How to replace a window winder (aka regulator)

[MissMoppet]

When the rear driver’s side window on my V6 suddenly dropped I had no idea why it happened nor how these things worked. A search revealed that it’s called a regulator which consists of a length of old bike cable and a motor, and that the most likely cause was snapped cables. Taking the door card off – always much easier than getting it back (see here) - showed me two waving intact nipples, so it wasn’t the obvious. I wedged a length of timber in the door to secure the glass closed, replaced the door card (ugh) and looked for a replacement regulator.


My first mistake. Rimmers listed a new bargain regulator at £25, ordered it up to find it was a manual winder – didn’t know Rover installed any – but Rimmer’s accepted the description was inadequate – the page has been altered now – and they’re refunding me the cost. As the cost of an electric one is £135 and upwards, I got a used one off eBay for £20.

Simon (SD1too) kindly sent me a page from RAVE but as I couldn’t find a How to here I thought it worth giving my experience. Fortunately I found it one of the more straightforward jobs involved on the R75.

Pic above shows door card off with wedged window.


The two top holes enable you to insert a 10mm socket to undo the glass window clamps. There are 5 bolts that hold the regulator, four have a keyhole slot so you only need to loosen them. The bottom bolt has to be undone and is longer than the rest (see below).

You may need to wiggle the clamps to get them to release their hold on the glass. Manoeuver the regulator out and unclip the electric feed (see below).


You can see that my regulator broke due to failure of the white plastic clip that holds the ends of the cable.


The clip may be available here , but from Germany) – I’ll investigate.

Before replacing the (working) regulator I sprayed the cable and all moving parts with WD silicone grease: if I had the energy I would do that to all the other doors: must be a worthwhile exercise.

To replace the electric connector please note there are different grooves to make sure it’s fitted correctly.
You may need to temporarily connect the door switch to move the glass around but refitting is just a reversal. Then replace the door card . . .

Dave

[vitesse]

Originally Posted by MissMoppet

The clip may be available here , but from Germany) – I’ll investigate.

Dave

I believe I replied to your original thread saying that the white clip is available at any VW dealer and gave you the part number too.

Regards

[MissMoppet]

Yes indeed thanks, but the only item that came up was in Czech I seem to remember. Fortuitously I have a son who lives in Deutschland who will buy the one I have found and bring it over (saves postage). I'll let you know.

[vitesse]

Very strange, my daughter works for VW and has no problem ordering these clips, happened on two different occasions and even got the staff discount.

Regards

[ZedTeeT]

A job that I've got to tackle in the near future, and wasn't looking forward to it. But doesn't look so hard.

Thanks for the guide!