OK, I've got an '86 Fiero. I'm aware that problems develop with the headlight gears after awhile. Fortunately, mine are still running properly. I'd like to be proactive and do the "rebuild" before they actually fail.

I'm looking for a procedure to follow. I did a search on PFF but could not find a do-it-yourself thread. Also, I heard that the Michigan Fiero Club's website has a good procedure, but they recently overhauled their website and all the tech stuff is gone. Can anyone point me to a procedure? (Hopefully it's not too involved -- my mechanical skills are so-so and I have no special tools.)

Also, has anyone used the gear rebuild kit from Rodney Dickman?

THANKS!!!

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1986 Fiero 2M4
1994 Probe GT (winter beater)
2002 Trans Am WS6

Look on www.fierosails.com as there are loads of links and i think there are some regarding headlight rebuilds and anything else you need to find out.

Its funny, we have a Fiero, a probe and a trans am!!

I got the new plastic gear from Rodney and can't find a way to use it. The gear is captive on the shaft and won't come off. What most of us do is take the motor apart and turn the gear 180 degrees. Only half of the gear is used, so that puts you on an unused part. The problem, though, is that the grease GM used sucks. It dries out fast and disappears. You can just take the nut off the outside of the shaft, pull off the actuator arm, turn the motor manually until the shaft has turned 180 degrees and then put the thing back together, but you still have no grease and the gear will wear out again. It's best to drill out the rivets and put it back together with screws and nuts. I usually use wheel bearing grease, but I know there has to be something better. Don't load it down with grease, or it will get into the brushes and keep you awake nights.

I used Rodney's rebuild kit on my 84. The gears press off and onto the shaft without a lot of effort. He also supplies excellent instructions with the kit. Follow them carefully and you should have no trouble.

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Rod Schneider, Woodstock, Ga.
White 88 GT

quote Originally posted by Rodrv6: I used Rodney's rebuild kit on my 84. The gears press off and onto the shaft without a lot of effort. He also supplies excellent instructions with the kit. Follow them carefully and you should have no trouble.

I second that, Rodney's kit is excellent.

Dave http://www.ltlfrari.com

Thanks for all the tips, guys.

So how long does Rodney's procedure take from start to finish? Is it like 2 hours per headlight or so?

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1986 Fiero 2M4
1994 Probe GT (winter beater)
2002 Trans Am WS6