Topic: HEADLIGHT ACTUATOR
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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Vette(s): 70 VETTE 350/300HP, AUTOMATIC, ALL STOCK EXCEPT FOR MILD CAM,LAGUNA GREY, 3:55 POSI GEARS
TURNED MY HEADLIGHTS ON LAST NIGHT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE ACTUATOR HAD A LEAK. I PUT MY HAND OVER THE BOOT AND THE LEAK STOPPED. I ORDERED NEW BOOTS AND SEALS, YOU THINK ITS THE SEAL THAT HAS DRYED UP AND NEEDS REPLACING? HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO REPLACE BOOT AND SEAL? HEADLIGHTS GO UP AND DOWN WITH NO ISSUES YOU JUST HEAR THE AIR LEAK.
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Most likely the two seals will correct the problem. They can be changed with the actuators on the car, but I have found it easier to remove them, and replace the seals....but that's just me. I've done it both ways. There are a few threads here about changing those seals, with pics too. Might try a search for Headlight actuator seals, and see what comes up.

Joel Adams
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Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 3/9/2008
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Vette(s): 70 VETTE 350/300HP, AUTOMATIC, ALL STOCK EXCEPT FOR MILD CAM,LAGUNA GREY, 3:55 POSI GEARS
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 3/9/2008
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No luck on the search, anyone have a video or step by step to change the seal.
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 3/9/2008
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Ok I removed the actuator and was able to change the boot but how do you replace the rubber cone shape seal. Not sure how to remove the round ring to get to the seal ???


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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The accordian boots don't actually seal the vacuum....they are just to keep dirt and stuff out of the thing.
The rubber seal retainer can be a pain to deal with, but not impossible. The retainer is held on with four tiny "tabs" that are bent back behind the lip of the actuator there where the seal is. You can use a small screwdriver to pry the little tangs away from the actuator, and pop the retainer off. Then the seal will pull out of the canister...usually in pieces. I looked for a video too, but couldn't find one. I know for a fact that someone here has posted pics of changing those seals....just don't know where the heck they are....
The rubber seal retainer can be a pain to deal with, but not impossible. The retainer is held on with four tiny "tabs" that are bent back behind the lip of the actuator there where the seal is. You can use a small screwdriver to pry the little tangs away from the actuator, and pop the retainer off. Then the seal will pull out of the canister...usually in pieces. I looked for a video too, but couldn't find one. I know for a fact that someone here has posted pics of changing those seals....just don't know where the heck they are....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
This is not an answer to your question but I found this article to be a very good read on how to diagnose problems with the vacuum sytem.
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Build Date: May 7, 1975. 383 w/267 RWHP/310 RWTQ
Former Member
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Thanks for the info, I was looking at those little tabs when i had it out guessing they would have to be opened. Will i need new rings? Will it seal properly if i manage to bend the tabs back?

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Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
No new rings needed, unless you manage to break them all off. The retainer rings are there to help hold the rubber seal on, of course, so if you do happen to damage them to where they won't work, then you will need to replace them. They bend fairly easily, tho, so that shouldn't be a problem.
They might take a little finesse to get the tabs bent back over once the seals have been replaced, but a little patience will get the job done. Makes sure the seals fit all the way into the actuator first, and then it should all go back together nicely.
They might take a little finesse to get the tabs bent back over once the seals have been replaced, but a little patience will get the job done. Makes sure the seals fit all the way into the actuator first, and then it should all go back together nicely.

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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