TheSamba.com :: View topic - fix power window regulator or convert to manual?

Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:04 am

looking for a sanity check here...

yesterday i pulled out the power window regulator on the driver's side... the motor was seized and after effort, it now works. unfortunately, it seems the cable is corroded and my attempt to free it resulted in me borking it but good.

i tried to wind it back together but that seems near impossible a task. is there a trick to get this back together? there is a broken piece of the plastic housing at the spring, not sure if that is a problem or not.

the cost to replace just one power window regulator assembly is double the cost of converting to manual windows on both sides... and the passenger side motor is seized and will need to be removed and made unstuck, if possible.

the door cards will be replaced no matter which route i go.

suggestions?

Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:11 am

I've both permanently and temporarily converted Vanagons to manual winders. The manuals are maddeningly slow, and unpleasant. Contact Stacy (16CVs) about his rebuilt regulators. He does excellent work.

Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:19 am

Zeitgeist 13 wrote: I've both permanently and temporarily converted Vanagons to manual winders. The manuals are maddeningly slow, and unpleasant. Contact Stacy (16CVs) about his rebuilt regulators. He does excellent work.

those are $90 each to rebuild... so $180 to rebuild both sides, plus $125 for at least one regulator assembly if i can't repair this one... it's $60 to convert both sides to manual.

it's only money, can you give me some :)

Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:29 am

Here are a couple of threads dealing with power window regulator fixes. Compare your parts to see if some thing is broken or missing. At least you can determine if you are up to repairing, replacing or switching regulator.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=406728&highlight=power+window+regulator+fix

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=387112&highlight=power+window+regulator+fix

Search results that you may find more tips.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php?searc...h_forum=20

Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:31 am

I just had to repair the power window regulator on the passenger side of the euro bus. The white plastic cable guide had become detached from the window slide unit and the cable got messed up in the regulator.

I used this topic to get it back together.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=406728

I will say that it was a major biotch to get the cable back on the pulley in the regulator. You have to fully compress both springs and still press real hard to get it to go together. I'm sure Stacy (16CVs) must have a jig or technique to do it. I almost gave up after several tries but then got mad and used more force....

Have fun!

Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:36 am

If your plan includes using the aftermarket manual regulators, I'd skip on that. The aftermarket regulators fit. But that's about all I can say about them.

Mon Aug 03, 2020 8:00 am

MarkWard wrote: If your plan includes using the aftermarket manual regulators, I'd skip on that. The aftermarket regulators fit. But that's about all I can say about them.

fantastic. i guess i'm going to have to fix these or buy used OEM from the classifieds.

these power windows seem to be more complicated to fix than they should be... maybe it's just too hot and humid here for me to have the patience for this right now.

Mon Aug 03, 2020 8:18 am

dabaron wrote: maybe it's just too hot and humid here for me to have the patience for this right now.

I feel your pain.

Mon Aug 03, 2020 8:33 am

Getting these put back together definelty takes some patience. Key is to recess and hold springs back as you wind back on spool to relieve some of the tension. Even then if the wire has become too kinked it will most likely get off track again. Better to just sent if too 16CVs Stacey for rebuilt one.

I have had to fix both sides a few time on my van. Once was because my wifee put all her weight on window and broke a plastic piece.

Just spent a few hours last weekend going thru the motor on one side that had broken a few years a ago. Finally decided and wanted to be able to roll window down. Once put back together I tested motor and seemed nice and smooth. But when I put everything back together it crapped out again about halfway up when rolling window back up. It was really frustrating and realized for the time and money its a no brainer to send off to Stacey for rebuild. The passenger side he rebuilt a few years ago is working great.

This recent event made me think about transitioning to manual windows but the frequency and cost vs convenience seems like as easy decision. Its really nice to be able to roll that passenger window down when solo. One thing that seems key for all this is keeping everything dry. When I cracked open the motor recently there was a bunch of water and thus corrosion.

Stick with the automatic windows.

Mon Aug 03, 2020 9:34 am

I would fix the power windows. It takes a little patients and a lot of determination
but its gratifying when done. My last repair dictated that I rewind the cable
challenging, but in the end I succeeded. You can do it.

Mon Aug 03, 2020 9:43 am

When I repaired mine, I drilled a small hole in the bottom part of the regulator, to evacuate the water that would be able to seep inside. And I changed the outside window scrapers, to minimize the amount of water penetrating the door.

Mon Aug 03, 2020 10:39 am

thanks everyone for sanity check... i've decided to keep the power windows.

the motors and regulator assemblies are boxed up and i have spoken with 16CV. i think farming this task out is the smart play, and i get to keep the bus as it came from VW... adding precious pennies to the resale value :lol:

now i need to find a set of power window door cards in grey with the fabric inset... anyone? anyone? bueller?