I fixed my busted window regulator
#1
I fixed my busted window regulator
My passenger side electric window got hung up a month ago or so, and I posted it on this forum. Some said it was an indexing problem, but they were wrong. The cable unwound somewhat in the door regulator and got jammed up in the pulley, so the window had very stubborn movement.
I knew this repair would cost me an arm and a leg with my local dealer, so I tried my best to fix it myself.
I got the door trim out of the way, thanks to the C6 Tech tips page:
http://www.theredlion.us/Tech%20tips2.htm
Thank you, Mr. Red Lion!
I don't have a repair manual, so I tried to figure it out by looking at the door. Weeks passed with no door trim and no progress.
Then I found an ebay seller that had a complete picture of this part:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/C6-Corvette-...item3f0e6bb2ff
And for $152 they would rebuild the cables, and ship it back.
Seeing the picture of this thing made the repair simple. As you can see, there is a figure 8 shaped cable driven by and electric motor at the center. There is a column on the front and the rear, each with pulleys on each end that the cables travel through. When the motor pulls one way, both ends go up, and versa visa.
There is a clamp fixed to the cable in the center of each column that has a rubber foam lining that the window attaches to by a bolt (7 foot lbs.).
So, looking at the door exposed under the door trim, it was clear that to remove the window regulator assembly (in the ebay picture) I had to to remove seven bolts (actually nuts):
1. Two at each end of the columns
2. Three that hold the electric motor in place
Then it all came out in one piece (you also have to undo 2 bolts that connect the clamps that hold the window. That's what I did with minimal trouble, and shipped it out. Got it back in a short while and had no problems getting it working again.
There was a little problem removing the electrical connector from the window regulator (a Bosch part). Doing it blind was impossible because of a plastic pull out that allowed them to separate. I would have never found it with my hands, but I did find just enough play in the cable to get the connector out in the daylight where I say it was obvious.
I was lucky in that the cable was the problem and Mirrorguard's service is to basically rebuild the cables and pulleys. If the electric motor died, I don't think they repair that.
Anyway, got it done for reasonable cost, and now I can say it's an easy job. Wish I would have known then, what I know now.
John
I knew this repair would cost me an arm and a leg with my local dealer, so I tried my best to fix it myself.
I got the door trim out of the way, thanks to the C6 Tech tips page:
http://www.theredlion.us/Tech%20tips2.htm
Thank you, Mr. Red Lion!
I don't have a repair manual, so I tried to figure it out by looking at the door. Weeks passed with no door trim and no progress.
Then I found an ebay seller that had a complete picture of this part:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/C6-Corvette-...item3f0e6bb2ff
And for $152 they would rebuild the cables, and ship it back.
Seeing the picture of this thing made the repair simple. As you can see, there is a figure 8 shaped cable driven by and electric motor at the center. There is a column on the front and the rear, each with pulleys on each end that the cables travel through. When the motor pulls one way, both ends go up, and versa visa.
There is a clamp fixed to the cable in the center of each column that has a rubber foam lining that the window attaches to by a bolt (7 foot lbs.).
So, looking at the door exposed under the door trim, it was clear that to remove the window regulator assembly (in the ebay picture) I had to to remove seven bolts (actually nuts):
1. Two at each end of the columns
2. Three that hold the electric motor in place
Then it all came out in one piece (you also have to undo 2 bolts that connect the clamps that hold the window. That's what I did with minimal trouble, and shipped it out. Got it back in a short while and had no problems getting it working again.
There was a little problem removing the electrical connector from the window regulator (a Bosch part). Doing it blind was impossible because of a plastic pull out that allowed them to separate. I would have never found it with my hands, but I did find just enough play in the cable to get the connector out in the daylight where I say it was obvious.
I was lucky in that the cable was the problem and Mirrorguard's service is to basically rebuild the cables and pulleys. If the electric motor died, I don't think they repair that.
Anyway, got it done for reasonable cost, and now I can say it's an easy job. Wish I would have known then, what I know now.
John
#3
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
agree with chris above. if it were me, I'd wind up with "spaghetti" no window working and a large bill to fix my take apart skills.
#6
That's great. But you were without your car for a month or so. I think I would have paid a dealer or a reputable shop to get it fixed sooner for an arm and a leg. Just me.
#8
After pulling the regulator assembly, I used a couple of pieces of firewood (applewood actually, from my own tree) to support the passenger side window in the up position. I did lose the ability to open the passenger door during that time, because when the window is fully up, the door doesn't open (that's why we index).
If you want to use hickory though, I think that would be OK.
John
#9
I wasn't without a car, and drove it every day. During the pre-removal period of confusion, the window was stuck at about an inch open.
After pulling the regulator assembly, I used a couple of pieces of firewood (applewood actually, from my own tree) to support the passenger side window in the up position. I did lose the ability to open the passenger door during that time, because when the window is fully up, the door doesn't open (that's why we index).
If you want to use hickory though, I think that would be OK.
John
After pulling the regulator assembly, I used a couple of pieces of firewood (applewood actually, from my own tree) to support the passenger side window in the up position. I did lose the ability to open the passenger door during that time, because when the window is fully up, the door doesn't open (that's why we index).
If you want to use hickory though, I think that would be OK.
John
#10
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St. Jude Donor '13
#13
#14
the picture doesn't work...
any chance of knowing who may be able to rebuild a window regulator now?
Or where one can buy one for $150...
this thread may be too old.
any chance of knowing who may be able to rebuild a window regulator now?
Or where one can buy one for $150...
this thread may be too old.
Last edited by awalp; 05-24-2016 at 09:14 PM.
#15
Race Car Tech
Good Job!
I had to replace my pass window regulator for the exact same reason. The cable got frayed and got hung up.
It is odd that the passenger side would fail, as it was used very little compared to the driver side.
The cable upon inspection had rust on it, so maybe because moisture and lack of use.
The driver side unit is still in perfect working order, but I did buy a new Driver regulator (great deal) , and replaced the original. I now have a good working spare driver regulator.
I had to replace my pass window regulator for the exact same reason. The cable got frayed and got hung up.
It is odd that the passenger side would fail, as it was used very little compared to the driver side.
The cable upon inspection had rust on it, so maybe because moisture and lack of use.
The driver side unit is still in perfect working order, but I did buy a new Driver regulator (great deal) , and replaced the original. I now have a good working spare driver regulator.
#17
Race Car Tech
I'm not sure if there is anyone repairing the cable for the regulator.
The one that used to be listed on e-bay is no longer.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...placement.html
Good Luck
#18
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C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Nicejob!
#19
I also need my regulator and harness rebuilt.
anywhere can I get my window regulator rebuilt now?
Does anybody know where I can get my regulator motor swapped out?
I have a new harness and a working motor that needs to be put together
Does anybody know where I can get my regulator motor swapped out?
I have a new harness and a working motor that needs to be put together
Last edited by gilvied; 12-10-2016 at 10:34 AM.
#20
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I had a Ford F-150 and I actually replaced the driver door regulator twice! The first time took me about and hour and a half and the second time it took me about 1/2 hour. I am not a mechanic and learned how to do it on u-tube. I am glad you were able to get it fixed. It amazes me how long electric windows in general will work when the temperatures vary so much and the regulators are quite cheap to begin with. The Ford units were only about $60 each delivered to the door. I don't think they are as good as OEM Ford parts but they do work well until they break. Usually the hardest part is getting the door panel removed. There are lots of hiding places for all the screws and a lot of them are different sizes etc. Good to hear you repaired it properly.