Annoying window problem....

[wolfie308]

My driver's side window has started to struggle to close the last 1/4" or so . I can close it fully by grabbing both sides of the glass and pushing it up into it's proper seated position. However after a very short period it will gradually drop down a few m.m's giving irritating wind noise.

I know I'll have to strip the door lining to sort(which is a major job for me) but I want to make sure I've got all the bits I need. Wonder if I've managed to partially detatch the bottom of the window from the mechanism?

I'm not familiar with the internal workings, but am prepared to give it a go. I know the runners will need a good clean and lube, but is it possible I need a replacement window motor...could I have one or more stripped teeth?

It's always had a slight stutter mid way up since I bought the car 6 years ago, but now it's time to sort it as it's driving me mad. Also have to make double sure it's fully closed after shutting door to prevent rain/damp, which is a PITA[]

This must be a fairly common problem, so any input welcomed

 

[Alpine]

sounds like it's the regulator, probably a missing tooth. Happened on mine. I got my indie to sort it, a 2nd hand regulator was about £100. It can be a tricky job done at home I understand

 

[sulzeruk]

Hi, I can send you a motor and regulator for £50 posted if you need on, I'll even strip it and grease it for you!
Alasdair

 

[Elliot]

If your local and want to drive to me i will help you strip it and fit a new used one that i can supply

not too bad a job.

cheers

 

[wolfie308]

lliot - very kind offer.....if I were nearer I'd take you up on that in a flash.

Alasdair - sounds just the ticket....should be within the bounds of my abilities - err hopefully. Not sure about removing the door card - is it worth getting or fashioning a tool for popping the studs without damaging them?

Got to be worth a go since my Indie's rates have recently gone up from £49.50 to £57.50/hour + VAT so if I do have to get them to finish the job, at least I'll have the parts and it'll be ready stripped.

Do you by any chance also have a right dash panel in black(without the immobiliser socket)? to complete my carbon vynil trim? This bit..

Let me know and how to sort payment. Much appreciated.

 

[sulzeruk]

I have one, will have a look today and see what nick it is in,
Alasdair

 

[wolfie308]

Arrived today, many thanks Alasdair, great service. Let's hope it is a partially stripped gear and not the window detatching from its mounting(I'm not familiar with how the glass is attached to the mechanism) []...yet!

 

[sulzeruk]

There are 2 U shaped channels on the bottom of the glass. They can be a bit tricky getting them in but getting them out is a 10 minute job.
Remove the Phillips headed screws along the bottom of the door card. The ones at the front of the door pocket are held in from the front into the small plastic block. Remove the door pocket and then remove the small block.
Next, remove the 2 plastic screw trim covers and the 2 screws at the top front and top back of the door card.
Pull the door release lever right back and you will find the screw retaining the plastic trim in behind the lever. Remove this screw and the trim will come away quite easily.
Remove the 3 screws that go in at a 45 degree angle into the bottom of the large plastic moulded handle.
Gently prise the speaker covers off if the have the press on type fitted. Next remove the 4 screws that hold the speaker in, remove them and then pull out the speaker gently and remove the 2 electrical connections noting which one comes off what connector.
The card is now ready to remove. Gently prise the bottom corner nearest the back of the car out, the corner is retained by some plastic studs. They need a bit of persuasion to get them free but nothing major. Be very careful as if the plastic membrane at the back of the door card has been leaking, the bottom of the fibreboard backing will be very flimsy and easily damaged.
One the studs are detached, gently pull the bottom of the card in towards the interior of the car and lift the top out of the channel where the window sits in and clear of the door lock button. It should come out quite easily.
You will see 5 10 mm headed bolt heads in the middle of the door, these are removed to get the window regultor mechanism out. Once free, you can wriggle the mechanism out of the bottom oblong slot in the door skin.
Hope this is of some use!
Alasdair

 

[wolfie308]

Well at last, in the heat of the afternoon sun, I finally got round to trying to sort it. Following Alasdair's guide above, and removing a few other bits with the 10 speaker set up, I got the door card off undamaged. I used an old credit card with a V cut in it to help pry off the studs on the lower rear edge of the door.

Managed to wiggle the motor/regulator thru the oblong hole, but only after deciding to carefully remove the plastic skin for later re attachment. Wiggled out the window and fitted replacement unit, but when it comes to refitting the window, I just don't seem able to get both of the wheels on the end of the arms of the regulator to locate into the runners on the bottom of the window.

I've at least I've been able to leave it secure and watertight, but would welcome any tips on how to refit the glass to the regulator arms. One good thing - at least the glass hadn't separated from the runner(which I thought was a posssibility after trying to open it with 3" of snow on it). The glass sits perfectly in the side runner on the hinge side and closes fine as long as I help it into place.

Is there a technique I'm missing?........err....obviously. Any tips gratefully received.

Hot, sweaty and slightly pee'd orf

 

[tref]

Yes there is a technique, I can't remember it exactly, but it is easy enough to figure out... it starts with the regulator/motor assembly not bolted to the door, and slide one of the wheels in from one end, and then the other in from the other - there is a sequence by which you get both wheels in both channels, then bolt the regulator/motor back in place.

 

[wolfie308]

Thanks for that Tref, I was begining to think that as I wasn't having luck with the motor held by one screw and being able to pivot on that. I'm not sure that I can do it single handedly, so might need to enlist some assistance.

I'm surprised there isn't any info on Clark's Garage which only covers removing the door card and no mention of the window mechanism []

 

[wolfie308]

There is indeed a technique - it's called 'get help from somebody who knows what they're doing'....and many thanks go to Alan at S.A.R Classics who in 10 mins had it sorted. I did help by holding the window in place!

Got back home and refitted the door card etc. but when I finally came to remount the twin speaker unit (10 speaker option), I found I couldn't screw it into position, which is when I realised I had these 2 brackets left....Doh!

My question is - do I have to remove the door card again to fit these and do they fit behind 2 of the 3 screws that go at 45 deg through the underside of the door pull handle? Or should it be possible without taking the door card off ?

 

[homesea]

Your right they go behind 2 of the 3 screws that go through the handle, a bit of a pain to line everything up!