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Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors - The Light Brigade

C4 Headlamp Motors Can Be A Real Pain. Fortunately, Fixing Them Doesn't Have To Be
From the June, 2009 issue of Vette
By Jay Heath
Photography by Jay Heath
Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Corvette
Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Closed Lamps
If you've owned a C4 Vette... 
   
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Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Closed Lamps
If you've owned a C4 Vette for long, you've most likely encountered problems with one or both of your car's electrically operated headlamp motors. Signs of an ailing motor include a lamp that fails to open or close, opens or closes only partway, or makes a loud popping sound while in motion. Even if only one lamp is exhibiting problems, it makes sense to fix both of them while you're at it.
Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Removing Bolts
AntiVenom's unofficial chief... 
   
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Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Removing Bolts
AntiVenom's unofficial chief headlamp technician Rashelle Lovell begins the repair by removing the bolts that hold the headlamp assembly in place.
Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Removing Lamps
With that done, the entire... 
   
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Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Removing Lamps
With that done, the entire lamp assembly is removed from the car and placed on a workbench for easy access.
Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Removed Headlight
Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Headlight Motor
Next, Lovell removes the bolts... 
   
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Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Headlight Motor
Next, Lovell removes the bolts that secure the motor to the lamp. The lamp assembly can then be set aside for the remainder of the job.
Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Motor Housing
The next step is to remove... 
   
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Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Motor Housing
The next step is to remove the cover from the motor housing, exposing the plastic gear inside.
Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Plastic Gear
The gear is then removed from... 
   
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Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Plastic Gear
The gear is then removed from the housing and separated from the shaft. If your headlamp motors have never been repaired, chances are the gear will look something like this. The crumbly mess in the center section is what's left of a factory-installed hard gel that once actuated the gear. Is it any wonder our lamps weren't working properly?
Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Heavy Duty Motor Bushings
To forestall future futzing,... 
   
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Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Heavy Duty Motor Bushings
To forestall future futzing, Eckler's provided us with two sets of heavy-duty Delrin motor bushings (one for each motor). Unlike the factory setup, these bushings are designed to last the life of your car. Even better, they cost only $5.99 per side.
Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Cleaning Gears
Next, Lovell inspects our... 
   
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Chevy Corvette C4 Headlamp Motors Cleaning Gears
Next, Lovell inspects our stock headlamp gears for damage. Finding none, she cleans the remnants of gel from the threads to ensure that they interface cleanly with the ones on the motor.

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