Power window issue?

Tiny
BW74
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 BUICK REGAL
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Front passenger side window. The window goes up and down but tilts. I have the door panel off and don't really see anything wrong or any parts laying down in the door. I can't find a detailed picture or exploded view of the inside of the door. Is the regulator cable driven? Can you give me any insight on what to look for? I also noticed the motor assembly etc, is riveting in?
Monday, May 15th, 2023 AT 9:35 AM

26 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,070 POSTS
Sure here is how to change the window regular out.

Remove or Disconnect

1. Window regulator.

CAUTION: Step 2 must be performed once regulator is removed from door. The regulator lift arm is under tension from the counterbalance spring and can cause personal injury if the motor is removed without locking the sector gear in position.

2. Drill hole through regulator sector gear and backplate.

Important
Do not drill hole closer than 13 mm (1/2 inch) to edge of sector gear or backplate.

3. Install bolt and nut to lock sector gear in position.
4. Drill out ends of three rivets using 1/4 inch drill bit.
5. Motor and remaining portions of rivets.

Install or Connect

1. New motor to backplate.
2. Rivet to motor at bottom location using ball peen hammer.
3. Clamp motor to backplate using locking pliers.
4. Remove bolt and nut securing sector gear.
5. Supply power to regulator to gain access for remaining two motor rivets.
6. Two rivets.
7. Remove locking pliers.
8. Window regulator.

Check out the images below.
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Monday, May 15th, 2023 AT 3:04 PM
Tiny
BW74
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  • 35 POSTS
Is there somewhere online where I can see an exploded view of the window regulator and components? I know I'm going to have to fix it one way or another but there's not much room to work.
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Monday, May 15th, 2023 AT 4:23 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 43,070 POSTS
Sure, here is what we have to do the job. Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 AT 12:26 PM
Tiny
BW74
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  • 35 POSTS
Can you tell me the part that goes here the clamps to the window? This is what's broken. The motors working fine the window is going up and down just sideways. Thanks
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Sunday, May 21st, 2023 AT 2:50 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 43,070 POSTS
It looks like the window rail mount has broken off. It should be down in the door so you can get a replacement at the auto part store.
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Monday, May 22nd, 2023 AT 11:14 AM
Tiny
BW74
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Well, unfortunately somebody else has been in there trying to see what was wrong with it or fix it and may have removed the broken part as it's no longer down in the door. Did it have a roller attached to it of some sort that fits in the rail?
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Monday, May 22nd, 2023 AT 1:40 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I don't think there is a roller, there is window felt which is between the window and the window rails. Do the rails look like they are in the correct place?
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 AT 10:34 AM
Tiny
BW74
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Seems like a really weird setup. There's a channel on the left-hand side of the door where the window rides up and down on but don't see one on the right. Only the regulator that runs on the track that makes the window go up and down.
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 AT 11:48 AM
Tiny
BW74
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Even pushing window into left side track, it still seems like there's too much play where the regulator hooks to the window. That's why I thought there may have been a wheel or plastic attachment that may have been missing there.
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,070 POSTS
Does the windows have felt in the guides? Also, there is a bottom mounting bolts that can secure the guide I would make sure that was not missing.
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Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 10:23 AM
Tiny
BW74
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Not much felt left in the guide. Only two bolts hold on the lower window channel. The plastic piece looks like it's glued to the window on the bottom left. There is a small piece of it missing. The channel is adjusted over to the right as far as it can be.
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Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
BW74
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Do you know what the technical term is for that black plastic piece that needs replaced on the window?
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Friday, May 26th, 2023 AT 12:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,320 POSTS
Hi,

I noticed we haven't been in touch for a couple of days. Have you been able to make any progress? We are interested in knowing.

Let us know,

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, May 28th, 2023 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
BW74
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
No I haven't. Parts store has no aftermarket part(s).
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Monday, May 29th, 2023 AT 6:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,320 POSTS
Hi,

Have you tried a salvage yard? If you are looking for the plastic part at the bottom of the window, that will likely be the best resource. If it isn't manufactured aftermarket, that may be the only choice because a dealership won't have them unless you get lucky and find dealer old stock (DSO).

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, May 29th, 2023 AT 9:25 PM
Tiny
BW74
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Unfortunately, considering the age of the car, not too many junk yards still have these in stock as they all have been crushed.
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Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 AT 5:54 AM
Tiny
BW74
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
I have tried to cross reference other vehicles to see if any parts would fit in the door but all I'm getting on cross reference guides is the two-door model and not four-door.
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Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

That has to be frustrating. Have you tried glass repair shops? Also, I attached a pic below. Do you see the part you are needing?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 AT 8:32 PM
Tiny
BW74
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
That window channel bar and that black plastic piece on the bottom left of the window is what I need.
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Thursday, June 1st, 2023 AT 5:59 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,320 POSTS
Hi,

I see it. I feel the only place you will find one is a salvage yard. Here is a link that checks nationwide for salvage parts. You may want to try this.

https://www.car-part.com/

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, June 1st, 2023 AT 8:58 PM

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