Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2007 15:13:10 -0500
Reply-To: Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: power window regulators
When that big aluminum pop rivit shears off,it does so for a reason.The
braded wire is getting kinked and streached, and twisted, and such.The
mechinism wont wind it up smoothly anymore. It gets caught,kinda like a
fishing rod and real when the line gets tangled on the real.Cant really
untangle it .Got to cut it, and start new. The rivit is the weakest point
and it shears off.Letting you know that this is the end. Reriviting this
wont fix it. Not for long.
Drivers side and passengers side are different regulators.Both with power
and manual windows.The motors are easily interchangeable, and I beleive
are identical, between right and left. You may be able to do it with a
flashlight. You may be able to cahnge motors with the regulator
installed.I think you can go to manual regulators just as easily as
replacing a power window regulator.They use the same attaching points.The
glass is the same.
The regulator is designed to come out of the largest hole in the door
(with the panel off). To do this,I just taped, with duct tape, the window,
about 6 inched from the top.Leaving an opening you can stick your arm
through.An opening that allows for removel of the two bolts that hold the
window to the regualtor. The two 10mm bolts that hold the regulator to the
window can be then removed.Only a 10mm wrench is necesary.No other special
tools or even a socket is needed. The most importiant tool is the gumption
not to be afraid to try it. You dont rally have much to loose.Wont break
anything(if you can get the door panel off without tearing it)The tape
will hold the window in place. I think there are three or four 10mm bolts
that hold the regulator to the door frame.These are located on the
jam,bottom, and 2 near the crank.They all look the same and are a black
color.
When all the 10mm bolts are removed, and the electric is unplugged, the
regulator will pull right out the large hole.I think a zip tie needs to be
cut on the electrical connection. Like a baby being born,it comes right
out. If you bend it more than the minimum needed to remove it, a plastic
guide may break.No sweat cause the regualtor is toast anyway.
The regulator needs to be properly oriented when you begin to stick the
new one in.I mean that you cannot twist it around once it is inside the
door.Once inside the door hole,It will spring back into shape.This shape
must fit where the bolts and window attach.This shape must be as the old
one is , before you remove it.It will spring backinto shape and the holes
for the bolts will line up as if by magic.There are no adjustments to
make.It installs one way.
Actually this is an easy repair.It is the very first one I ever did on a
Vanagon.I had to get the window closed because of rain and such,right? The
dusty greasy dirt that is inside the door and on the regulator is the
grossest part.Something about that dirty grease that is just icky. There
will also be a few tiny requisite cuts on your hands from the sheet metal.
If you get a used regulator, look it over carefully.Especially the drivers
side regulator.It gets the most use. Look for smooth wire all the way
around.Check the white plastic guides to see that they are in position and
not severly worn.Anything out of the ordinary means that this is a worn
regulator and it will soon break.If this is a drivers side regulator, may
be best to buy new.The motor will interchange.Look to see if the aluminum
rivit is in good condtion.
