Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

Driver Window grating sound when lowered

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 9, 2013 | 09:04 AM
  #1  
Burgie's Avatar
Burgie
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: Prescott Valley Arizona
Default Driver Window grating sound when lowered

My 03 Vert's driver's window makes a horrible grating/grinding sound when lowered. If I push against the inside of the window out while lowering, the sound stops. Before I open up the door panel, does anyone know what it may be or had a similar situation. Thanks
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2013 | 09:37 AM
  #2  
Mr.Bill's Avatar
Mr.Bill
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Default

I had an issue like that a few years ago and in my case it was a small cable that was frayed a bit, I replaced the regulator with a GM unit and has worked fine, I first tried a rebuilt unit and it worked, But was really slow going up and down.
Mr.Bill
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2013 | 12:34 PM
  #3  
Burgie's Avatar
Burgie
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: Prescott Valley Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by Mr.Bill
I had an issue like that a few years ago and in my case it was a small cable that was frayed a bit, I replaced the regulator with a GM unit and has worked fine, I first tried a rebuilt unit and it worked, But was really slow going up and down.
Mr.Bill
Is it much of a job to pull the panel and repair? What kind of cost is the unit you were speaking about from GM
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2013 | 12:36 PM
  #4  
Mr.Bill's Avatar
Mr.Bill
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Default

It is really easy, Just pay attention when removing the regulator, As far as cost I believe it was around 100-125.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2013 | 12:55 PM
  #5  
C5 4me's Avatar
C5 4me
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 173
From: Citrus Heights CA
Default

I hope I did this right.Here is a youtube vid on how to replace it.I did it and its not hard at all.

Reply
Old Feb 9, 2013 | 04:48 PM
  #6  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,319
Likes: 24,777
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

To pull the door panel, look on www.vetteessentials.com and go to the installation instructions for the door pulls. It will show you how to get the door panel off. It is actually very easy.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2013 | 08:52 AM
  #7  
Burgie's Avatar
Burgie
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: Prescott Valley Arizona
Default Thanks

Thanks everyone, looks like a project for today and possibly order replacement tomorrow.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2013 | 10:22 AM
  #8  
TheRadioFlyer's Avatar
TheRadioFlyer
Supporting Vendor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,548
Likes: 900
From: Republic of Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Mr.Bill
I had an issue like that a few years ago and in my case it was a small cable that was frayed a bit, I replaced the regulator with a GM unit and has worked fine, I first tried a rebuilt unit and it worked, But was really slow going up and down.
Mr.Bill
I was wondering about that. I had to replace my driver's side regulator and it goes significantly slower than the passenger side factory unit (pretty sure the replacement was aftermarket) Is the motor in the aftermarket units weaker?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 10, 2013 | 07:17 PM
  #9  
SFL_driver's Avatar
SFL_driver
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Fort Lauderdale Florida
Default

Definitely your window regulator. Mine was making the same sound for a week or so, then it stopped going down all the way. Installed a new one and problem solved. I bought a GM unit from Amazon.
One trick... Before you remove the glass mark its position with a few pieces of blue painters tape running vertical from window onto door. Then cut a seam with a knife so you can remove the glass.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2013 | 07:56 AM
  #10  
Burgie's Avatar
Burgie
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: Prescott Valley Arizona
Default

Thanks again for all your help. I'll go on the GM Parts site and order a new assembly.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2013 | 10:19 AM
  #11  
Burgie's Avatar
Burgie
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: Prescott Valley Arizona
Default

When looking at the GM site for window regulators they quote a price but my concern is-Is this for the entire assembly or just some electronic box? They want 176.00 bucks for it? Anyone know as I can't seem to get a response from the GM Parts site.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2013 | 10:23 AM
  #12  
Big Duk's Avatar
Big Duk
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 552
Likes: 1
From: page lake powell az
Default

It will be the whole assembly
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2013 | 10:23 AM
  #13  
Mr.Bill's Avatar
Mr.Bill
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Default

Originally Posted by Burgie
When looking at the GM site for window regulators they quote a price but my concern is-Is this for the entire assembly or just some electronic box? They want 176.00 bucks for it? Anyone know as I can't seem to get a response from the GM Parts site.
When you buy a regulator you also get the motor and the whole 9 yards.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2013 | 10:25 AM
  #14  
Burgie's Avatar
Burgie
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: Prescott Valley Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by Mr.Bill
When you buy a regulator you also get the motor and the whole 9 yards.
Thanks, thats what I wanted to know.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2013 | 10:27 AM
  #15  
Mr.Bill's Avatar
Mr.Bill
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Default

Originally Posted by theradioflyer
I was wondering about that. I had to replace my driver's side regulator and it goes significantly slower than the passenger side factory unit (pretty sure the replacement was aftermarket) Is the motor in the aftermarket units weaker?
It would be my guess that an after market unit has a weaker motor.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2013 | 02:47 PM
  #16  
baxsom's Avatar
baxsom
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
Default

might want to order a few of the plastic clips that hold the door panel to the door too. they tend to break if you pull just right.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2013 | 08:52 AM
  #17  
Burgie's Avatar
Burgie
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: Prescott Valley Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by baxsom
might want to order a few of the plastic clips that hold the door panel to the door too. they tend to break if you pull just right.
Thanks-I did it slowly and they appear intact and undamaged.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Driver Window grating sound when lowered





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:47 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE