Power window regulator spring replacement
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 654
From: Thunder Bay
Power window regulator spring replacement
I'm working on replacing the power window regulator spring in the driver side door of my '79. All of the information I can find on this forum refers to completely disassembling the window mechanism. I did that a couple of years ago to clean and re-lubricate everything. Is it possible to remove the regulator without removing the tracks and window itself so that I can just replace the spring?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 654
From: Thunder Bay
OK. It can be done without completely disassembling the door. I removed the glass, then the horizontal track that is bolted to the glass, and finally the regulator will come out. I replaced the spring and reassembled everything, but the window still won't stay all the way up. It goes to the top and then slips back down about 1/2". So now my question is how much preload is supposed to be on that spring? When I installed it, I had to move the end of the spring about 3/4" to hook it on the pin. The next option would be to turn it 180 degrees but that was going to take a LOT of strength to do. I'm not even sure its possible. Anyone done this before? How tight is that spring with the window al the way up? Do I really have to crank it 180 degrees to install it?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
I've replaced both the assist springs in my '79 (they were broken) with little problem.
First be certain that you're installing it in the proper direction! Search for pictures to verify.
Yes, there is a fair amount spring pre-load that I found impossible to do myself. As I recall I was standing on one of the arms as a helper installed a fastener.
First be certain that you're installing it in the proper direction! Search for pictures to verify.
Yes, there is a fair amount spring pre-load that I found impossible to do myself. As I recall I was standing on one of the arms as a helper installed a fastener.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 195
Likes: 37
From: Poway CA
I just cleaned out one of my doors, removed the regulator, and took off the spring to clean it and the regulator. I put the regulator in a bench vise and still had the bolt in the hole that kept the spring under tension as I removed the motor. While in the vise, I pushed up on the arm to relieve most of the spring tension to remove the bolt, then slowly let the spring unwind the rest of the way. With it not under so much tension, I used a pair of pliers to push down and lift off the bar. Putting it back in required the pliers again, but once installed, I used the regulator arm to wind up the spring to the point where I could but the bolt back in for re-installation. If I had to guess, the amount of torque applied to the spring to get it to the bolt hole location was approximately 40 to 50 lb-ft of torque. It is quite a powerful spring and it is meant to apply quite of bit of upward force- a little scary to work with!
Kirk
Kirk
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 654
From: Thunder Bay
No question the spring is on the right way. Apparently just not enough tension. I installed the spring very easily by hand. With the window all the way up, there is almost no tension on the spring. It looks like I'll have to pull it apart and put that extra 180 degrees in the spring. Thanks for the help guys.
