Does anyone know how to change the window motor?

[bagged84regal]

I have a 84 buick regal and need to change the motors b/c they are getting slow, i bought some cardone brand oem window motors and feel that i should be able to change it without having to pay someone to do it, but is it easy or has anyone done it? Any and all input would be helpful and thank you ahead of time

 

[darkred87T]

You have to grind off the rivets from the old motor and find some nuts and bolts to replace them for the new motor. Make sure you use lock tight and prop the window up before removing the old motor. It's not hard just a little tedius.

 

[87GNSteve]

You need to remove the door panel. Do this by removing the arm rest (two phillips head screws)
Carefully remove the escruteon covers by the door "pull" strap, underneath will be two large phillips head screw remove those.
Then go around the door with a wide screw driver or if you have one of those fancy plastic pry bars and put gentle prying pressure by each nylon push in fastener, all around the perimeter of the door.
Where you removed the arm rest will be two bolts (I think 10mm), remove thos and the panel will come free. BUT.......

If the window can be put in the down position it makes it alot easier to get the panel off. It is released by lifting in the upward direction towards the roof. This is where you will see that the window being in the way makes it very hard. When free, take care not to pull on the harness connections for the power lock and window switch; as you try to free it from the door handle. Disconnecting the switches is done by pulling them straight out, try to resist prying with a metal tool.

You need a drill and a 3/8 or larger drill bit, nice and sharp.
Hammer, small punch and 1/4 drive ratchet and sockets small open end wrenches.
If the rivets have the little "tit" sticking out use the hammer and punch to knock them in, then carefully drill out the rivets, if the rivets spin you may need a small chisel to chop their heads off but try drilling first.

If you were unable to get the window down and you take out the last rivet the window can drop suddenly so make sure to have a helper or a device to prevent the window from dropping.

Installation is easy using the small nuts and bolts that come with the new motor,
I like to plug in the new motor first and insert the PW switch to see if it works before its all buttoned up. I like to put dielectric grease on all the electrical connections before reassembly. Also might Want to lube up the window regulator tracks.

Make sure before you replace the panel have the window go up and down a few times to see if any harnesses are in the way or the remote mirror cable can get caught.

Put all the stuff back and enjoy.

 

[darkred87T]

Er uh, maybe you should listen to that guy. :redface:

 

[bagged84regal]

Thank you very much!! I didnt expect this much input by someone but i truely appreciate it, i feel very confident that with these instructions i can do the window motors with no problems, thank you very much again!!

 

[bagged84regal]

thank you for your help too it is greatly appreciated

 

[bmackinnon]

for the record..... after all that, the windows will still be slooowww.... they all are...

 

[bagged84regal]

for the record..... after all that, the windows will still be slooowww.... they all are...

thats alright tho, atleast i know itll last another 24 years or so!

 

[SlickTR]

I would install this while you're in there, I'm going to when I do my motors Turbo Window Express

 

[MSDGN]

You don't need to drill out the rivets...the bracket that the motor is riveted to is bolted to the inside door metal...I think it's 3 bolts but the bolt heads are behind the door metal...you can see 3 dimples...2 about the size of a quarter...can't remember the other one...just look at the new motor and where the bolts go into...you can figure out where the 3rd hole needs to be drilled...you drill (using a hole saw) just over the bolt heads...then just remove the bolts and remove the motor and bracket...then you can re-rivet the motor back on the bracket...easier to do it that way IMO...there's a writeup with pics somewhere on this site...just have to do some searches..

 

[benoitthegr8]

I hope you have small hands.... I did it about 3 years back, not you 60 minute job. I also did the upper door panels, belt seals, and both exterior door seals while I was at it. It was a weekend job... PITA...

 

[GNRick]

Try this and let us know if it works. You can leave your window motor in the car..........
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/ge...e-trick-help-speed-up-your-power-windows.html

 

[salvageV6]

I'd use the search feature, fer sure.

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/general-turbo-buick-tech/216007-power-window-install.html

Pictures too, forget the rivets use a hole saw, 3 bolts and it drops out.

Don't forget the clamp on the X bracket to hold the window in place.

There's a few good threads out there in search land.

 

[Squid4life]

Great info! I personally like the one touch up and down from Mark. I got spoiled with it the few times the wife let me drive her Altima... Add it to the list I guess...