Headlight motor removal!
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 178
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From: San Diego,CA
Headlight motor removal! I have a stripped headlight gear and am trying to remove my passenger side headlight motor but I can't get off the 3rd bolt. It's the one farthest back and I've used every wrench, ratchet, and extension that I have. How have people done it? I replaced my driver's side headlight motor a while back and it wasn't this difficult...
There are ***** to manually raise/lower the headlight. Have to tried opening or closing it some to help gain more reach? I did mine many years ago and don't recall it exactly but I swear I had to do this to get them out.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: San Diego,CA
I do manually raise the headlight and disconnect the arm bolt from the motor. The issue I'm having is that out of the 3 bolts connecting the motor to the mounting plate, I can't get the one that's farthest back. I can touch the nuts on both ends, but can't get any sort of ratchet or wrench around them.
1) Check this thread first - https://ls1tech.com/forums/pontiac-f...go-here-2.html
2) When you do, the links will lead you to this - http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/headl....htm#FreeGuide
Before you consider a metal gear, I think you should read this - https://ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-el...ght-doors.html
2) When you do, the links will lead you to this - http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/headl....htm#FreeGuide
Before you consider a metal gear, I think you should read this - https://ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-el...ght-doors.html
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I have a stripped headlight gear and am trying to remove my passenger side headlight motor but I can't get off the 3rd bolt. It's the one farthest back and I've used every wrench, ratchet, and extension that I have. How have people done it? I replaced my driver's side headlight motor a while back and it wasn't this difficult...
What makes that bolt the easiest is 1 closed in 10mm wrench on the inside (side where the frame of the assembly doesnt allow you room to turn) and 1 wratcheting wrench 10mm - these are good for tight spaces that wont allow for a socket but still gives you the ease of a rachet. Pic of what I mean below:
Hold the 10 mm wrench still on the bolt thats closest to the inside bracket where there's no room for anything beside a wrench, and ratchet away with the wratcheting wrench on the outside head.
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Just wait till you have to bolt it back on.....
However, there should also be an opening to the side of the bolt where you can stick a small/medium socket wrench with an extension. I used a wrench to hold the other side while tightening/ loosening the bolt.
However, there should also be an opening to the side of the bolt where you can stick a small/medium socket wrench with an extension. I used a wrench to hold the other side while tightening/ loosening the bolt.
TECH Regular
Joined: Apr 2013
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a few years ago when I replaced my formula bumper with a trans am bumper, I replaced both headlight motors, since one was shot anyway, I did mine when I had the bumper off , had more room to work but that last bolt was still a PITA
strange, I don't remember having much of any trouble and that was LONG before I bought my ratcheting wrenches (which EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A SET, just and FYI), I only had a regular wrench and a socket back when I did them a few years back. Just raised the headlight manually, removed the black shroud and went in from the front, the only thing I can recall giving me trouble was the swing arm being rusted onto the gear shaft and having to find the right combination of things to pry with to pop it free.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 1
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From: St. Louis MO
New guy here everyone. I have done these motors several times. It is really easy if you do it right. Steps are;
1) Raise the headlight manually using the ****.
2) Use 10mm wrench to remove the nut holding the motor to the headlight swing arm. Yes, WD-40 and some prying to pop it off the motor.
3) Manually lower the headlight.
4) Remove the 2 headlight assembly bolts just under the painted headlight cover.
5) Unplug the electrical connector and remove the entire headlight assembly.
6) Now it will be super easy to get at the 3 bolts holding the motor. For that 3rd back bolt, when putting it back in use some electrical tape to hold the bolt to the wrench then slide in the bolt to get it started.
1) Raise the headlight manually using the ****.
2) Use 10mm wrench to remove the nut holding the motor to the headlight swing arm. Yes, WD-40 and some prying to pop it off the motor.
3) Manually lower the headlight.
4) Remove the 2 headlight assembly bolts just under the painted headlight cover.
5) Unplug the electrical connector and remove the entire headlight assembly.
6) Now it will be super easy to get at the 3 bolts holding the motor. For that 3rd back bolt, when putting it back in use some electrical tape to hold the bolt to the wrench then slide in the bolt to get it started.
Last time I did it, I think I took off the rear bolt first I think b/c it moves around after the other 2 are off. But I used a rachet box wrench as above or maybe a tiny socket set, ie not full size. Tight fit but not a real issue.