Need Help Power Window Operation

[Thunderbirds NW]

I have a power window operation problem on my 66. I can hear the motor running, when I operate the switch; but the window will not move up or down? This is the drivers side main window. I have replaced the motor many years back. Any help or instructions would greatly be appreciated. Thunderbirds NW

[Harley Eaton]

What you have described is very typical of a broken window gear. The gear has either rubber or plastic impact material to absorb the shock of the window at the end of it's travel. These are available from T Bird parts vendors or maybe your Ford dealer. Some even have springs to absorb the shock, which I think are better. What to do? Remove the window lift mechanism from the door; remove the broken gear; replace gear; reassemble.

[Thunderbirds NW]

Thank you for your reply. The window mechanism I hear is heavy together with the window, and some people have injured their arm when it came down on them. Others have used a small piece of 2x4 for support. I will consult the shop manual on removal and replacing. If you have any suggestions on this process it would be appreciated. Thanks Barry

[Harley Eaton]

One trick I have used many times is to use a shop rag to protect the glass and frame, then hold the window at the desired position with vice grip pliers. Pull the window up about 2/3 of the way, clamp with rag and pliers, unbolt the regulator (4 bolts) and remove the regulator from the door. (Slide it rearward) On reassembly, put the rollers in the track, position the regulator and push the shafts into the rollers. ( after installing the 4 bolts)

[67Malibu]

The window regulators are VERY dangerous. They use a heavy spring to counteract the weight of the glass. If you cannot get the motor to position the glass that also means the motor is not capable of holding the regulator in position. When the regulator is in the full up position the spring is at it's least tension. What I used to do when I worked in the autoglass business was to drill a small hole through the main arm of the reg. and into the main plate of the reg. Now run a #10 or 12 screw through both. This locks it in place. With it locked you can remove the motor. Remember the regulator plate and the arm can be like a guillotine. Be careful.

[rw_removed]

I have a similar problem with driver side power window. The motor is fine. It raises the window part way. The motor continues to run but the window doesn't move unless I lift it. Then it continues up until it does the same thing again. Sounds like a busted gear, right? I removed the regulator and motor and disassembled. The gear(s) are fine - no chips, broken teeth, etc.

I suspect it may have something to do excessive play or adjustment with the worm gear from the motor. I see what appears to be an adjustment screw with a locknut on the end of drive shaft.

Anyone have any idea on the "concept" of that adjustment? (ie. Adjust in to get what result, adjust out to get what result?)

Btw, it all works fine when I bench test it. It only fails when I have it installed with a load on it.

Thanks.

[67Malibu]

It sounds like the teeth are worn but the ones on the regulator sector, or the worm gears on the motor. Not the small visible gear you can see. That gear assembly pops out of the motor easily, now inspect the large gear teeth around the edge for wear too.

[67Malibu]

The locknut on the end is to adjust for "endplay" in the motor armature. Too tight it binds, too loose it wanders causing possible problems with the motor brushes. Exactly which gears have you determined to be OK? In all you have the worm gear teeth on the motor shaft, the outer teeth on the gear driven by the worm gear. Then there are the small gear teeth you can easily see on the main gear and finally there are the teeth on the regulator sector arm. Never saw a worm gear go but several times I have seen it rip out those teeth along the edge of the main gear. The main gear is about 3" in diameter and just lifts out of the motor assembly.
Try this site.
DIY Power Window Repair - Replacement OEM-Quality Window Motors, Window Regulators, Power Window Swithches, and Power Window/Regulator Repair Parts

[t-bird-art]

Originally Posted by rweaver56

I have a similar problem with driver side power window. The motor is fine. It raises the window part way. The motor continues to run but the window doesn't move unless I lift it. Then it continues up until it does the same thing again. Sounds like a busted gear, right? I removed the regulator and motor and disassembled. The gear(s) are fine - no chips, broken teeth, etc.

I suspect it may have something to do excessive play or adjustment with the worm gear from the motor. I see what appears to be an adjustment screw with a locknut on the end of drive shaft.

Anyone have any idea on the "concept" of that adjustment? (ie. Adjust in to get what result, adjust out to get what result?)

Btw, it all works fine when I bench test it. It only fails when I have it installed with a load on it.

Thanks.

Other possibilities
Weak motor caused by
A) water in motor ( common problem). Rust forms and impedes armature rotation.
B) Dirty armature preventing good brush to armature contact
C) Notor overheated burning insulation on windings.

Felt lining in window channel deterioriated and all balled up in the channel.

Repeating Tension spring WARNING
When extracting window motor and regulator from door. NEVER touch regulator or anywhere near the regulator arms. ONLY grab bottom of window motor.

[rw_removed]

Worn teeth on the main gear or worm gear sound like the most likely scenario. The motor is is very good condition and is plenty strong enough. None of the teeth on any of the 4 gears involved are broken. Apparently you can't get just the gear (for the main door windows) so I plan to get the entire assembly ($59 at TbirdHQ). Thanks for the help.