Headlamp Shakes at Night (Repair Radiator Support)

Some customers may comment that the headlamp shakes at night.

The spring that retains the headlamp assembly to the radiator support may have pulled though the support as seen in the illustration above.

Install a flat washer to the left and right side radiator support spring anchor area.

1. Remove the side marker lamps and turn signal. Refer to Park / Turn Signal Lamp Replacement (Base) in SI if necessary.
2. Remove the grille. Refer to Grille Replacement (Base) in SI if necessary.
3. Remove the bolts that retain the surge tank, air cleaner, pencil brace and the upper fan shroud to the radiator support.
4. Mark the position of the hood latch and remove the latch from the support.
5. Remove the eight bolts that retain the radiator support to the front fenders.
6. Tilt the radiator support forward in order to gain access to the spring anchor area.
7. Clean the spring anchor area with an all-purpose cleaner.



8. From the inside of the radiator support, install an 8 mm (0.31 in) flat washer to the damaged area. Use GM Instant Gel Adhesive to attach the washer to the support.

Important: When making this repair, do both sides even if damage is not present.

9. Install the headlamp spring.
10. Install the radiator support.
11. Install the eight bolts that retain the radiator support to the front fenders.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

12. Install the hood latch to its marked position and tighten the bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

13. Install the bolts that retain the surge tank, air cleaner, pencil brace and the upper fan shroud to the radiator support.

Tighten

•	Tighten the surge tank bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

•	Tighten the air cleaner bolts to 18 N·m (13 lb ft).

•	Tighten the fan shroud bolts to 6 N·m (53 lb in).

•	Tighten the pencil brace bolts to 18 N·m (13 lb ft ).

14. Install the grille. Refer to Grille Replacement (Base) in SI if necessary.
15. Install the side marker lamps and turn signal. Refer to Park / Turn Signal Lamp Replacement (Base) in SI if necessary.
16. Check headlamp aim.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: