I've taken apart the 1988 Firebird headlights for a good cleanup, re-grease, and replacement of the bushings. To ease the stress on the gears, I'm trying to get everything to turn as smooth as possible. One thing I can't seem to get any smoother is the two cups/***** on the actuator arm. They move, but far from smooth. I guess there is dirt or old grease or whatever in there. I've tried to stuff some grease in, but it's just too tight in there. None of my efforts make the ***** move in the cups any smoother.

Is it possible to take the cups apart? Is there some smart way to get it greased or cleaned?
I've tried pulling the ***** out, but the actuator arm starts to bend long before that would happen.

 

I got them out, though I don't remember how exactly. I might have put them back in the assembly and used screw driver for leverage

 

its like a socket. Pops out.....id be wary of breaking it though.

 

Scooter is right. If that part were still mounted in the car then you could easily use a small pry bar or screwdriver between the two pieces and separate them.

 

Thanks ! I'll re-assemble it and try the screwdriver approach.