Anyone have experience with replacement of hdlt actuators? The Installation Manual and close up look indicate that there may be 4 bolts to remove the entire assembly, rather than trying to replace the actuator in place. Any thoughts? Appreciate the help.-Mike

Mike, why do you want to replace them? Faulty?

|UPDATED|7/17/2004 7:54:43 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

hi,

yes! i replaced my 82 front left actuator about 8 months ago. you need to take the four bolts off you mentioned as well as one of the small cross bars that are held in place with a cotter pin and two springs. the cross bar that has the 'eye hook' screw that attaches to the actuator shaft. this 'eye hook' screw is/was/can be very hard to get off. mine snapped the shaft of the old actuator when i attempeted to remove it. i had to heat it up to get the old shaft piece out. this 'eye hook' piece is almost impossible to get so be very careful.

mark v

Many thanks!

I have replaced the vacuum tubing and switches and am still experiencing poor/eratic operation of the headlights. Have read the troubleshooting guide and seems as though this may be where my problems are.

have you replacedthe actuator? there is a rubber seal inside the actuator that cracks and lets air leak out.

try this, with the car running be in front of the car with the hood up. have someone in the car putting the lights on/off. listen for a low hisssssss sound. that is where the air is leaking. listen by each actuator, by the hoses running to/from the actuators and by the hoses in front attached to the actuator.

mark v

Thanks Mark!

Thanks Mark, purchased a couple of spares based on your experience-let you know how I make out.-Mike

even easier and more accurate is to take the most important tool in your garage for working on corvettes.

your vaccum pump (with gauge).. just pump the mechanism up by hand and see it it leaks.. either pick the head light end or the dash end first and test each component on the way.

I agree,the hand pump vacuum gauge can solve all mysteries in the headlight system.Well worth the investment.

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Can you recommend a good place to get the vacuum pump/gage?

I bought mine from the MAC tool truck but I would imagine any automotive tool supply place could get one for you.You can also purchase a vacuum troubleshooting manual for around twelve bucks from one of the online suppliers.I think it is Corvette Central in the books and videos section but it could be someone else.(Ecklers? Zip-Corvette?)or the guys here on the forum always help.

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locally you can goto autozone and get the mighty-vac

also sears has one of their own and they carry mighty-vac

I got mine at Harbor Freight, which is a discount tool store. Price was reasonable and it worked great on checking my headlight system.

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Did you guys know that you can replace the actuator seals without replaceing the entire actuator? I think the repair kits are only about 50 bucks.

Here's a link to a "how to" article on replacing those seals if anyone is interested: http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2002/january/headlights/lights-1.asp

That's a good idea, I have the troubleshooting guide, but the vacuum pump would be easier-Thanks!

Replacing the "Witches Hat" usually repairs the headlight actuators. They are not that hard to do either and are usually less than $20 for the pair. Good luck either way.