Annoying little headlight motors

[mrmartin23]

So I order a rebuild kit from Third Gen to fix my annoying LH headlight motor. I planed a Saturday to do this and a good thing that I did. The kit that I recieved was NOT the right one at all. The gear housing does not have any bushing that you are to replace. It is a single gear piece that the plastic threads wear out on the stopping point to the metal worm drive shaft of the actuator motor. I looked around on the web and found a quick way of fixing it, which is to turn the gear 180 degrees so the worn part is not used as the stop. There is a brass gear you can order (and I plan to) that will make it last.

Point: You do not have to take apart the motor housing. Doing so will let those little motor brake springs pop out and that is a chore to get back in. The gear housing will pop off with a center punch on the steel shaft and then it is just a matter of cleaning the gunk out and rotating/replacing the gear.

That killed my Saturday-----

Not a rant in the least bit I just wish to inform those who have not done this that there is an easier way that what I went through--------

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by mrmartin23

.

That killed my Saturday-----

Ahh, but atleast it is a justification for down'n a few brews in peace

But yes, you do have to be very speculative from what you order, esspecially on-line.

[wufpak18]

Yeah, I've killed many a days messing with either the headlight motors or the window motors, but i've gotten quite good at them so it doesn't take near as long. Don't worry you'll do better next, and there will be a next a time.

[Morley]

You must have an early model Firebird. The later 3rd gens have the little delrin buttons in the main drive gear.

[mrmartin23]

Originally Posted by Morley

You must have an early model Firebird. The later 3rd gens have the little delrin buttons in the main drive gear.

That was the kit that I bought for my year (1996) but it was not the right one when I took it apart.

[Morley]

Originally Posted by mrmartin23

That was the kit that I bought for my year (1996) but it was not the right one when I took it apart.

If it was the kit from Top Down solutions, it is only for 87-92 Firebirds.

[mrmartin23]

Originally Posted by Morley

If it was the kit from Top Down solutions, it is only for 87-92 Firebirds.

RUT ROH------------

I might have to look at that. But it really is no big deal it was only $17.00 with shipping and I did use the gaskets and lube. Plus it got fixed and works great now.

[mrmartin23]

So this is the metal replacement part. I dont know if I can link the site on the forums. If not then anyone who needs this can e-mail me.