Window motor or window regulator replacement

[84GrandMarquis]

I'm sorry I'm sure this question has been asked before, but I couldn't find it so I figure I'll ask again. Anyway 3 of the 4 windows in my car stopped working and I plan on fixing them soon. But before I go ahead and swap out the motors, I was wondering if there was a way to be sure that it's not the regulators. The motor still turn but I figure a gear must be stripped. I know regulators don't usually fail too often but I wonder if there was any indicator that it's definitely the gears before I take all the door panels off.

[marquisman]

Its not the regulator. Its the bushings in the window motor gear drive. They tend to self distruct with age. With the motor out, they are stupid simple to replace. If your motor works, you can just buy the bushing kit.

[84GrandMarquis]

Great, thanks for the help!

[miamibob]

The "gear sets" are avaolable locally or on EBAY for a reasonable price. As mentioned, they are usually the problem.

[mcninetyone]

I usually replace those plastic bushings with three nuts. That solves the problem permanently!

[sly]

I prefer 7/16 ball bearings, but yeah. permanent replacement.

[BuffaloRider]

LOL every thread I've read on GMN about the power windows has sly saying "7/16 ball bearings"

Eventually the rest of us will catch on... eventually. Too late for me though, I already bought the cheapo bushings, but if they fuck up again, I know what to do.

[sly]

yeah... you say cheapo... the bearings are like 40¢ each.

[Ike Clanton]

I prefer 7/16 ball bearings, but yeah. permanent replacement.

I clean the grease and disintegrated bushings out and epoxy the 2 pieces together.

[BuffaloRider]

no shit? 40¢? I'll be damned,supply and demand.

[bobtucson]

Its not the regulator. Its the bushings in the window motor gear drive. They tend to self distruct with age. With the motor out, they are stupid simple to replace. If your motor works, you can just buy the bushing kit.

If you don't mind one more question, my 90 GM needs the same thing. Today I pulled the drivers door trim and I thought removing the regulator would be easy enough. After reading this thread I guess I need to go after the motor. According to my book I have to drill 2 or 3 1/2in holes to get the motor out. Is this how it's done, or am I reading this wrong. Any help appreciated.
thanks,

[87gtVIC]

You will see three dimples in a triangular pattern. Drill the holes in the dimples and you can then get a socket with extension in there to remove the three bolts holding the motor.

[bobtucson]

You will see three dimples in a triangular pattern. Drill the holes in the dimples and you can then get a socket with extension in there to remove the three bolts holding the motor.

Thanks, I'll do that.

[marquisman]

Yea, what david said. Looks for the dimples. Then a 1/4'' drive socket set will do the trick. The bolts are 5/16.

[bobtucson]

Yea, what david said. Looks for the dimples. Then a 1/4'' drive socket set will do the trick. The bolts are 5/16.

I drilled the three holes, see the bolts, just one last question (hopefully), does removing the motor bolts let the motor come out without the regulator? Does pulling the regulator bring the motor with it, without the drilling, etc.?
I had to back up and put armrest on to use the car tomorrow so I haven't pulled anything as yet. btw, one of the door lock wire connectors broke off and took awhile to find a source for the connectors. This is the place that I found:

https://store-55923.mybigcommerce.com/login.php?action=logout&tk=091e4a1ed83dd98d62dbd679dadc4399

thanks,