky....even though I may be the only person here finicky enough about weight to prefer lighter plastic gears over more stronger metal gears.

Eugene

MyBlueC5

Leaftye,

The sticky is a great post but just for the record, it is completely unneccessary to remove the headlamp assy to pull the motor off to get to the gear.

Not flaming that method, just trying to make it as easy and fast as possible.

Mark

DJLAW202

I found it a little difficult getting the part out without moving the headlight assembly. I did get it out, but it took my a couple hours

There is not much room to work with to get in there with the headlight assembly still intact. I must have big hands.

corvettedaddy11

Top-Down Solutions.com kit $44.00 bucks!!

03WhiteConv

I have this kit sitting on my desk now. Good price, fast shipping, good directions in the box. Now if they could just install themselves...

Sramoo

Is that site (Rodneydickman) still in business? I see the page, but the cart doesn't seem to work........

MSG C5

Does anyone know if this procedure is the same for those of us who installed aftermarket light housings such as ACA? I would think it would be considering the gear is separate from the housing, however I am curious if there are any special steps or cautions that need to be taken.