85 CORVETTE HEADLAMP MOTOR

[MICHAEL GIAMO]

MOTOR WILL CLOSE HEADLAMP BUT NOT OPEN, WHATS THE PROBLEM ?

[Tom S.]

Re: 85 CORVETTE HEADLAMP MOTOR

It needs the bushings replaced. There are 3 fiber bushings inside that just disinegrate. You need to pull it apart and replace thaem. When you do one plan on doing the other. It will go shortly afterwards.Tom

[Dave Thornton]

Re: 85 CORVETTE HEADLAMP MOTOR

If the motors are original, I don't believe 85's have the three bushings. Those were in the later motors. When my 86 had this problem I replaced the 2 gears in the motor assembly. Pretty easy to do, but you have tho remove the headlight assembly. 1st one took about an hour. 2nd one 20 minutes. Gears are available from most Corvette parts suppliers. Before you do this check your electrical connections. You might also use a volt meter to make sure the motor is getting power when you try to retract the headlights.

[Jim T.]

Re: 85 CORVETTE HEADLAMP MOTOR

My 85's right headlight is still original and operates great. Can't say that about the left one. First problem with the left one was what already has been mentioned, the gears that rotate the headlight up and down. Really very easy to replace, disconnect the electrical connection, remove the headlight cover (torx screws), then remove the nuts that retain the headlignt assembly and take it to the work area and take the motor housing apart and replace the gears. Reinstall. This was done about 6 or more years ago. Most recent problem this year was a problem with the left headlight going up and down. Removed it thinking the gears I had replaced were broken and found the rubber shock absorber material that mounts in the big gear had deteriated, dislodged, and had clogged up the gearing. Have not found a source for the rubber shock absorbers. Reassembled the headlight without the rubber shock absorbers and did not connect the electrical connection. Don't drive the 85 all that much so not having a headlight on the left side is OK for now. If I had to drive it needing headlights, it is no problem to rotate the knob and raise the headlight. Having control of the fog lights independently, the left side would be illuminated anyway. My headlight repair was really easy the first time.

[Dave P.]

Re: 85 CORVETTE HEADLAMP MOTOR

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[Tom S.]

Re: 85 CORVETTE HEADLAMP MOTOR

Dave
I stand corrected, you are right the 84-887 motors are differant. I just did both om my 88 a short while ago. I assumed, and we all know what happens when you do that.You will need the gear kit for this one, I did one about 10 years ago and had forgoten about the differance. Tom